🛠️ Why Engine Oil is Not Just “Oil”
Engine oil is a lifeline for every motorcycle. Whether you are using daily ride through traffic or hitting top speeds on highways on weekends. the engine oil is lubing the gearbox in all conditions to make smooth, cool, and long life for your engine. So, using the right one is a big deal.
In market there are lot of brands are there with “best” on their bottle, So choosing the right oil can be a confusion.That’s why I tested each of these – not just read the labels on the bottle.
🧪 Quick Note: Types of Engine Oils
- Mineral Oil – Good for older bikes, pocket-friendly.
- Semi-Synthetic – A balance of price & performance.
- Fully Synthetic – High-performance, best protection.
Note: Synthetic oils improve engine cleanliness, thermal stability, and longer drain intervals.
Tip: Always check your motorcycle owner’s manual for an oil type recommendation before upgrading.
🧾 How I Tested (No Fancy Lab, Just Real Rides)
- Tested on multiple bikes: KTM Duke 390, Pulser NS 200, Shine 125
- Riding conditions: Bangalore traffic + highways
- Checked Engine smoothness, noise, heat, gear shifts, and mileage
🔝 Top 10 Engine Oils in India (2025 Edition)
1. Motul 7100 4T 10W-50 (Fully Synthetic)
🏆 Best for Overall Performance & Versatility
Description:
Motul 7100 is a top choice for bikers and performance enthusiasts, being a fully synthetic oil made for high-revving engines. With ester technology and JASO MA2 certification. It guarantees smoother gear changes, improved clutch responsiveness, and extended engine lifespan.
Recommended For:
🏍️ Motorcyclists using performance bikes (200cc and above), touring bikes, and city + highway mix riders.
🛣️ Ideal for KTM Duke, Yamaha R15/MT15, Dominar, Apache RR310,and RE Himalayan.
Not For:
❌ Budget-conscious users or 100–125cc motorcycles utilized only for short daily commutes.
Pros:
✅ Enhanced thermal stability
✅ Excellent for performance and track riding
✅ Excellent clutch responsiveness
Cons:
❌ Expensive for regular travellers
❌ Might be excessive for low-cc bikes
Price: ₹950–₹1,050 (1L approx.)
Buy Here2. Liqui Moly 15W-50 Street Race (Fully Synthetic)
⚙️ Best for High Performance & Heat Resistance
Description:
This German-designed oil is recognized for its durability under high-heat, high-rpm conditions. It is ideal for big bikes and summer rides.
Recommended For:
🏍️ High-performance motorcycles, touring bikes, and bikes that run hot (e.g., RE 650 Twins, Duke 390, Ninja 300).
Not For:
❌ 125–150cc bikes or short trip city riders.
Pros:
✅ Excellent heat control
✅ Outstanding wear protection
✅ Race-tested formula
Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Availability may vary
Price: ₹1,150–₹1,250 (1L approx.)
Buy Here3. Motorex Power Synth 4T 10W-50 (Fully Synthetic)
💨 Premium Choice – Track & Long Tours
Description:
Motorex engine oil is made in Switzerland and is used in MotoGP. It offers buttery-smooth shifts, ultra-high stability, and longer intervals between oil changes.
Recommended For:
🏍️ Track riders, long-distance tourers, and premium motorcycles like Triumph, BMW, and KTM Adventure.
Not For:
❌ Daily city usage or budget users.
Pros:
✅ Long oil life
✅ Superior protection under pressure
✅ Trusted by experts
Cons:
❌ Very expensive
❌ Excessive for everyday riding
Price: ₹1,500+ (1L approx.)
Buy Here4. Castrol Power1 Ultimate 10W-40 (Fully Synthetic)
⚡ Smooth Shifts + Good Mileage + Mass Brand Trust
Description:
One of the most reliable engine oil brands in India. Offers a solid balance between performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Recommended For:
🏍️ 150–250cc segment bikes used for city and weekend rides.
Not For:
❌ Dedicated track riders or heavy tourers.
Pros:
✅ Good price-to-performance ratio
✅ Seamless clutch engagement
✅ Easily available
Cons:
❌ Not ideal for extreme heat
❌ Slightly thinner than some prefer
Price: ₹800–₹900 (1L approx.)
Buy Here5. Shell Advance Ultra 10W-40 (Fully Synthetic)
💡 Balanced Performance + Wet Clutch Compatibility
Description:
Shell’s premium oil, offering PurePlus technology derived from natural gas. Provides clean engine performance and superior wet clutch compatibility.
Recommended For:
🏍️ Commuters and sports bikes between 150–300cc.
Not For:
❌ Extreme riding conditions or racing setups.
Pros:
✅ Ultra-clean engine feel
✅ Smooth and consistent gear transitions
✅ Resists sludge well
Cons:
❌ Bit pricey for regular use
❌ Limited local availability in some areas
Price: ₹450–₹500 (1L approx.)
Buy Here6. Petronas Sprinta F900 10W-40 (Fully Synthetic)
🔧 Mid-Premium – Good for Daily & Spirited Rides
Description:
Excellent balance between affordability and performance. Also, this engine oil is used in MotoGP by Petronas Yamaha.
Recommended For:
🏍️ Pulsar NS/RS, Apache 200, FZ25, and comparable mid-range bikes.
