Best Engine Oil Used In Bikes (2024 Updated)

Imagine you are on a bike trip to Ladakh, the mountains beckoning and wind in your air; basically, everything is in rhythm.  However, down the road, your bike isn't performing smoothly, and your engine is overheating.

From the outside, the parts and tools are in place, but from within, the bike doesn’t have appropriate nutrition, i.e. right engine oil.

Your bike’s engine is the heartbeat of your entire journey, gliding your bike effortlessly through every twist and turn. However, a cheap-low quality engine oil can wreck your whole trip. It’s like sailing through a marathon on Chips and Soda. Sure, you would reach the end, but have you thought about the damage? The same goes for bikes. Therefore, it is essential to feed your bike’s engine with good oil to ace the race of performance & longevity.

But do you really know the factors to be considered before making the selection?  

If the answer to the above lies somewhere in between” No, Maybe”, then this is the perfect read for you. In this piece, we will delve into the best engine oils and discuss the things to be kept in mind before picking the ideal meal for your two wheels.

Let’s get straight into the article-
 

Best Engine Oil In Bikes 2024

Here are some of the top engine oils worth considering for your bike -

• Motul 7100 4T 20W-50
  Motul 7100 4T 20W-50 is a fully synthetic engine oil adapted to perform in any condition. It is reputed to deliver strong performance, promising top engine protection with low wear and smooth gear shifting. Whether it's city cruising or long-distance tours, Motul 7100 4T 20W-50 is the preferred oil for many bikers. This oil is one of the best options for your motorcycle, taking into consideration factors like your riding style and personal preferences.
   
• Shell Advance 4T AX7 10W-40
  Shell Advance 4T AX7 10W-40 is a semi-synthetic engine oil that bestows exceptional oxidation stability on your engine, keeping it cleaner, which surely extends the time between oil changes. It's designed to perform well even under high-stress riding conditions and is compatible with a wide variety of motorcycles, making it a reliable choice for many riders.
   
• Motul 3100 4T Gold 20W-50
  Motul 3100 4T Gold 20W-50 is a mineral-based engine oil that combines consistent performance with affordability. With it, the engine gains good protection, ensuring smooth gearshifts, which is the best for daily commuting and routine bike maintenance. If you are looking for dependable and pocket-friendly engine oil, then Motul 3100 4T Gold 20W-50 will be the best choice for your bike.
   
• Shell Rotella T6 5W-40
  Shell Rotella T6 5W-40, a fully synthetic engine oil, is formulated for heavy-duty use. This is the ultimate oil to give long-lasting protection against wear, deposits, and emissions inside your engine. This oil was made for high-performance motorcycles; it ensures peak performance, even under severe applications. It is best recommended for demanding riders.
   
• Polaris 2877883 0W-40
  Polaris 2877883 0W-40 is high-performance, full-synthetic motor oil specifically made for motorcycles. It offers the best protection and the best performance for the engine of your bike; it ensures that your motorcycle engine is at its best, always. The Polaris 2877883 is a flagship held in high regard globally by riders for its quality and assurance.
   
• Castrol 06130 Actevo 4T 20W-50
  The Castrol 06130 Actevo 4T 20W-50 treats your bike like a day at the spa. Being a premium part-synthetic engine oil, it assures maximum protection to the engine by keeping it clean. The unique formula resists thermal breakdown, ensuring the engine of your bike runs smoothly and efficiently. Selecting Castrol 06130 Actevo 4T 20W-50 means giving your bike the care it deserves for reliable performance and lasting joy on the road.
   
• Liqui Moly 15W50 4T Street Race
  Liqui Moly 15W50 4T Street Race is the best engine oil for high-performance motorcycles. It's fully synthetic and designed to protect your engine no matter how aggressive your ride may be. Motorcycle enthusiasts all over the world believe in Liqui Moly because, to put it simply, it's one of the best choices to keep your bike running smoothly.
   
• GULF Pride 4T Ultra Plus 20W-40
  Gulf Pride 4T Ultra Plus 20W-40 is a semi-synthetic engine oil that is loved for its outstanding thermal stability and top-notch protection for the engine. It's like a guarantee for a smooth, comfortable ride that bikers adore. That's why it's become such a hit among riders everywhere.
   
• HP Lubricants Racer4 Synth 10W-30
  HP Lubricants Racer4 Synth 10W-30 is a superior quality synthetic engine oil specifically designed for high-performance motorcycles. It is no less than a secret weapon for your bike, ensuring tremendous engine protection while even improving fuel efficiency. This oil is thus the perfect match for a rider expecting nothing less than peak performance from his or her machine.
   
• Motul 3000 4T Plus 20W-40
  The Motul 3000 4T Plus 20W-40 is a trusted sidekick that your bike's engine deserves. It is a mineral-based engine oil that gives good protection and keeps things smooth under the hood. With most customers hailing this as the best engine oil for bikes, it is no surprise that it gives smooth clutch operation and extends the lifespan of your engine. It is an inexpensive regular maintenance solution that you can simply have on hand and not spend a lot of money on.
   

Why Selecting The Right Engine Oil Is Essential For Your Bike?

Right engine oil keeps your bike's engine running at its best for peak performance and lifetime. Here are other key reasons -

• Smoother Operation And Longer Life: Engine oil is a lubricant that coats different parts of the engine; it reduces the amount of friction experienced between the different engine parts and thus results in boosting the performance of the engine.
   
