Hey there, fellow bikers! Today, we’re diving into a topic that fuels countless questions and debates, oil ratios. Yep, that magical mix of gas and oil that keeps your engine purring like a kitten and roaring like a lion. So, grab your wrench, and let’s get into it!

Gas-Oil Mix - The Lifeblood of Your Engine

Think of your gas-oil mix as the blood running through your bike’s veins. The better the mix, the smoother the ride. Unlike your car, if you mess up the mix in your motorized bike, you may feel it badly. Poor mixes lead to poor burns, lower lubrication, and crummy performance. It’s as simple as that! Always mix your gas and oil in a separate gas can. It’s way easier to shake and mix it up properly in a can than lifting your bike and trying to shake it. Save your energy for the ride, not the prep!

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Here’s the kicker, different engines from different places may need different mixes! The most common ratios are 20:1 and 32:1. This means 20 parts gas to 1 part oil, or 6oz per 1 Gallon of gas. Each ratio has its own specific time and purpose, getting it wrong can spell disaster for your ride. Be sure to check your manual for the proper ratios for break-in and after!

Decoding The Ratios

Ratios can be a bit counterintuitive. The lower the number, the more oil you’re adding. So, 20:1 (which is 6 ounces of oil per gallon of gas) has more oil than 32:1 (which is 4 ounces of oil per gallon). It’s all about finding that sweet spot your engine craves. Using a measuring cup or even an empty oil bottle will take the guess work out of your pour!

Basic Oil Ratio Chart

Here's a handy chart to keep things simple.

Keep this chart in your toolbox or bookmark this page for quick reference!

Quality Over Quantity

The type of oil you use matters a lot. High-quality oils like Opti2 or Stihl Ultra Grey can make your bike run like a dream. While nice low smoke dirt bike or chainsaw oils are also great options! One type to steer clear of is water-cooled or marine 2 stroke oils. These will gum up your engine since our bike engines are air-cooled. You can use any octane gas in your bike, but here’s a tip higher octane fuels are generally cleaner and contain less ethanol. A cleaner mix means better performance and less gunk in your engine. It’s a win-win!

Break-In and Beyond - The Key to Longevity

Maintaining the proper oil ratio is especially crucial during the break-in process. This sets the stage for long-term success and keeps your engine running smoothly for miles to come. Keeping the best oil-gas ratio should be at the forefront of your mind. It’s just as important as checking your bolts if not more! Trust us, nailing this down will save you a ton of headaches in the long run.

So, there you have it! Follow these tips, and your bike will thank you with miles of smooth, reliable rides. Keep those engines happy and ride on!