Can You Use Synthetic Oil on Wet Motorcycle Clutch Systems?

Most modern motorcycles have wet clutch systems, and it’s important to use engine oil that’s compatible with their respective clutch. But does that include synthetic oils?

Partzilla’s powersports expert John Talley livestreams Q&A sessions on our YouTube channel every Friday at 3pm Eastern. In this edition, John was asked if synthetic oil can be used on a wet clutch system.

Is Synthetic Oil OK to Use in Wet Clutches?

Is it true you can't use synthetic oil in bikes sometimes with wet clutches? I think even EBC (reputable brakes company) recommended mineral oil when changing to their clutch/friction discs.

John Talley: Most of the semi-synthetics won’t interfere with what the clutch should be doing, but there are a couple of different oils, especially on the Hondas, where they want you to stay away from anything with the molybdenum additive in it, I think I pronounced that correctly. It’s that gray bottle that you want to stay away from. The gold one, you’re good to go with that. But the gray bottle with that additive is the one they don’t want you to use on wet clutches.   

Watch the video below to learn the differences between wet clutch and dry clutch systems on motorcycles.

Watch the video below to learn about how different motorcycle clutches/clutch systems work.

Watch the video below to learn what motor oils to use when breaking in a new motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side engine.

Want to see more live repair questions answered? See more motorcycle and ATV repair questions answered here.