API Ratings are not critically important

From BikeNomads

Contributed by Sandeep K Ram (c)

I want to share some new info that I have come across regarding API ratings . I used to stress a lot on API ratings despite knowing that it was meant for "gasoline" engines - mainly for cars and trucks and not necessarily motorbikes . But till date I didn't have enough info to ask members to disregard API ratings . Finally I have some proof that API ratings can be discounted hereafter .API Ratings need not be a deciding factor , indeed it can be regarded as the least important parameter -read on

According to the latest JASO documentation available here - Latest JASO Documentation

The API ratings are primarily meant for four wheelers . This has been known for a long time . But the manufacturers always mention both API and JASO ratings since these take on different amount of significance in different markets . Finally I was able to find definitive proof that API ratings need not be taken into consideration at all . At the most it can be regarded as the least important factor in deciding engine oils for your motorbike .

The above PDF file explains the same in a very lucid manner . Pls download it and go through Page 8 , section 3.4

So the only ratings we have to consider to be extremely important are JASO MA and the Viscosity index.