Why Do Two Wheelers Use Petrol Engines?

Posted on: Jun 30, 2023 | | Written by:

Why Do Two Wheelers Use Petrol Engines?

Published on June 28, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

A quick look at the streets is enough to convince anyone that India is one of the largest consumers of two-wheelers across the globe. India constantly features as the top market for two wheelers as well as one of the leading consumers. Given the low cost of ownership, maintenance and running costs, two wheelers are quite popular. However, have you ever wondered why petrol engine is the obvious choice of all manufacturers?

What is a petrol engine?

Petrol engines are internal combustion engines that use petrol as fuel. During the intake process, a mixture of air and fuel enters the cylinder, which is then ignited in the engine via a spark plug-infused spark. This results in a combustion, that pushes the piston in the power stroke.

Why petrol two wheelers are sensible

There are a multitude of reasons for using petrol fuelled engines in bikes over diesel engines. The following are some of the prominent reasons.

1. The cost of a petrol fuelled engine is lower than a diesel fuelled engine, both in R&D and in manufacturing.

2. Petrol based engines are quieter and do not have any vibrations.

3. The power on offer is much better in petrol engine bikes.

4. Petrol based engines are lighter as compared to diesel engines and are easier to operate as well.

5. The cost to service and maintain a petrol engine is lower as compared to a diesel engine.

6. Petrol has a much higher density as compared to other fuel options.

7. Petrol burns more freely and sustainably as compared to diesel engines and offers a better power to cost ratio as well.

8. Due to their uncomplicated architecture, petrol engines are easy to tune and make minor adjustments.

Before you can take your petrol powered bike out for a spin, it is highly recommended that you opt for two wheeler insurance online. The policy will ensure that you do not receive any unwanted challans and that your finances are secure, due to any unforeseen events on the road.

Why manufacturers do not use diesel engines for two wheelers

Even though diesel engines and diesel as a fuel has been an alternative for quite some time, it is not a preferred mode for two-wheelers. And there are a few reasons why manufacturers do not explore that route.

1. Diesel engines are known to emit about 13% more carbon dioxide as compared to petrol engines. Thus, diesel engines do more damage to the environment as compared to petrol.

2. Due to the nature of the fuel, diesel engines require fuel injector technology for pumping fuel to the combustion chamber. It is a more expensive technology as compared to spark plugs that are used in petrol engines.

3. Diesel engines produce a lot more torque, which might not be of a lot of use in two wheelers, which need higher power for reaching quick speeds.

4. Diesel engines have a lot more vibrations, due to the usage of auto detonation technology.

5. The amount of pressure in a diesel engine is higher, which leads to higher wear and tear of the different parts. This inadvertently increases the maintenance cost of the vehicle.

6. Diesel engines are bigger in size and price due to their nature. Diesel emits more heat and energy, which can cause considerable damage to the cylinder walls and other engine parts. To avoid this, the engines are made bigger, for better surface area. The bigger size of the engine can also impact the driving dynamics of the bike.

7. Diesel engines need some additional components such as fuel pumps and glow plugs. These add to the cost of the bike.

Impact on the Environment

Diesel engines were promoted for a long period of time, because of them being lean fuel. In simple words, they produce as much energy as petrol engines by burning less fuel. However, that does not take into consideration any environmental impacts that either of the engines have.

Diesel engines are known to have more CO2 than petrol engines, at 2.68 kg CO2 per litre of diesel versus 2.31 kg CO2 per litre of petrol. However, diesel engines do emit less CO2 as compared to petrol engines.

While diesel engines burn cleaner, they do produce more toxic Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. On the other hand, Petrol engines tend to emit 30% less of these toxic gases. Apart from these diesel engines produce more particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5, which easily absorbs into the bloodstream, making them even more dangerous. It also emits oxides of Sulphur, polycyclic hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

Need for two wheeler insurance

Petrol based engines are predominantly used for two wheelers and recently, electric vehicles are also becoming a prominent alternative. Irrespective of which vehicle you choose, it is highly recommended that you opt for comprehensive two wheeler insurance. And here are some reasons for the same.

1. Protection against weather

Comprehensive plans offer protection against natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, etc. If your bike is damaged during any of the above, the insurance provider will compensate or pay for repair.

2. Makes you law abiding

A comprehensive plan includes third party two wheeler insurance, which offers you immunity against hefty fines from the traffic police department, for not riding without insurance.

3. Protection against accidents

You can claim any damages to your bike due to accidents if you have a comprehensive plan. Which you would otherwise, end up paying from your pockets.

Conclusion

Petrol engines are used in bikes for a range of reasons. These include them being quieter, faster, lighter, and less polluting. And for the same reasons and some more, diesel engines are not used in two wheelers. To ensure that your bike riding experience is hassle free, buying comprehensive two wheeler insurance is highly recommended.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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