• Temperature Control: The right engine oil regulates the temperature within the engine. This helps to clear away excess heat, and this is quite important in preventing the effects of overheating. If the engine remains at ideal operating temperatures, the unit will be running right, translating into improved performance and durability over time.
   
• Maintenance Of Cleanliness: The good engine oils work on not allowing sludge buildup in the engine, which means it remains clean and works effectively. In this way, it not only reduces the need for frequent maintenance, but also keeps the bike running efficiently over time.
   
• Seal And Gasket Preservation: Engine oil adds a protective layer to the seals and gaskets, thus preventing leakage while ensuring proper compression. Since engine oil safeguards these important components, power delivery is consistent, and the bike's engine delivers optimal performance.
   
• Corrosion And Rust Protection: The anti-corrosion additives present in engine oil form a shield between the components and rust, which is highly important in humid conditions. This helps to save your bike's engine's life, preserving its integrity for top performance over time.
   
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Choosing the right engine oil does more than just reduce friction - it's like giving your bike a performance boost. When you use the right oil, it helps your bike run smoother, using less fuel to go the same distance. Not only does this save you money at the pump, but it helps shrink your environmental impact by cutting down on emissions.
   

Key Factors To Watch Out For While Selecting Engine Oil For Your Bike

When you're picking out engine oil for your bike, there's a lot to consider to make sure your engine stays in top shape and keeps going strong for longer.

• Viscosity And Oil Grades
  Talking about engine oil, viscosity is like its personality - it's all about how thick or thin it is and how well it flows. Those numbers you see on oil bottles, like 10W-40 or 20W-50, tell you about its viscosity at different temperatures. Lower numbers mean it flows better when it's cold, while higher numbers mean it holds up better when things heat up. Picking the right grade is crucial, depending on how and where you ride. Always check your bike's manual for what's recommended.
   
• Motorcycle Specifications
  It's important to stick to what the manufacturer suggests when it comes to engine oil for your bike. Think of it like getting the right fuel for your body – different bikes have their own needs based on how they're built and how they perform. By using the recommended oil, you're essentially giving your bike exactly what it needs to stay healthy and perform at its best. It's like speaking its language, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently, mile after mile.
   
• Synthetic Vs Conventional Oil
  Synthetic oils provide superior lubrication, enhanced heat resistance, and heightened protection, making them the top choice for high-performance motorcycles. While conventional oils may suffice for older or less demanding bikes, synthetic oils typically outshine them in terms of durability and safeguarding capabilities.
   
• Oil Additives
  Engine oils come with extra ingredients like detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents. These additives do important jobs like keeping the engine clean, stopping sludge from building up, and guarding against wear and tear.  It is really important not to mess with the formula by adding aftermarket stuff because it could mess up how the oil works and even damage the engine.
   

Common Myths And Misconceptions About Engine Oils

In India, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about engine oils that persist. Here are a few of the most common ones -

• Thicker Oil Works Better
  Some people think that thicker oil, like 20W-50, is better for the engine because it offers more protection. But actually, sticking to the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer is really important. It ensures that your engine gets the right lubrication it needs for optimal performance and longevity.
   
• No Need To Change The Engine Oil
  Some people think that with long-life oils, they never have to bother with oil changes. But the reality is that sticking to regular oil changes is key to keeping your bike engine healthy and performing at its peak.
   
• Any Oil Works
  It's important to remember that not all engine oils are one-size-fits-all. Each bike has its own specific needs when it comes to oil. Using the wrong type can actually harm your engine or cause it to perform poorly.
   
• Colour Shows Oil Quality
  The colour of engine oil isn't a reliable indicator of its quality or condition. Even if oil looks dark, it can still be perfectly fine and effective, especially with modern oils.
   
• Synthetic Oil Causes Leakage
  Some people think that switching to synthetic oil might cause leaks in older engines. However, it's important to know that synthetic oils, despite their different properties, don't automatically lead to leaks.
   
• Oil Additives Are Must
  There's a common belief that using aftermarket oil additives can enhance engine performance. However, it's worth noting that modern engine oils already come packed with additives specifically formulated to safeguard and cleanse the engine.
   
• Changing Oil Is Enough, No Necessity To Change The Filter
  Changing the oil filter is just as crucial as changing the oil itself. The filter keeps the contaminants out of the oil, which is essential for maintaining its cleanliness and effectiveness.
   

FAQs

Wrapping Up!

Next time you’re planning a road trip- make sure that your engine has the right oil in the system. It is crucial for your motorbike’s performance and longevity. With a range of options available, from high-end synthetic choices like Motul 7100 4T 20W-50 to more budget-friendly mineral-based options like Motul 3100 4T Gold 20W-50, it's essential to consider factors like your riding style and your bike's specifications. Despite common misconceptions, it's best to trust reliable sources such as your bike's manual or a knowledgeable mechanic when making your selection. By just sticking to a routine oil change schedule and ensuring proper filter maintenance, you can keep your bike's engine running smoothly with improved fuel efficiency for miles to come. Talking about maintenance, let’s not forget the importance of safeguarding your proud possession with bike insurance. With this protection, you can ride with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered no matter what.

Disclaimer: This page's content is generic and provided purely for educational and clarifying reasons. It is based on a number of online secondary sources and is subject to change. Kindly seek advice from an expert prior to making any choices.