Which Oil is Best for Bikes in India: A Detailed Guide

Like all automobiles, bikes require proper service and maintenance. Taking care of your two-wheeler’s health can definitely improve its life and performance. But did you know that choosing the wrong engine oil may impact your bike’s engine and driving experience? Choosing the right oil will keep your bike in good shape for a long time. So, in this blog, let’s solve the dilemma of which oil is best for bikes.

The market has so many brands and types of oil, so you are likely to be confused about which one to buy for your bike. In this post, you will learn all that you need to know about choosing the right oil for your bike, including the different types of oil and their benefits.

Why is it Important to Use Engine Oil for Your Bike?

Engine oil is one of the necessities that are needed in a bike to facilitate the proper workings of the bike engine. It is used in minimizing wear and tear as well as fighting against friction and thus assisting in cooling the engine through heat transfer.

Engine oil also lubricates the engine and traps dirt and other contaminants that may harm the engine. Certain engine oils include specific additives or elements like antioxidants, viscosity index improvers, zinc, etc. Additives can enhance or suppress certain properties and improve the engine’s health.

Hence, choosing which oil is best for bikes influences the bike’s performance and protects its engine components.

Types of Engine Oil

Mineral Oil: 

• Description: Mineral oil, also known as conventional oil, is the simplest and least processed type of engine oil, which is made from refined crude oil. It is frequently incorporated in older bike models and entry-level models. 

• Advantages: This is cheaper and the best bike engine oil for normal riding with no excessive stress on the motorcycle. It can also integrate additives easily.

• Disadvantages: It breaks down faster and needs to be changed more often than synthetic oils because of the natural composition of the oil. 

Semi-Synthetic Oil: 

• Description: Semi-synthetic oils or  synthetic blends are a mixture of fully synthetic oils and mineral oils. This makes it perform better and provide more protection than when using mineral oil only. 
• Advantages: It helps enhance lubrication and also enhances the protection of the engine against wear and tear. Since it is blended with mineral oil, it can carry additives well.
• Disadvantages: The current price is higher than that of mineral oil but lower than fully synthetic oil.

Fully synthetic oil: 

• Description: Synthetic oil originates from mineral oil and undergoes chemical processes that make it provide better quality and protection. This type of oil has been highly refined.
• Advantages: It provides the best lubricating system, enhanced performance of the engine, and enhanced protection against severe conditions of temperature and stress.
• Disadvantages: It is the most costly type but can be quite efficient for high-end bikes or those that are used frequently. However, synthetic oil may not be able to carry additives as well as synthetic blends or mineral oil.

Also read: Cruise the Countryside With This Exceptional BMW Bike

Which Oil is Best for Bikes?

The answer to this question will be based on various factors like the make of the bike, model and the conditions in which you ride your bike. Here are some recommendations based on common scenarios:

Which Oil is Best for Bikes of Daily Commuters:

In case you are going to ride your bike to work or for other short rides, a high-quality semi-synthetic oil will do the trick. It is cost-effective and gives sufficient protection and lubrication when used for daily driving.

Recommended Oils: Castrol Activ, Mobil Super and Shell Advance.

Also read: The Most Stylish Hero Commuter Bike

Which Oil is Best for Bikes of High-Performance Bikes?

For bikes that are high performance or that are often used in high speed and rough conditions, fully synthetic oil is ideal. It provides the highest degree of protection and performance and improves the durability of the engine.

Recommended Oils: Motul 7100, Castrol Power1 Racing, Mobil 1 Racing, etc.

For Older Bikes:

Mineral or semi-synthetic oil will suit older bikes or non-high-performance bikes very well. These oils do the job of lubricating the engine but at the same time they do not come with the added expense of synthetic oils.

Recommended Oils: Gulf Pride, HP Lubricants and Servo.

The Things You Need to Consider While Selecting the Right Oil

Now let’s try to understand how to choose  which oil is best for bikes. For example, let’s try to choose an engine oil for the Hero Glamour Xtec. The factors you need to consider while choosing which engine oil is best for bikes like Bajaj Pulsar are: 

If the bike is to be ridden mostly around the city, then a semi synthetic oil such as Castrol Activ or Mobil Super would be ideal for the Glamour. This oil has the adequate protection and wear resistance that is required by the engine but at a lower price compared to fully synthetic oil.

If you are an ardent rider who rides their Hero Glamour Xtec at high speeds or under severe conditions, then fully synthetic oil such as Motul 7100 or Castrol Power1 Racing is advised. It provides the best working condition of the engine and enhanced protection of the same.

Also read: Is the Hero Xtreme 125R Perfect For You?

Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Oil

Check the Owner’s Manual:

It is always important to consult the owner’s manual of your bike to determine the kind of oil to use as well as its viscosity. This assures that you are using the right oil for your bike’s engine, hence improving its performance.

Pay Attention to Viscosity:

Thicker oil isn’t always better. Instead of using any oil, stick to the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. The wrong oil may actually harm your engine and hinder its performance.

Consider the Climate:

In India, where there is a variation in temperature, a synthetic oil may be more effective than mineral oil in terms of performance and protection. While choosing which oil is best for bikes, always consider if the oil has heating or cooling properties.

Evaluate Your Riding Style:

For people who ride in extreme conditions or when riding for competition, it will be beneficial if they use synthetic oil due to the enhanced protection and performance.

Regular Oil Changes:

Oil change is one of the most important parts of maintaining an engine and no matter what type of oil is used, the recommended change interval should be adhered to.

Also read: The KTM Duke Will Make Your Heart Race

Conclusion:

Therefore, choosing which oil is best for bikes in India depends on the particular model of your bike, the conditions in which you ride and the money you are willing to spend. Regardless of whether you choose mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil, each has its own set of benefits in line with certain requirements.

Thus, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of oil will help you maintain your bike in the right manner and have a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Frequently Asked Questions: