JASO – Japanese engine oil specifications for two-wheelers
JASO stands for the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization. The organization develops engine oil specifications for motorcycles, scooters and other small vehicles, especially for the Asian market. JASO classifications are particularly relevant for two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycle oils, where properties such as clutch behavior, friction coefficient and thermal stability play a central role.
What you should look out for in JASO-certified oils
Motorcycles have special requirements for lubricants – especially when the engine, transmission and clutch run in the same oil circuit. The JASO standard applies here, which ensures that the oil does not cause the clutch to slip, offers sufficient protection at high speeds and leaves no harmful residues.
BASINOL motorcycle oils meet the current JASO classes MA2 and MB, among others – tailored to high-performance road motorcycles, scooters or off-road bikes.
What JASO classes are there and what do they mean?
The most common JASO classes for four-stroke engine oils are
Is JASO only valid in Japan?
No – JASO standards have established themselves worldwide as the quality standard for motorcycle oils. Many international manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki require JASO-compliant oils in their operating instructions. European brands also specify JASO specifications for certain models, especially for sporty or high-performance machines.
What happens if I use an oil without JASO approval?
Without the correct JASO approval, clutch slippage, increased friction or faster wear can occur – especially on motorcycles with an integrated wet clutch. The friction coefficient requirements in MA2 oils are designed to ensure full power transmission even under high loads. BASINOL therefore recommends that you always pay attention to the appropriate JASO classification.
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