Introduction
We have said this in the past, and we will say it again – the best upgrade one can give one’s motorcycle, especially if it runs on mineral oil, is a healthy and repeated dose of synthetic engine oil. The same holds true for motorcycles that run on semi-synthetic oil, especially if these put out a handsome supply of power.
Okay, now the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 isn’t exactly fantastic when it comes to power-to-weight or specific output figures; it weighs over 200kg but develops under 50 horsepower. But, it still has a reasonably large engine, and a relatively difficult task of dealing with high ambient temperatures, and constant stop and start riding.
And though we agree it already has a refined engine and no real heat-related issues, we believe switching from semi-synthetic to synthetic engine oil will nonetheless bring in some benefit.
The Science
Improved acceleration. Now, even though the stock oil and the Ultimate for the Interceptor are both 10W-50, the Ultimate, courtesy the base oil and the additives used, helps reduce friction. And that means less drag. And lesser the drag, the lesser the resistance to movement of the engine parts, and better the efficiency and output. Therefore, better acceleration.
There’s Better protection too. Be it cold start or running at higher temperatures, the viscosity for synthetic oils doesn’t vary as dramatically as conventional or semi-synthetic oils. And that allows the Power1 Ultimate to line the parts with a film of oil almost immediately causing less wear. And with it, giving the engine and its parts, better protection.
Smoother and cooler running. Add the above two pluses – low friction and better flow – and it allows the meshing or mating or rotating or reciprocating parts in the engine to go about their business more silently, with less resistance, and with higher efficiency. Ergo, smoother running. And because there’s less resistance or friction, naturally there’s less heat generated leading to cooling running.
Better, more consistent performance. Thanks to the Ultimate and its synthetic properties, it has more stable base oil to begin with. And as a result, it takes longer than a conventional or even a mineral oil with synthetic add-ons to break down. Additionally, it’s less prone to oxidation, and with it sludge formation takes longer. All of which leads to better and more consistent performance over time and distance.
Power1 Ultimate
That onus lies on the Castrol Power1 Ultimate. The Power1 Ultimate is the latest in Castrol’s line of synthetic engine oils, and it can be had in three specs. The 5W-40 is for scooters; the 10W-40 is for your regular motorcycles; and finally the 10W-50, Castrol claims, is a good fit for sports bikes. These classifications are of course more in relation to the output figures than the body style.
Now according to Castrol, the Ultimate delivers on five parameters – improved acceleration, better protection, smoother riding, cooler running, and better and more consistent performance over time. Our plan with this review is to gauge these claims, and to see if there’s actually a perceptible difference in the way the Interceptor 650 performs. But that’s for a later report. Lets first see what these claims are based on…
What’s next?
In the next report, we will tell you the difference in the performance of the Interceptor 650 running on Castrol. We will tell you how (and if) the fuel efficiency has changed. Or if there’s a reduction in vibrations; are the gearshifts smoother – especially in cold start conditions; does the clutch feel lighter and more consistent; and if the Interceptor actually runs cooler with the Power1 Ultimate.
Product Details
Make: Castrol
Model: Power1 Ultimate
Type: Full Synthetic Engine Oil
Price: Rs 744 / litre
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
