Understanding your bike is the basic knowledge that every biker must have. It comes in handy on long road trips in case your bike breaks down or for whenever you are having any sort of trouble with it. Even better, it gives you an increased feeling of ownership. You don’t feel reliant on a mechanic to ensure you have a smooth ride. One of the most basic things every biker must understand is the engine oil. Engine oil is essential to a bike’s performance and functionality. Below is a beginner’s guide to various types of engine oils.
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Mineral Oil
These oils were the first ones developed before engine oil-making technology came about. Mineral oil is made out of petroleum products and by-products. They are actually the best type to be used in smaller capacity engines which do not put a lot of pressure on the engine and subsequently the engine oil. Mineral oils are also recommended when you buy a new bike and it is being run-in, this is because it helps protect the engine particularly well. Though, the simple technology in these oils means they require frequent changing, which can be frustrating sometimes.
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Semi-Synthetic Oils
Semi-synthetic oils combine the best of both worlds as they retain the engine protection properties of mineral oil, and bring in the technology of synthetic oil. Premium semi-synthetic oils such as Castrol POWER1 work extremely well to protect the engine, boost throttle response and engine smoothness as well. Personally, I use a Castrol POWER1engine oil, and it has served me extremely well. I would recommend this to all the bikers out there.
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Fully Synthetic Oils
Fully synthetic oils are based on factory made oils. As a result they have no natural properties at all. These oils are known to last longer and have higher temperature tolerance. They are the best type for highly stressed engines such as those used in racing and competition bikes. However, they are extremely expensive and can go for 3 times the price of mineral oil.
During the #powerTrip360, which was our 20,000 kms ride around Australia on a 280 HP Ninja H2 and the 200 HP Ducati Panigale 1299, we were using the Castrol POWER1 RACING in our Ninja H2 to keep it cool and to get the maximum performance out of it. You can read more about it here
It’s difficult to say which engine oil is the best, but in our opinion, Castrol’s POWER1 is one of the best choices out there when it comes to performance and value for money.
Also if you want to discuss anything about engine oils on xBhp forums, please visit here
