Changing your motorbike oil is an essential bit of maintenance to master. Done right, you’ll keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly problems down the line. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to get to grips with your bike, especially if you’re new to riding. Below we take you through how often you should perform a motorbike oil change, how to do it properly, and common the mistakes to avoid.
How often should you change motorbike oil?
How often you should change your motorbike oil depends on the manufacturer and model of your bike. A general rule of thumb, though, is to change it annually, or every 3000 to 5000 miles—whatever comes first. There are also several signs that may indicate the oil needs changing, including:
- A warning sign on the dashboard
- An overheating engine
- The smell of burning
- Thudding noises from the engine
If you experience any of the above, consider taking your bike to a mechanic for a thorough inspection.
A step-by-step guide
Changing your motorbike oil should only take around 30 minutes. Below are the tools you’ll need and the steps to follow:
The tools you’ll need
Ensure you have the following tools before you get started:
- Protective wear (gloves and eye protection)
- Paddock stand if your motorcycle doesn’t feature a centre stand
- Oil drain pan (that will fit underneath your motorcycle)
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Oil filter removal tool
- Replacement drain plug washer
- Oil filter
- Motorcycle engine oil (recommended by your manufacturer and for your engine type)
- Funnel for refilling
- Cleaning rags
1. Warm up the engine
Run your engine for about ten minutes before changing the oil. This warms the oil and makes it less viscous (thinner), enabling an easier and more complete drain. Give your engine 10-15 mins to cool down before moving on to the next step.
2. Secure the bike
Make sure your bike is parked on a flat, solid surface. Use the centre or paddock stand to ensure it’s upright and stable.
3. Drain the old oil
Locate the drain bolt and place your drain pan beneath. Loosen the bolt with your wrench, then finish unscrewing it by hand. Prepare for a decent amount of oil to spurt out quickly. Let the oil drain fully.
4. Replace the oil filter
You can use a socket wrench to unscrew the existing filter and drain the excess oil into the drain pan. Place your old filter to one side. Take your new filter and apply a tiny bit of oil to the sealant O-ring so that it fits on easily. Screw on the filter by hand.
When you feel the O-ring touch the seal, give it an extra half to three-quarters of a turn more. Screwing any further may cause damage to the seal.
5. Replace the drain plug
Use a rag to wipe the plug clean and replace the washer. Tighten the drain plug using a torque wrench, being careful not to overtighten it, as this can cause damage to the threads on the bolt.
6. Add new oil
Check your owner’s manual for the advised type and amount of oil. Use a funnel and slowly pour the oil, checking the oil level with the sight gauge or a dipstick as you go. Then, screw the top back on the intake.
7. Check oil levels
Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes. Once it has cooled down, check the oil level and top up if needed.
8. Dispose of old oil properly
You’re not quite done yet. Take your old oil to a recycling centre or a garage that can dispose of it properly. Don’t pour your old oil down the kitchen sink or drain. Not only can it damage your plumbing, but it’s also harmful to the environment.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing motorbike oil
Try to avoid these common mistakes:
- Not warming the engine: Oil is thicker and trickier to drain when it’s cold. Letting the engine run idle can make the motorbike oil thinner and easier to pour out.
- Overtightening the drain plug and oil filter: Overtightening the drain plug can damage the threads of the oil filter. Threads can become completely stripped over time, which may cause the drain plug to fall off.
- Overfilling: Too much oil in the system can cause high oil pressure, potentially leading to leaks.
- Using the incorrect oil type and filter: Using the incorrect oil can lead to increased wear, poor lubrication and potential engine damage. You can ensure you have the right oil by checking the vehicle manual.
Protect your motorbike with dedicated insurance from Devitt
While properly maintaining your motorbike oil can help your engine run smoothly, it can’t protect you from theft or accidents. That’s where motorbike insurance from Devitt comes in handy.
Our cover is built to suit all types of riders, wherever your bike takes you. We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt Insurance Services Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.