How to Pick Right Honda GN4 Oil Equivalent

Did you know that Motorcycles use different oils from cars? Honda GN4 oil is one oil formulated to meet your motorcycle needs, and it has unique specifications to ensure that the oils you use are up to standard.

However, the product is quite expensive. That’s why many motorcycle owners look for the Honda GN4 equivalent options.

In this article, I will review the best alternatives to Honda GN4 from Mobil 1, Valvoline, and Shell. Also, you can find out how and when to use these products.

Let’s get started!

Honda GN4 Oil Equivalent

Recall what I said earlier, equivalent options to Honda GN4 must meet either of the JASO MA or JASO MA2 specifications as laid out by Honda but are not OEM oils.

CAUTION: When your car is still under warranty, you can only use OEM products. Use of any other oil may lead to voiding.
Honda GN4 oil equivalent comparison table
Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-40

Valvoline 4 Stroke 10W-40

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40 engine oil

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40

Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40

Valvoline Stroke Motorcycle Oil meets JASO MA2 standards. It is fully synthetic oil formulated through a process in which quality base oils and advanced additives are perfectly blended. The final product is a high-performing oil that has unmatched thermal stability that ensures proper engine lubrication. Also, the oil has optimum friction characteristics for smooth shifting and maximum power transfer while protecting the clutch. Other additives include cleaning agents and dispersants, which keep the engine clean during time.

Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-40

Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-40

Pros

  • Thermal stability prevents film breakdown during high temperatures, thus ensuring that the engine is well protected from oxidation
  • The cleaning agents and dispersants keep the engine clean by preventing the formation of deposits
  • Some additives prevent combustion and foaming, keeping the engine safe from corrosion

Cons

  • Buyers feel that the oil amount is too little compared to the price

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil

If you love motorbike racing, whether on-road or off-road, and you have a 4-stroke motorcycle, then this is the perfect oil for you. Because racing stretches the engine’s capabilities, it is crucial that the oil matches the different aspects brought about due to the extreme nature of the sport. Mobil 1 specially engineered this 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil to ensure proper lubrication even in extreme conditions.

Although this oil is conventional, it has additives that increase horsepower while at the same time minimizing friction on various engine parts. However, it has fewer detergents compared to other conventional oils. The oil has improved thermal stability to endure the high capacity long rides and the high output short races.

The 10W40 viscosity rating indicates that the oil can operate well within a wide range of temperatures. It continuously flows when it is cold and does not break down under heat.

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil

Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil

Pros

  • It is more versatile thus can be used across various types of engines
  • Thermal stability enables it to keep the engine well lubricated through different weather conditions
  • You can see the amount you have used and what’s left in the bottle

Cons

  • It is a bit pricey
  • The manufacturers are sometimes unable to meet the demand and the oil runs out of stock

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40

There are three main problem areas in heavy-duty engines: fast wear, corrosion, and harmful deposit. These three result from the constant movement and friction of the engine parts with minimal or no downtime. Shell Rotella T4 15W-40, which meets and even exceeds all the motor oil requirements, is specially formulated for heavy-duty engines.

It is conventional oil enhanced with several additives for optimum performance. It protects against deposits, corrosion, and wear. High thermal stability is also a feature that keeps the oil film from breaking down under immense heat and stays fluid when the temperatures are extremely low.

Because this oil is for for diesel engines, the oil prevents ash formulation, thereby protecting the exhaust catalysts and filters from damage.

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40 engine oil

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40 engine oil

Pros

  • You can use the oil for both old and new heavy-duty engines for optimal performance
  • High thermal stability ensures that the oil does not break down and form deposits
  • There are detergents that keep the engine clean
  • The engine enjoys prolonged life thanks to the additive that prevents corrosion, oxidation, and wear
  • There are overall reduced maintenance costs because the exhaust system and filters are protected from ash formulation

Cons

  • The packaging is not leak-proof

Read more: Honda Recon Oil Capacity, Oil Type & Filter

Honda GN4 Oil Specifications

To know which oil is equivalent to Honda Pro GN4, you should first understand the specifications of this OEM Genuine Fluid. 

Honda Pro GN4 10W40 Motorcycle oil

Genuine Honda Pro GN4 10W40 Motorcycle oil

If you want your motorcycle to operate with minimal breakdowns and wear continuously, then you have to be timely in changing the engine oil.

You can quickly identify motorcycle oil through the unique specification Japan Automotive Standard Organization, commonly referred to as JASO T903:2006. This standard is for oils that serve a 4-stroke motorcycle engine.

Because of the different engine models, JASO T903 is then classified by the engine and clutch’s mode of operation.

  • JASO MA – Used for motorcycles with clutches immersed in oil baths.
  • JASO MB – Best motorcycles with an automatic transmission. (not mentioned in this article since alternatives to Honda Pro GN4 10W40 Motorcycle oil should meet JASO MA, JASO MA2 only).

Further, there are three more tests to ascertain the oil’s performance for wet clutch applications. These are:

  • Dynamic Friction – tests how the clutch transfers power during engagement
  • Static Friction – how the oil handles torque and resistance in breakaway conditions.
  • Stop time – how fast the clutch engages.

Their index ratings are as shown in the table below.

JASO MAJASO MA2
Dynamic Friction Characteristic Index (DFI)≥1.45 and <2.5≥1.80 and <2.5
Static Friction Characteristic Index (SFI)≥1.15 and <2.5≥1.70 and <2.5
Stop Time Index (STI)≥1.55 and <2.5≥1.90 and <2.5

Read more: Best Oil For Honda Lawn Mower

Final Words

Regardless of what type of motorcycle oil you’re looking for, you will find a Honda GN4 oil equivalent that will match your needs. Whether you have a heavy-duty, racing bike or just an everyday use motorcycle, the above oils will come in handy.

If you don’t know how to choose the best alternative, go for Mobil 1 4T. This product received a lot of positive from motorcycle riders. Further more, Mobil 1 also formulated this 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil to ensure proper lubrication in daily use and even in extreme conditions.

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