Why does HONDA recommend 'Jaso MA' oil for the SW?

In the owners / instruction manual HONDA states that the Silverwing needs engine oil that meets up to JASO MA standards.




One element of the JASO-MA standard is a friction test designed to determine suitability for wet clutch usage. Since the Silverwing does NOT have a wet clutch, what is the point of using this 'MA' grade oil?

And what I really son't understand is why HONDA excludes 'energy conserving oils'.

I thought these oils offered less friction, thus better engine protection and lowered fuel consumption...

Anyone's got a clue???

Ok, I believe you may be reading from the FSC and not the FSJ manual for Euro bikes!!!

In my FSJ manual it states; and I quote!

SAE 10W - 30

JASO T 903 Standard

It goes on to say Suggested Oil - 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil or Equivalent!


Don't know if there is much in it but it is a difference.

Thanks Doug,

I use a pdf manual that I got off the internet, since my SWing came without paper manual...

Odd that the US oil specs are different from the Euro Swing?

I think they specify what they have to sell at big markups in various markets. For example: Japan 10-30 for my Helix bought there, US 10-40.

Suzuki Burgman----US MA spec, for engine not sharing oil supply with trans.

Right now I use Shell Rotella 15-40 with MA spec.....but have 500,000 mile history since 1990 using WalMart house brand oil with no negative results in my bikes/scooters and 2 Miatas.

Strange---but Castrol (US made) available in Asia and Europe in militaryPX---will have label "for use in N America only."

What do shops (if you let them work on your bike) put in your engine? Usually what they have purchased in bulk cheap.

My take=clean, slippery, changed often just about anything works---as long as for 4 stroke engines. Not many people riding SilverWings actually ride them enough to wear them out.

Will probably have to do with preventing lawsuit claims???

Honda even promise to send a hitman if you don't follow their instructions...



(I 'd rather expect that from an Italian manufacturer...)

That's a very interesting point made about not needing the wet clutch oil spec. It never occured to me as i always buy oil specified for motorcycles. Most car oils 10/40s semi-synthetic are about half the price of the oil i've been buying. Cheers for that chaps.