Seasonal Guide to Choosing the Best Engine Oils for Bikes in Monsoon Season

From the crisp mornings of winter to the scorching heat of summer, and finally the wet and unpredictable monsoon season, India’s vibrant climate throws a variety of conditions at your motorcycle. While manufacturers build engines designed to withstand these challenges, informed maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and protection. On Indian roads, your bike’s engine oil takes on a unique role in each season. Let’s explore how to choose the right oil to keep your motorcycle running healthy year-round, with a particular focus on conquering the monsoon:

Understanding viscosity for peak performance

The key to choosing the best engine oil for your bike in the monsoon season lies in understanding viscosity and its impact on engine performance in different weather conditions. Viscosity refers to an oil’s thickness and its ability to flow at various temperatures. Imagine honey versus water – honey flows slowly (high viscosity), while water flows freely (low viscosity). The Indian monsoon season features a conventionally wider range of weather conditions than in other countries. On days when it isn’t raining, humidity and heat tends to increase. On days when it does rain, temperatures drop. Your viscosity grade needs to be of a high range and capable of handling different conditions.

• Thin enough for easy circulation during cold starts: This is especially important in low temperatures. A lower W rating (e.g., 5W-40 engine oil) indicates better flow at low temperatures, allowing for easier engine starts and quicker oil circulation, minimising cold-start wear.
• Thick enough to provide adequate lubrication at operating temperatures: This is crucial throughout the year, but especially in the monsoon season. A lower viscosity grade (e.g., 10w40 or 15w50 engine oil) ensures the oil flows easily at high temperatures, reducing friction and wear.

What kind of challenges does the monsoon season represent?

The monsoon season presents a unique set of challenges for your motorcycle engine oil. Rain can lead to water entering the engine oil through various ways, affecting lubrication and potentially causing damage. Here’s what to look for in an oil during the monsoon:

• Penetration of water contamination: A good monsoon oil will flow easily, allowing it to mix with water and circulate throughout the engine, minimizing damage caused by water dilution.
• Maintaining lubrication: Even with water present, lubrication remains critical. Choose an oil that maintains viscosity to protect your engine components from friction and wear as you navigate wet roads.

Motul recommendations for monsoon riding

Motul is one of the best bike engine oil manufacturers in India and offer a diverse range of offerings that are suitable for conventional two-wheelers used by the Indian masses. Some of their best ones for the monsoon season are as follows.

• Motul 7100 10W40: This best-in-class, semi-synthetic 10w40 engine oil is ideal for high-performance bikes. It ensures oil circulation even with some water contamination and maintains excellent lubrication, making it a great choice for conquering the monsoon.
• Motul 300V2 Factory Line 10W50: While this high-performance, fully-synthetic oil is designed for factory racing teams and high-performance stock bikes, it can also be a great choice for monsoon riding if you’re an aggressive rider or your motorcycle demands top-tier protection. Its exceptional ability to maintain viscosity and resist high temperatures makes it ideal for battling the monsoon’s challenges. However, it’s also the most expensive option in this selection.
• Motul 3100 4T Gold 10W40: This Technosynthese bike engine oil is suitable for a variety of motorcycles, including conventional bikes, scooters, and mopeds. It offers a good balance between viscosity and performance, making it a cost-effective option for monsoon riding.

Remember:

• Always consult your motorcycle owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity grade.
• Consider your riding style and typical riding conditions when choosing an oil. Monsoon riding may involve more stop-and-go traffic or slower speeds, influencing your oil choice. Summer riding may involve highway commutes or high speeds.
• Choose a high-quality brand like Motul that offers lubricants specifically designed for motorcycles.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of engine oil. It’s an investment in the longevity of your motorcycle.

By understanding the impact of each season on your engine oil, you can ensure optimal performance and protection for your motorcycle year-round. Ride confidently with Motul, the perfect partner for every Indian adventure, come rain, shine, or scorching heat.