BS4 vs. BS6 Bikes Engines What’s the Real Difference

Changes are hard to adapt to. The transition of BS4 engines to BS6 has brought many questions to the minds of users. What is the actual difference between BS6 and BS4? Which of the engines is more efficient? What was the need to introduce BS6? Primarily, what are BS6 and BS4?
If you are looking to get the answer to all your questions, this blog is meant for you. Let’s get into this and know the difference between BS4 and BS6.
What is BS4?
BS4 stands for Bharat Stage 4 norms, a set of instructions and restrictions for bike manufacturers to limit pollutant emissions. BS4 engine norms were introduced in the year 2010, and became applicable in the year 2017. But after 1 April 2020, the government put restrictions on the buying and selling of such engines because of some of its limitations which we will discuss further in this blog.
What is BS6?
Bharat Stage 6 is introduced in the year 2020 to restrict more harmful emissions. It has restricted the emission of nitrogen oxide by 25% in petrol vehicles and 75% in diesel vehicles including bikes. Technologies like RDE (Real Driving Emission) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) are also introduced with this norm to enhance the efficiency and performance of the engines.
The need for BS6 arises even if we had BS4 due to the following reasons which include:
- Technological requirement: Updated features like RDE and SCR have been introduced in BS6 that enhance the performance of engines. RDE monitors the performance of the engine in a real-situation setup. SCR evaluates the level of nitrogen emission in the vehicle.
- Lesser harmful emissions: The main feature of BS6 is its environmentally friendly nature. It includes lesser emission of harmful pollutants including sulfur, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter.
- International commitments: The World is becoming conscious of pollution and framing multiple norms for the same. Hence, it became important for India to comply with them.
- Better performance: Less carbon emission and other toxic substances are the results of installed gasoline injection and fuel-efficient engines. They lead to an overall improvement in the performance of the bike.
Difference between BS4 and BS6
We understand that the BS6 engine is an improved version of the BS4 engine, not its substitute. Thus, the government of India has restricted the manufacturing of BS4 engine bikes after 2020 to work on emissions. Some of the major differences between the engines are as follows:
Basis | BS4 Engines | BS6 Engines |
---|---|---|
Emission limit | Higher levels of Nitrogen, Carbon monoxide, and other particulate matter. | Significant reduction in emission from the engine. |
Sulphur concentration | It was about 50 ppm. | Now, it is 10 ppm. |
Injection modal | Carburetors are used. | Fuel injection is in use. |
Onboard diagnostic | Optional for vehicles. | Mandatory. |
RDE (Real Driving Emission) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) | Not available. | Available. |
Price and affordability | Prices are comparatively lower. | Prices are higher due to the advanced technology and improved performance. |
Bikes having BS6
For readers who are looking for a list of bikes having BS6 engines to choose from their valuable purchase. Here is a list for you to go through.
Hero Splendor Plus | Hero HF Deluxe | Kawasaki Z900 |
Kawasaki Z650 | Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 | Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 |
KTM 125 Duke | KTM RC200 | KTM RC390 |
Royal Enfield Continental GT | Harley Davidson 1200 Custom | KTM RC125 |
KTM 250 Duke | KTM 390 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan |
Suzuki Intruder 150 | Hero XPulse 200T | TVS Apache RR310 |
Hero Splendor Plus | Bajaj CT100 | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 |
Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Bajaj Platina | Hero Passion Pro I3S |
Conclusion
Lastly, it is quite easier to state that BS6 engines are more updated, futuristic, and emit fewer pollutants. It not only reduces emissions but also gives updated inspection and testing measures to deal with pollution issues. Advancement of this engine is making the riding experience more convenient, and much more benefits in the longer term.
What is the relevance of RDE (Real Driving Emission) in choosing engine type (BS4 or BS6)?
It helps to test the efficiency of the engine in the real-time driving experience. Its presence in BS6 reflects the efficiency of the upgraded engine type
Why is BS4 not in use?
BS4 is not in use because of its carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emission at huge levels.
Which of the engine’s fuels is costlier?
BS6 engine fuel has a higher price than BS4 due to its extra refining of sulfur for lesser emission.
Why is the BS6 engine costlier?
The reason behind the higher price of BS6 engines is technological advancement and lesser harmful emissions.