The Honda Grom requires 10W-30 oil. The 2022 Honda Grom owner’s manual recommends Honda 4-stroke motorcycle oil. If you don’t use Honda oil, the manual specifies that the oil meets the following standards:
- SAE standard: 10W-30
- JASO T903 standard: MA
- API classification: SG or higher
Additionally, the manual excludes oils marked as “Energy Conserving” or “Resource Conserving.”
SAE J300 Standard
The SAE standard, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International, rates the viscosity of motor oils.
This is the most visible standard on most containers, 10W-30 being one of the most common and the rating required for the Honda Grom and many other similar minibikes.
The first number, 10W, reflects the oil’s viscosity in cold temperatures, the W meaning it’s a winter grade. The second number, 30, represents the oil’s viscosity at 212°F (100°C).
JASO T903 Standard
The T903 standard was created by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) for 4-stroke motorcycle engines, which is why it’s included on Honda motorcycle models like the Grom and Navi.
MA is for wet clutch motors, while MB is not. As a result, the Honda Grom requires an MA rating.
API Classification
The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies motor oils based on quality and other features.
For gasoline engines such as the Honda Grom’s, the classifications consist of two letters. The first is an S followed by a letter reflecting the oil’s performance, higher letters being better.
For example, SA is the oldest type, and it’s obsolete, only good for engines built before 1930. SP is the best classification and was introduced in 2020. The Honda Grom requires an API classification of SG or better.
Furthermore, API classifies certain oils as “Resource Conserving” or “Energy Conserving.” These oils aren’t appropriate for the Honda Grom.
Synthetic Oil or Conventional Oil for the Honda Grom?
The Honda Grom manual does not specify whether you should use synthetic oil or conventional oil in your Honda Grom.
Nonetheless, synthetic oil is usually recommended over conventional oil because it’s better for the motor, lasts longer, and maintains its viscosity at higher temperatures.
In fact, the only real downside to synthetic oil is that it’s more expensive. Unless you’re facing extreme budget issues, go with synthetic oil.
Can You Use 10W-40 in a Honda Grom?
Honda only lists 10W-30 as the viscosity rating required for motor oil in the Grom. Still, in keeping with the high customizability of the Grom, many Grom owners have used 10W-40, which remains thicker and more viscous at high temperatures than 10W-30.
In fact, some claim that 10W-40 is better at protecting the engine at high temperatures.
While you can most likely use 10W-40 in your Grom, just keep in mind that it’s not the specified oil. It’s always possible that it could cause unforeseen problems.
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Honda Grom?
The Honda Grom manual has a specified maintenance schedule that basically recommends replacing the oil in your 2022 Grom every 4,000 miles. Older models require more frequent changing, usually around every 2,500 miles.
However, most Grom enthusiasts will tell you that’s not enough. Because the Grom doesn’t have an oil filter, many recommend changing the oil as often as you can, potentially every 500 miles.
Additionally, even if you don’t put a lot of miles on your Grom, you should still change the oil. You should change the oil at least twice a year, even if you aren’t reaching 500 miles.