Looking after your motorcycle will give it a longer life on the road, similar to any vehicle really and it goes without saying that some general maintenance tasks should be done regularly to ensure your bike is in tip top shape.
Changing the motorcycle oil is all part and parcel of motorcycle maintenance, a task that definitely shouldn’t be left out. Failing to change the oil in a motorcycle will surely impact the performance of your bike; the engine could totally seize up and cause the bike to stop working properly.
How often should the oil be changed?
As a guide, oil changes in your motorcycle should be done at least once a year or every 3000 to 5000 miles but this really depends on the type of bike you own. If your bike is clocking up high mileage, oil and filter changes should be more frequent to ensure your bike is fit for the long haul.
Be careful not to change the oil too often or not often enough (which will definitely damage the engine). Since all bikes are different and have different requirements, checking your manufacturers’ manual is a good place to start for recommendations on oil and filter changes.
Oil and filter changes done at the same time means that this part of motorcycle maintenance doesn’t have to be done in two parts, which in the long run will save you time. Also, clean oil into a clean filter is better for your motorcycle’s engine. Some people believe that the best time to change the oil and filter is when the engine is warm as it helps things to flow better.
If you’re not comfortable with getting a little oil on your hands, don’t worry about changing the oil and filter yourself, you could take your bike to a mechanic or ask a friend or experienced member of your motorcycle community to do the messy job for you. On the other hand, taking on this job yourself will give you some satisfaction and the confidence to do other maintenance tasks as you get to know your bike. Don’t forget to check for any leakages before you begin your journey.
Whether you’re new to biking or you’re a motorcycle owner who doesn’t have a great idea about the kind of oil to use in your bike, choosing the right oil for your motorcycle might seem like a bit of a challenge.
There’s a wide range of motorcycle oils on the shelf available to purchase, from Mineral to Semi or Full Synthetic and brands also vary, from Castrol to Mobil to own brand labels. Again, check the manufacturers’ manual for the best recommendations for your bike. Of course, the manual won’t narrow it down to which brand of oil you use, that part, you’ll need to figure out. Motorcycle oils carry different price tags too so while you’re considering your budget, think about buying the best quality oil for your motorcycle, as a priority.
When it’s all done, you can be rest assured that your motorcycles engine is happy.