Not For:
❌ Budget 100–125cc range or low-rpm scooters.
Pros:
✅ Smooth gear feel
✅ Decent protection under pressure
✅ MotoGP connection = confidence boost
Cons:
❌ Not as refined as premium brands
❌ Slight drop in performance after 2,000km
Price: ₹750–₹850 (1L approx.)
Buy Here7. Motul 5100 4T 15W-50 (Semi-Synthetic)
💯 Value for Money – Tourers & City Riders
Description:
A semi-synthetic legend in India. Provides most of the Motul quality at a more budget-friendly price.
Recommended For:
🏍️ Royal Enfield Classic, Bullet, Dominar, Pulsar 220, and daily commuter tourers.
Not For:
❌ Extreme track use or high-performance motorcycles.
Pros:
✅ Superb for the cost
✅ Reliable and durable
✅ Smooth performance across temperature ranges
Cons:
❌ Not fully synthetic
❌ Not for high-rpm abuse
Price: ₹500–₹650 (1L approx.)
Buy Here8. Castrol Power1 10W-40 (Semi-Synthetic)
🛵 Best Budget Performance Oil for 150–200cc
Description:
A cost-effective alternative to mineral engine oils, providing smoother transitions and cleaner engine components.
Recommended For:
🏍️ FZ, Pulsar 150/180, Unicorn, Apache 160.
Not For:
❌ High-load, high-rpm machines or track usage.
Pros:
✅ Easily available
✅ Good value
✅ Satisfactory performance
Cons:
❌ Wears out quicker with hard riding
❌ Slightly thicker feel in cold starts
Price: ₹550–₹650 (1L approx.)
Buy Here9. Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 (Semi-Synthetic)
🌟 Reliable for Daily Rides – City & Short Tours
Description:
Shell’s semi-synthetic product is ideal for easy city travel and weekend chores.
Recommended For:
🏍️ 125–200cc motorcycles used mostly for daily city use.
Not For:
❌ Track use, touring, or high-end bikes.
Pros:
✅ Smooth engine sound
✅ Reduced vibrations
✅ Superior than mineral oils
Cons:
❌ Doesn’t last beyond 2,000–2,500km
❌ Not suited for heat-heavy rides
Price: ₹500–₹600 (1L approx.)
Buy Here10. Gulf Pride 4T Ultra Plus 10W-30 (Mineral Oil)
💸 Budget Pick for 100–125cc bikes – Short Commutes
Description:
Basic mineral oil that effectively serves daily travelers seeking cost-effectiveness and dependability.
Recommended For:
🛵 Splendor, Platina, Activa, Shine, and similar bikes.
Not For:
❌ Bikes above 150cc or performance riding.
Pros:
✅ Dirt cheap
✅ Decent for short intervals
✅ Easy to find in local garages
Cons:
❌ Needs frequent changes
❌ Not smooth under pressure
❌ Basic protection only
Price: ₹350–₹450 (1L approx.)
Buy Here🧾 Specifications Comparison Table
(An organized table – engine oil, category, cost, drainage schedule, etc.)
| Engine Oil | Grade | Type | Ideal CC Range | Oil Change Interval (KM) | Price (₹/L) | Best For |
| Motul 7100 4T | 10W-50 | Fully Synthetic | 200cc+ | 4,000–5,000 | ₹950–₹1,050 | Balanced performance & daily + touring |
| Liqui Moly Street Race | 15W-50 | Fully Synthetic | 250cc+ | 4,000–5,000 | ₹1,150–₹1,250 | High-heat, aggressive riding |
| Motorex Power Synth | 10W-50 | Fully Synthetic | 300cc+ | 5,000+ | ₹1,500+ | Track & premium long tours |
| Castrol Power1 Ultimate | 10W-40 | Fully Synthetic | 150cc–250cc | 3,000–4,000 | ₹800–₹900 | Everyday smooth rides |
| Shell Advance Ultra | 10W-40 | Fully Synthetic | 150cc–300cc | 3,000–4,000 | ₹450–₹500 | Smooth clutch + clean engine |
| Petronas Sprinta F900 | 10W-40 | Fully Synthetic | 150cc–250cc | 3,000–4,000 | ₹750–₹850 | Spirited daily use |
| Motul 5100 4T | 15W-50 | Semi-Synthetic | 200cc–400cc | 2,500–3,500 | ₹500–₹650 | Budget tourers |
| Castrol Power1 | 10W-40 | Semi-Synthetic | 150cc–200cc | 2,000–3,000 | ₹550–₹650 | Budget performance |
| Shell Advance AX7 | 10W-40 | Semi-Synthetic | 125cc–200cc | 2,000–2,500 | ₹500–₹600 | Daily commutes |
| Gulf Pride 4T Ultra Plus | 10W-30 | Mineral | 100cc–125cc | 1,500–2,000 | ₹400–₹500 | Basic commuting use |
💡 How to Choose Engine Oil (Quick Tips)
- Stick to your manufacturer’s specifications (10W30 / 10W40, etc)
- Prefer full-synthetic for high-revving or modern bikes
- Use semi-synthetic if you ride casually but want improved performance compared to mineral
- Search for JASO MA2 certification to ensure wet clutch compatibility.
HAPPY RIDING 🏍️