Transmission oil is the difference between a gearbox that shifts clean and one that grinds. Putoline and Motul formulate grades from 30W scooter-specific oils through to 80W90 for heavy-duty applications, covering wet-clutch, V-twin, and general-purpose gearbox requirements across the full range of road bikes.
Putoline EP Heavy Gear Oil - 80W90
Putoline Scooter Gear Oil - 30W (500ml)
Putoline Genuine V-Twin Gear Oil
MOTUL GEARBOX 80W90 (Molybdenum) - 1 Litre
Putoline N-Tech Trans GP Gear Oil (1L)
Putoline Dexron 3 ATF Gear Oil (1L)
Kroon Gear Lube LS Gear Oil - 80W90
Choosing the right transmission oil for your motorcycle
Transmission oil selection is determined by three fixed facts: your manufacturer's specified viscosity grade, whether your bike runs a wet clutch sharing oil with the gearbox, and the operating temperature range of your riding. Getting these wrong causes clutch slip, premature gear wear, and false neutrals. Getting them right is a one-minute job that protects thousands of kilometres of drivetrain life.
Viscosity grades in this range
Viscosity defines how an oil flows at temperature. A 75W grade is a lighter, low-viscosity oil suited to most manual gearboxes running moderate loads. A 75W90 adds a slightly higher viscosity band at operating temperature, improving film strength under load. An 80W90 is a heavier grade covering high-load applications including V-twin primary drives. A 30W is a purpose-specific scooter grade formulated for the tight tolerances and CVT-adjacent gearboxes in small-displacement automatic and semi-automatic machines. Matching viscosity grade to the OEM specification is non-negotiable.
Putoline vs Motul: formulation comparison
| Brand | Key grades available | Additive technology | Wet-clutch safe | Scooter-specific option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Putoline | 30W, 75W, 75W90, 80W90 | EP (extreme pressure) additives on heavy grades | Yes (check grade) | Yes , 30W and 125ml pocket format |
| Motul | 80W90 | Molybdenum friction modifier | Yes | No |
Key technical facts
Motul's Gearbox 80W90 uses a molybdenum-based friction modifier that reduces internal gear-face wear under sustained load. Putoline's EP Heavy Gear Oil at 80W90 carries extreme-pressure additives rated for high gear-tooth contact pressures. Putoline N-Tech Trans GP is a synthetic-base formulation, which maintains viscosity stability across a wider temperature range than mineral-base alternatives. The Putoline Scooter Gear Oil 30W is supplied in a 500ml format precisely sized for the typical scooter gearbox fill capacity of 80ml to 150ml, with headroom for a top-up. The 125ml pocket-format scooter oil covers field-service top-ups. Change intervals for gear oil in most road bikes sit between 10,000 km and 20,000 km, though V-twin primary drives in high-load touring use benefit from inspection at 8,000 km intervals.
Buying guide
Confirm the grade carries a JASO MA or MA2 certification if your bike has a shared-sump wet clutch, to avoid clutch slip. Dry-clutch and separate-gearbox configurations can use GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oils without the JASO restriction. Always check fill capacity in your service manual before ordering volume. Most sportsbike gearboxes hold 0.7 to 1.2 litres, while cruiser primary drives can require up to 1 litre separately from the engine oil circuit.
Frequently asked questions
What viscosity transmission oil should I use in my motorcycle?
Always match the viscosity grade specified in your owner's manual. Most road bikes call for 75W or 75W90; V-twins and heavy cruisers commonly specify 80W90; scooters typically require a purpose-built 30W grade.
Is Motul Gearbox 80W90 safe for wet-clutch motorcycles?
Yes. Motul Gearbox 80W90 is formulated with a molybdenum friction modifier and is compatible with wet-clutch systems. Confirm your specific model's requirements against the product data sheet before filling.
How often should I change motorcycle transmission oil?
Most manufacturers recommend transmission oil changes every 10,000 to 20,000 km. V-twin primary drives running hard touring loads benefit from an inspection at 8,000 km intervals. Always follow your service manual interval as the definitive guide.