Most riders do not understand how much of a difference the type of oil used by a bike has on how quickly it starts up, how well it runs, and how many years it can be used. When selecting the best engine oil for your bike, the name of the brand is just one small part of the decision-making process.
There are several factors to consider before making a final decision, including the proper grade and type of oil for your particular model of motorcycle, your riding style, and the conditions of the roads in India where you live. Quality motorcycle lubricants are one of the simplest ways to ensure proper long-term servicing of your motorcycle’s engine, and that is the focus of the NITCO Lubricants brand, which is one of the leading lubricant manufacturing companies in India.
What makes the best engine oil for a bike
The ideal bike engine oil relies on many factors that can typically be found on the bottle itself.
1. Viscosity Grade
You’ll typically find numbers such as 10W-30, 15W-50, etc.
The ‘W’ denotes the viscosity at an ambient temperature (cold), while the second number indicates how much viscosity the oil has at an ‘operating’ temperature (hot).
2. API and JASO Ratings
You should look for API codes like SL, SM, and SN, as well as JASO codes such as MA and MA2. The presence of these codes indicates that the oil meets specific performance criteria, making it compatible with most modern wet clutch motorcycle engines.
3. The Bike and How You Use It
High-performance commuter bikes that operate in heavy traffic may be better off with thicker oils, generally with a viscosity of 15W-50 or 20W-40. Conversely, newer-model motorcycles designed primarily for fuel economy may require oils rated 10W-30 or 10W-40 to perform optimally.
Research indicates that the proper viscosity and regular oil changes reduce engine wear, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce engine temperature. In layman’s terms, having oil with the proper viscosity allows the engine’s metal parts to ‘glide’ when being used rather than ‘grind’.
Bike Oil Guide For Indian Riders
The purpose of this guide is to provide information in a way that makes you comfortable when making your oil purchase, either in person or on the internet.
1. Use the Owner’s Manual To Start
Your owner’s manual will typically specify what the recommended viscosity and performance standards are for your specific motorcycle (and its engine). This is going to be your starting point for this bike oil guide.
2. Choose Your Oil Based On Where You Ride & How You Ride Clothing
A major city with heavy traffic (or a lot of stops) where idling occurs for long periods continues to produce heat and stress on the oil used in motorcycles. The oil you use in this environment should be slightly thicker than normal (i.e., a high-temp grade), as this will help the oil to withstand extreme temperature variances.
3. Choose Your Oil Based On How You Ride
The oil you choose to use should be based on how you intend to use your bike. If you typically ride in heavy traffic and do short city runs (light throttle), you should ensure you are doing regular oil changes and that the cold-flow characteristics of the oil you use are good.
Conversely, if you ride long distances and use your bike for touring (with luggage), then you want to consider a heavier grade of oil that will provide better high-temperature stability and longer drain intervals (i.e., the time interval between changing oils).
4. Select a Reputable Brand
Trusting the company that created the lubricant is critical in completing your guide to motorcycle engine oil. NITCO Lubricants has over 25 years of experience in the production of lubricants. We have modern production facilities, rigorous quality assurance procedures from the beginning of raw material production through the finished product pack, and we have distributors located throughout India as well as in several countries around the world.
Utilizing your motorcycle engine oil guide each time you service your bike will eventually lead to smoother operation and reduced maintenance expenses for you.
Bike Oil Comparison: Synthetic Vs Mineral Oil
The term ‘synthetic vs mineral bike oil‘ can confuse riders. Here’s a brief comparison:
Mineral Oil:
- Derived from refined crude oil
- Suitable for older motorcycles and everyday commuting
- Generally cheaper compared to other types of oils
Semi-Synthetic Oil:
- A combination of conventional (mineral) and synthetic base stocks
- Better heat resistance and breakdown prevention compared to conventional oils
- A good option for most bikers
Full Synthetic Oil:
- Comprised of engineered base oils with a more uniform molecular structure
- Best for high heat, long-distance rides, and cold start-ups
- Typically produces cleaner engines and offers superior film strength compared to semi-synthetic oils
Based on laboratory tests on bicycle lubrication oils, testers consistently find that synthetic bicycle lubrication oils will typically outperform mineral-based lubrication oils in oxidation resistance, lubrication deposits, and wear performance. For motorcyclists, this translates to cleaner internal engine components and consistent performance through the extended drain cycle.
When determining whether or not you should utilize synthetic or mineral motorcycle oil it consider your usage:
- Will your riding include travelling longer distances, at higher speeds?
- Will you be consistently subjected to extreme temperature conditions, or do much riding on steep hills?
- Does an even longer oil change than what is recommended by your manufacturer sound like something you would like?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil is likely a positive addition to your preventive maintenance program for your engine. If you primarily ride around town or on short rides, you can continue to use a good-quality mineral-based motorcycle oil from a reputable manufacturer, as long as you adhere to the recommended service intervals.
