Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 are both semi-synthetic oils developed by Motul, a French company that specializes in lubricants for motorcycles and cars. They are designed for 4-stroke engines and have different properties and performance depending on the viscosity and the additives they contain. In this article, we will compare these two oils based on their compatibility, quality, performance, and durability.
Compatibility
Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 are compatible with most motorcycles that require semi-synthetic oils. However, they have different API (American Petroleum Institute) and JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) standards, which indicate the level of quality and performance of the oils.
Motul 3100 has an API SL standard, which means it meets the requirements of engines manufactured before 2004. Motul 5100 has an API SL/SH/SG/SJ/SM standard, which means it meets the requirements of engines manufactured from 1996 to 2010.
Both oils have a JASO MA standard, which means they are suitable for wet clutch systems. However, Motul 5100 also has a JASO MA2 standard, which provides better friction control and clutch performance than Motul 3100.
Quality
Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 are both made with Technosynthese technology, which is a blend of synthetic and mineral base oils enhanced by ester stocks. Ester stocks are organic compounds that improve the lubrication properties of the oils, such as viscosity, stability, resistance to oxidation, and anti-wear protection.
Motul claims that Technosynthese oils offer better performance than conventional mineral oils, but lower than fully synthetic oils.
Performance
Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 have different performance characteristics depending on the viscosity grade and the additives they contain. The viscosity grade indicates how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures.
A lower viscosity grade means the oil is thinner and flows more easily, while a higher viscosity grade means the oil is thicker and provides more protection.
The most common viscosity grades for motorcycle oils are 10W-40 and 20W-50, where the first number indicates the cold temperature performance (W stands for winter) and the second number indicates the hot temperature performance.
Motul 3100 is available in four viscosity grades: 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-50, and 20W-50. Motul 5100 is available in five viscosity grades: 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-50, 20W-40, and 20W-50.
The choice of viscosity grade depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation, the climate, and the riding style. Generally speaking, a lower viscosity grade is better for cold weather and fuel economy, while a higher viscosity grade is better for hot weather and engine protection.
The additives are substances that are added to the base oils to enhance their performance in various aspects, such as cleaning, cooling, lubricating, protecting, and extending the life of the engine.
Some of the most common additives are detergents, dispersants, anti-wear agents, antioxidants, friction modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, foam inhibitors, etc.e
Motul 3100 contains more detergents than Motul 5100, which provides better engine cleaning and prevents sludge formation. It also contains more anti-wear agents than Motul 5100, which provides better protection against engine wear and tear.
However, it also produces more ash than Motul 5100, which can affect the performance of the catalytic converter.
Motul 5100 contains more dispersants than Motul 3100, which means it keeps the engine parts cleaner and prevents deposits formation. It also contains less anti-wear agents than Motul 3100, produces less ash than Motul 3100, provides better performance of the catalytic converter.
It also contains more friction modifiers than Motul 3100, which reduces friction between the engine parts and improves fuel efficiency.
Durability
Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 have different durability depending on their total base number (TBN) and their volatility. The TBN is a measure of how well the oil can neutralize acidic by-products that are formed during combustion. A higher TBN means the oil can resist acidification longer and extend its service life.
The volatility is a measure of how easily the oil evaporates when exposed to high temperatures. A lower volatility means the oil can resist evaporation longer and reduce oil consumption.
Motul 3100 has a lower TBN than Motul 5100, hence it has a shorter service life and needs to be changed more frequently. Motul 5100 has a higher TBN than Motul 3100, resulting in a longer service life and it needs to be changed less frequently.
Motul 3100 has a lower volatility than Motul 5100, which means it has a higher flash point and resists evaporation better.
Summary
Motul 3100 and Motul 5100 are both semi-synthetic oils developed by Motul for 4-stroke engines. They have different properties and performance depending on the viscosity grade and the additives they contain.
Motul 3100 provides better engine cleaning and protection, but produces more ash and has a shorter service life. Motul 5100 provides better catalytic converter performance and fuel efficiency, but evaporates more easily and has a longer service life. The choice of oil depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation, the climate, the riding style, and the personal preference of the rider.
| Features | Motul 3100 | Motul 5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Compatibility | Motorcycles | Motorcycles |
| Color | Amber | Amber |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke | 4-stroke |
| Oil origin | Semi-synthetic | Semi-synthetic |
| Accessible Viscosities | 20W-50, 15W-50, 10W-40, 10W-30 | 20W-40, 20W-50, 15W-50, 10W-30, 10W-40 |
| API Standards | SL | SL/ SH/ SG/ SJ/ SM |
| JASO Standards | MA | MA2 |
| Quality | Technosynthese | Technosynthese |
| Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM D1298 kg/m³ (lb/gal) | 890 (7.43) | 888 (7.41) |