Synthetic lubricants help small bikes go green

Using synthetic lubricant in two-stroke motorcycles could help to improve air quality in urban areas according to the RMI’s Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA).

The type of lubricant oil used in an engine has a direct impact on emissions, and synthetic oil already provides good environmental performance for larger-engine motorcycles. However, two-stroke bike engine emissions could be reduced by 50 per cent if synthetic lubricant was used.

Mike Owen, Head of the MRA commented: ‘The use of synthetic lubricants in two-stroke engine bikes could help contribute to a better and cleaner environment.‘

Owen explains: ‘Many of the smaller bikes preferred by urban commuters have two-stroke engines. At present these can travel into the London congestion zone without incurring the charge, but the movement towards an emissions based congestion charge could mean that smaller bikes also have to pay to get into the congestion zone. This could greatly reduce the popularity of bikes as a viable commuter option.

‘If riders were encouraged to take up synthetic lubricant, it could help to keep these bikes outside of the charge.’

The MRA is supporting a Europe-wide campaign by The Motorcycle Community in Europe (MCC) to encourage the use of synthetic lubricant in two-stroke bikes.

The campaign* is also intended to safeguard the mobility of two-stroke engine users in congested city centres.

Owen added: ‘We think that the message is something that retailers will want to help communicate to their customers.’