When selecting between synthetic and mineral bike oils, there is one important rule to follow, and it is to always follow the recommendation of your bike manufacturer. Once you have adhered to this recommendation and if you want a more stable product and cleaner engine, then you may choose to go from Mineral to Semi-Synthetic or from Semi-Synthetic to Full Synthetic.
When comparing the performance of synthetic products versus mineral products, many riders report that, when comparing over a period of time, there is far less sludge buildup and more consistent performance of synthetic products, particularly during extreme environmental conditions.
Daily motorcycle engine care with the right oil
The following practices are a simple way to develop good habits for the maintenance of a motorcycle engine. The oil type is only one part of motorcycle care. The oil maintenance schedule is also key to creating good habits.
- Be aware of the proper interval for oil draining and replacement.
- Oil that is old and gritty collects metal particles and builds up (sludge).
- Changing oil on schedule provides maximum engine protection and responsiveness when riding.
- Warm up the engine properly.
- When the engine is cold, idle it for several minutes before using the throttle.
- Do not use sudden high RPMs until the engine is warmed up and feels free.
- Check your motorcycle’s oil level regularly.
- Before taking a long ride, or once per week, use a dipstick to check if the oil needs to be topped up, or simply look through the level glass container.
- Try to always top off with the same grade and type of oil.
- Pay attention to any unusual changes while riding.
If there is a hard, abrupt, or bulky gear shift, an increase in mechanical noise, or a clutch slip or poor mileage, these could be indications of old or inappropriate motor oil or low-level oil. Make sure to take corrective action immediately to ensure that there is no long-term damage to your engine.
Creating good habits in maintaining your motorcycle engine will make riding feel more predictable and relaxed over time.
The Reputation of NITCO Lubricant makes it the right option for your bike
NITCO Lubricants, under Nitco Petro Lubes Corporation, has grown as one of the recognised lubricant brands in India. The company works from branches in Bahadurgarh, Delhi, and Guwahati, with a strong distributor base spread across the country
NITCO provides:
Consistent Quality
- Oil, grease, and coolants are produced in new facilities with rigorous testing at all levels
- They continuously search for high-quality raw materials from the best suppliers
A wide product range
- All types of engine oils for motorcycles and heavy-duty vehicles
- Grease, coolants, and other items cover many types of vehicles
Over two decades of Experience
- They have gained considerable trust from many distributors and repair shops throughout India.
Against this backdrop, NITCO’s goal is to provide motorcycle owners with the best possible engine lubricant for the environment created by Indian fuel, climatic, and traffic conditions.
The NITCO philosophy is best expressed in the words of William A. Foster, who said, “Quality is not something that happens by chance, but is instead a consequence of high ambition, true effort, intelligent guidance, and thorough skill.”
In NITCO’s view, every batch of oil produced will ultimately be used to protect “real” engines in the unique conditions of an Indian roadway.
NITCO Lubricants is an established Indian manufacturer that offers quality motorcycle engine oils to ensure that your bike maintains its reliability. Riders, mechanics, and distributors will have a large variety of oils, greases, and coolants designed to meet the demands of real-world Indian riding conditions while also providing long-lasting protection for your motorcycle engine.
FAQs
Q1. How frequently should you change the engine oil of your bike in Indian conditions?
Most commuter motorcycles will require an oil change somewhere between 3000 kilometres to 6000 kilometres based on the specific model and type of oil used. If you commute in heavy urban traffic, ride in hot weather, or take multiple short trips during the day, you may have to perform oil changes more frequently than indicated in the service manual; use the following guidelines based on your own riding habits and recommendations from your dealership as a guide.
Q2. Is it possible to change from mineral to synthetic oil?
In most cases, the answer is yes, as long as you are using the same quality of synthetic oil that was recommended in your owner’s manual. When changing from mineral oil to synthetic oil, do not mix the two in the same crankcase, instead, change your oil completely by following the procedure for a typical oil change for your motorcycle.
Q3. Is synthetic oil always the best type of engine oil for motorcycle use?
The best type of engine oil for a motorcycle depends on many factors, including your budget, the design of your motorcycle, and your riding style. Synthetic oils provide maximum protection and allow for longer drain intervals, but there are many high-quality mineral and semi-synthetic oils available from reputable manufacturers that will work just as well for everyday riders when changed at the recommended interval.
Q4. Does thicker oil provide better engine protection?
Not necessarily. If the oil is too thick, it may decrease fuel efficiency and make the engine seem heavy. Conversely, if the oil is too thin for the engine design, it may increase consumption and wear. The best way to determine which oil is best for your motorcycle is to consult the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.