How to Change the Oil in Your Motorcycle
02 Jan 2025
Changing your motorcycle engine oil is an essential maintenance task that any rider can carry out themselves.
Regular oil changes with the right type of oil are crucial for maintaining motorcycle performance and engine health. They help improve engine efficiency and longevity, enhance fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and keep emissions at the intended level.In this guide, we share easy-to-follow steps for changing your motorcycle engine oil. We’ll also share essential safety tips, tool recommendations and advice on how to choose the right oil for your vehicle.
How Often to Change Engine Oil in Your Motorcycle
The recommended frequency of changing motorcycle engine oil will depend on a few different factors. Think about the following:
How many miles do you ride?
If you cover more mileage, the more frequently you’ll have to do an oil change.
What type of engine oil do you use?
Different kinds of engine oil break down at different rates. This could depend on the climate of the country you are riding in or on the vehicle you have, for example.
What kind of motorcycle journeys do you do?
Stop and start city driving will have different demands on your motorcycle’s engine compared to longer journeys at higher speeds.
What are your motorcycle’s manufacturer recommendations?
Oil change intervals are recommended by the manufacturer and will depend on the specific model of your motorcycle.
Signs your Motorcycle Needs an Oil Change
If your motorcycle needs an oil change, you may notice a few telltale signs. One of the most common indicators is the condition of the oil itself.
- Dark, thick, or opaque oil, often with visible sludge deposits, means that the oil has degraded and should be changed.
- Additionally, you may experience decreased engine performance, hear unusual engine noises, or smell burning oil while riding.
- An oil leak is also a sign that maintenance is overdue and should be addressed immediately to prevent further issues.
Not sure how to check your motorcycle’s oil level? Read our motorcycle maintenance checklist.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Changing Motorcycle Engine Oil
If you notice any signs you need an oil change - don’t panic. A motorcycle oil change can be carried out by most people, but there are some essential tools and supplies that you need on hand to do the job properly.
These include:
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Oil drain pan
- Oil filter drain tray
- Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses)
- New oil filter
- New motorcycle oil
- Replacement drain washer (if applicable)
- Rags or cloths
Preparing Your Motorcycle for an Oil Change
Before you begin, there are a few simple preparation steps that can help make your oil change more straightforward.
- Park on a level surface - this will give better stability while you’re working on the motorcycle and make draining the oil a safer process. Ensure your vehicle is parked in an environment where it is safe.
- Warm up your motorcycle to its normal operating temperature - this will allow the oil to drain more easily and thoroughly than if the oil is cold when drained. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear protective gear - such as gloves and eye protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Motorcycle Oil
Step 1: Loosen and Remove the Drain Plug
Your motorcycle’s oil drain plug could be located in a few different places, depending on the model, but will usually be on the bottom of the engine case.
You may need to remove belly pans in some cases to access the area you need. Unlike the screw-on oil filler cap, the oil drain plug will usually need a socket wrench and sometimes also a torque wrench to loosen it.
Place a drain pan or something to collect the old oil underneath the opening. Loosen the plug until you can do the last few turns by hand. The oil is likely to flow out quickly once the plug is removed, so ensure that your drain pan is already in place.
Caution: Be careful as the engine and oil may still be hot. Avoid direct contact with the oil, and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against accidental spills or splashes.
Step 2: Remove the Oil Filter
A motorcycle’s oil filter is usually located on the side or bottom of the engine. Before you go any further, place the drain tray underneath the filter once you have identified it.
You will usually need a specific oil filter wrench to remove the filter from the motorcycle.
Step 3: Drain the Oil
Allow the oil to drain completely. This will usually take several minutes.
Step 4: Clean the Drain Plug and Filter Mounting Surface
Use a rag to remove any dirt, debris or old gasket material from the area and the plug.
Step 5: Install the New Oil Filter
Use a thin coat of fresh oil to lubricate the gasket before putting the new filter into place.
You’ll need to tighten the new filter to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using a combination of your fingers and the wrench.
Step 6: Replace the Drain Washer and Plug
Put the drain washer in place and start tightening the plug by hand to avoid cross-threading.
Then finish tightening the plug with a wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
Make sure you don’t over-tighten the plug.
Step 7: Add New Oil
Check your owner’s manual to see what quantity of oil you should be adding.
Use the funnel to add the new oil to the reservoir.
Once you have added new oil. Start up the motorcycle and run it for a few minutes to give the new oil a chance to be distributed through the engine.
Step 8: Check the Oil Level
Once the engine has cooled again, check the oil level with the dipstick to make sure it’s within the recommended min/max range.
Safety Tips and Precautions When Changing Oil
It’s important to take care when changing your motorcycle oil to avoid any accidents or injuries. Here’s some important safety tips:
- Avoid contact with hot oil by wearing safety gloves and eye protection when removing the drain plug.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to reduce the chances of breathing in any unwanted fumes.
- Always dispose of used oil responsibly. Many areas have recycling centres or oil banks for this.
- Use a torque wrench to ensure you don’t under or over-tighten any bolts.
Choosing the Right Engine Oil for Your Motorcycle
Not all motorcycle engine oils are the same, and selecting the best option for your specific motorcycle and riding conditions is key to achieving optimal performance and engine protection.
Here are some factors to consider:
Check your user manual: Your motorcycle’s user manual is the most reliable source for the correct engine oil type and viscosity recommendations. Always refer to it first to ensure you’re using an oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
Riding conditions and climate: Consider the typical climate and riding conditions for most of your journeys. For example, synthetic oils often perform better in extreme temperatures, while mineral oils may be sufficient for moderate conditions.
Motorcycle make, model and age: The make, model and age of your motorcycle can also influence the best oil choice. Older motorcycles may benefit from mineral oils, while newer models often perform better with synthetic alternatives.
You’ll also need to decide whether you opt for a mineral oil or a synthetic oil.
Mineral engine oils are often suited to older motorcycles but do tend to degrade at a faster rate than synthetic alternatives, so more frequent changes are needed.
Synthetic engine oils are often more expensive, but usually need to be replaced less often and offer more performance benefits, especially in more challenging environments.
You’ll need to decide on the viscosity of engine oil that you want to use. Find out more about viscosity grades in our article to help you choose the right engine oil for your motorcycle.
Additional Motorcycle Oil Change Tips
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to recommended oil change intervals. This will help to keep your motorcycle engine in the best possible condition.
- Replace the oil filter every time you replace the oil in your motorcycle to prevent clogging and contamination, which can cause real damage to your engine.
- Store your motorcycle in a cool dry environment, away from direct sunlight where possible, or extreme temperatures, to minimise oil degradation and evaporation.
While changing your motorcycle’s oil and filter is something that most riders can do themselves without needing assistance, it’s important to get professional help from a qualified motorcycle mechanic when it’s needed. If you find that you have an unexplained oil leak or you think that your oil has degraded to the point that your engine has been damaged, it’s worth consulting a mechanic for their expert help to solve the issue.
Conclusion
Changing your motorcycle engine oil is a key part of ongoing maintenance and many owners find it a straightforward and rewarding task to do themselves.
Following our steps and choosing the right new engine oil to put into your motorcycle can help improve motorcycle performance and keep your ride running at its best for longer.
Our range of motorcycle engine oils offer a range of different benefits, meaning there is an option for all kinds of motorcycle and circumstances.