Your motorcycle’s engine and transmission parts will work smoothly and safely if you use motorcycle oil. However, it may collect deposits and other impurities over time, lose viscosity, oxidize, and deplete the additives in the oil, necessitating an oil change.
We answer concerns like how frequently to replace your motorcycle oil and how to recognize low oil symptoms in this article and provide step-by-step directions on how to execute a motorbike oil change, saving you time and money.
Supplies
Check that you have the following items before you begin:
- Check your owner’s handbook on the excellent quality and suggested volume of motorcycle oil.
- Oil filter replacement
- Washer Drain Plug
- Wrench for sockets
- Wrench for torque
You’ll also require the appropriate oil and oil filter for your motorcycle (which is found in the manual). If you don’t want to leak oil on the ground, lay down some cardboard and an old towel to collect anything that doesn’t fit in your drain pan.
A rear paddock stand is an essential piece of equipment. These may be found at a local motorcycle accessories store for a reasonable price. Mine was around $40 when I got it. You won’t need the rear paddock stand if your bike is fitted with a centre stand. I also used full synthetic oil for this tutorial since it performs slightly better than conventional engine oil.
More to see: How To Change Fork Oil
Step 1: Begin Your Engine
It’s much easier to change your oil while your engine is slightly warm, so wait until it’s been running for a bit before starting. Some service instructions recommend that you warm the bike up to “working temperature,” which means before changing the oil, you should ride it for at least 30 minutes.
Warning:
- Please do not start an air-cooled motorcycle and leave it idle for 30 minutes. You run the danger of causing damage to your bicycle.
- Start the bike and let it warm up for a few minutes to allow the oil to warm up as well. This aids the oil’s flow when draining.
Step 2: Clean The Area
To keep your bike steady while you work, mount it on a stand. After that, wipe off the engine area surrounding the oil filter and drain the plug using a rag.
Step 3: Getting Rid Of Old Oil
Place the drain pan beneath the drain stopper and pull it open. Unscrew the plug by hand while holding your arm to avoid spilling oil. Wait until the whole amount of oil has been poured into the drain pan.
Step 4: Delete The Previous Filter
You may change the filter once the oil flow has ceased. To remove the filter, use the strap wrench (another alternative is an oil filter wrench) until you can unscrew it by hand. Fill the drain pan halfway with the oil in the filter.
Step 5: Setup A New Filter
Apply a small amount of oil from the drain pan to the new filter’s O-ring. The oil creates a good seal by allowing the filter to slide smoothly into place. Also, pour some oil directly into the filter to prevent your engine from running dry when you start it.
Install the filter by hand, turning it until some resistance is felt. After that, turn the filter another half-turn. It would be advantageous if you were careful in this situation, as overtightening your oil filter might damage the seal.
Step 6: Sealing Washer Should Be Replaced.
Examine the sealing washer after wiping off the drain stopper. Although most owners’ manuals recommend replacing the sealing washer every time you change the oil, this isn’t always the case.
You can probably reuse the washer if it isn’t damaged. Turn it over and replace the drain stopper.
Some bikes, such as my Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, may utilize an O-ring instead of a washer, so make sure you have an O-ring kit from your dealer before you begin. O-rings should be replaced regularly.
Step 7: Drain Plug Should Be Installed
Return the drain stopper to its original position by hand. It’s crucial to hand-tighten bolts first to avoid cross-threading and damaging the threads. Tighten the plug with your wrench once it’s snug.
You can also strip the threads on your engine if you overtighten the drain plug. It was a costly error. Using a torque wrench and 14 to 16 foot-pounds of torque, or whatever your service manual specifies, is the safest technique to tighten your drain plug.
Step 8: Pour In The Oil
Pour the oil in. Your owner’s handbook will specify the type of oil to use and how much to use.
Step 9: Examine Your Work
After starting the engine, let it idle for a few minutes. Check the oil levels. If there are any leaks, visually examine the oil filter and drain plug. Bring the spent oil and filter to an auto parts store, and they’ll recycle it for you. That concludes our discussion. You’ve completed the task. Cherish the sense of fulfillment that comes with getting the job done.
When Should You Replace Your Motorbike Oil?
Although the actual interval between motorcycle oil changes varies by brand and model, a good rule is to change it once a year, or every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. If you race your bike frequently, you may need to make a change sooner. For a precise answer for your make and model, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
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Symptoms Of Insufficient Oil On A Motorcycle
Your motorbike may require an oil change or top-up if you detect any of the following:
- The dashboard has an illuminated oil warning light.
- An engine that is overheated.
- The smell of a fire.
- The engine makes thudding noises.
If you see any following, change or top off your oil or take your car to a repair.
Conclusion
How to Change Motorcycle Engine Oil was just stated in the preceding post. If you are unsure about working on your motorcycle, like with all of our instructions, err on the side of safety and have your mechanic conduct an oil change for you.
