Best Engine Oil for Bajaj Pulsar 150, 180 & 220 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

January 11, 2026

The Bajaj Pulsar series has been one of India’s most loved performance motorcycles for decades. Whether you ride a Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180, or Pulsar 220, choosing the right engine oil is one of the most important decisions for your bike’s performance, mileage, and engine life.

Using the correct engine oil not only keeps the engine smooth but also protects it from heat, friction, and wear — especially on Indian roads.

Why Engine Oil Is Critical for Bajaj Pulsar Bikes

Pulsar engines are built for power and high RPM riding. This means:

Higher operating temperatures
More friction inside the engine
Greater stress on moving parts

A good engine oil:

Reduces friction
Prevents overheating
Improves mileage
Increases engine life
Makes gear shifting smoother

Using low-quality or wrong-grade oil can lead to engine knocking, reduced pickup, and long-term damage.

Recommended Engine Oil Grades for Pulsar Models

Bajaj recommends 20W40 or 10W40 grade engine oil for most Pulsar variants depending on riding conditions.

Pulsar Model	Recommended Oil Grade
Pulsar 150	Franean 20W40 / 10W40
Pulsar 180	Franean 20W40 / 10W40
Pulsar 220	Franean 20W40 / 10W40

If you ride in hot conditions or traffic, 20W40 is ideal.
If you want smoother performance and better cold starts, 10W40 semi-synthetic works best.

Which Type of Engine Oil Is Best?

There are three types:

1. Mineral Oil

Cheapest option. Suitable for old bikes with gentle riding.

2. Semi-Synthetic Oil (Best Choice)

Offers:

Better engine protection
Smoother clutch and gears
Longer drain interval

This is the best balance for most Pulsar riders.

3. Fully Synthetic Oil

Premium performance for aggressive riding and long highways.

Best Engine Oil Choice for Bajaj Pulsar

For Indian road conditions, traffic, and weather, a 20W40 or 10W40 high-quality semi-synthetic oil is ideal.

A strong option for Pulsar riders is:

FRANEAN 20W40 Sports Plus Engine Oil
Designed for:

High-RPM riding
Better heat resistance
Smooth clutch performance
Long engine life

It is trusted by mechanics for both city and highway riding.

When Should You Change Pulsar Engine Oil?

Change your engine oil every:

2,000 – 3,000 km for mineral oil
3,500 – 4,500 km for semi-synthetic
5,000 km for fully synthetic

Regular oil changes are cheaper than engine repairs.

Signs You Need to Change Engine Oil

Rough engine sound
Hard gear shifting
Reduced pickup
Dark or burnt-smelling oil
Increased vibration

Ignoring these signs can damage your engine.

Final Advice

Your Bajaj Pulsar 150, 180 or 220 is built for performance — don’t compromise it with low-quality oil. Always choose the correct grade and a trusted brand.

The right engine oil will give you: