Why diesel is not used in bikes?
Diesel is cheaper, economical and rich in energy content against the petrol engine. Still there aren’t any diesel motorcycles available in the present two wheeler market in India, however you could find a used 1990s used Royal Enfield Taurus, which was banned long ago.
As roughly speaking it is due to the technical disadvantages of diesel engines over petrol engines.
Some of the notable issues of diesel powered engines are:
1.COMPRESSION
Diesel engines are CI engines, (Compression Ignition) so they do have higher compression ratio than petrol engines. Therefore diesel engines should be strong enough to withstand this high compression. For that engine parts should be strong and heavier. It also results in producing a huge amount of vibration and noise.
2. ENGINE SIZE
Size of a diesel engine is comparatively larger than a petrol engine and it it not at all practical to mount these engine for motorcyles.
3. HORSE POWER
Diesel engines are capable of producing more torque than break horse power, whereas motorcycle demands maximum power.
4. EMISSION
The carbon emission for diesel engines are higher than petrol. The rate of motorcycles are higher than public transport system in India and it will elevate the rate of greenhouse gases.
5. MAINTENANCE COST
Diesel engine consists of a fuel injector rather than a spark plug, which is expensive as well as prone for regular servicing and maintenance.
6.PRICE
Turbocharger, fuel injector, stronger cylinder walls and fuel supply system are some of the essential requirements for a diesel engine, which may cost extra bucks for production.
The Royal Enfield has taken all those challenges and came up with their diesel variant Taurus. The engine was noisy and unrefined. The huge amount of vibration also resulted in health issues too. It did not meet the emission norms of India.
