HOW TO CHANGE MOTORCYCLE OIL

• Engine protection - Over time, motorcycle oil breaks down and loses its lubricating properties. This results in increased friction, heat buildup, and potential engine wear. Clean oil ensures that the engine's components move smoothly, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging its lifespan.

• Improved performance - Fresh motorcycle oil with the correct viscosity and additives ensures optimal engine performance, smoother acceleration, and a more responsive throttle.

• Extended engine life - Regularly changing your motorcycle's oil can reduce wear on the engine's components, such as the pistons, bearings, and crankshaft. By keeping these parts well-lubricated and protected, you can extend the life of your engine and avoid costly repairs or premature engine failure.

• Increase fuel efficiency - Dirty or old oil can cause the engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption. Changing the oil ensures the engine operates efficiently, reducing friction and improving fuel combustion.

• Heat dissipation - As oil circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat and carries it away, preventing overheating. Regularly changing the oil ensures the engine remains cool and operates within the optimal temperature range. Over time however, oil breaks down and loses its heat-dissipating properties.

• Contaminant removal - Oil will start accumulating contaminants and will continue to accumulate internal combustion residue and metal particle contaminants from worn engine components if engine oil is not changed within its scheduled maintenance intervals. Additionally, operation in harsh environments, severe operating conditions, or prolonged neglect of maintenance intervals could allow sludge, dirt, or other contaminates to accumulate after a period. These contaminants can harm the engine, causing increased friction and potential damage. Regular oil changes remove these contaminants and ensure the engine remains clean and free from harmful debris.

Pro Tip: If you ride in extreme conditions (frequent intervals in cold weather, hot climates, off-road, or high-revving sportbike use) or severe operation conditions (such as heavy traffic), consider changing your oil more frequently than manufacturer recommendations.

Your motorcycle owner’s manual will tell you when to change the motorcycle oil. However, there are also signs that it may be time.

When the oil has a cloudy appearance, this could be a sign of water intrusion caused by a gasket failure in the cooling system or a loose or worn oil cap exposed to water or flooding.

If this is the case, check with your dealer or service technician right away to investigate further.

As oil ages and becomes contaminated, it degrades viscosity and turns dark or black.

If you check your dipstick and notice that it appears thin, dark, or black, it's a clear sign that it's time for an oil change.

For motorcycles without a separate transmission case, a burning smell could be an early indication of the clutch becoming worn and further service may be required beyond an oil change.

An unexpected decrease in engine oil volume is a sign that it's being burned or lost via a potential leak. An oil change may be necessary to maintain the proper oil level and ensure optimal engine performance.

Insufficient or degraded oil can significantly increase friction and cause excessive heat buildup in the engine.

If your engine temperature is consistently higher than usual, it could indicate that the oil needs to be changed.

Overheating could cause damage to engine components, so addressing the issue promptly is crucial.

You may notice a harsher, louder engine sound when oil becomes old and loses effectiveness.

This could lead to increased friction and metal-to-metal contact within the engine.

1. Funnel

2. Paper towels

3. Oil catch pan or container

4. Gloves (to protect your hands)

5. Oil filter removal tool (if necessary)

6. Oil filter strap wrench (if required)

7. Safety glasses (to protect your eyes)

8. Oil filter drain tray (optional but helpful)

9. Oil filter torque tool (if specified by the manufacturer)

10. Socket wrench or box wrench (appropriate size for your drain plug)

11. Torque wrench (to tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specifications)

1. Engine oil (check your motorcycle's owner's manual for the recommended oil type and quantity)

2. Motorcycle oil filter (ensure it is compatible with your motorcycle's make and model)

3. Crush washer (if required for your drain plug)

Note: The specific tools and parts required for an oil change may vary depending on your motorcycle's make, model, and year. Always consult your motorcycle's owner’s manual and the factory service manual for your specific bike's recommended tools and parts.

To determine the type of motorcycle oil you need, consider the following factors:

The recommended viscosity grade for your motorcycle can typically be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

The viscosity or thickness of the oil is indicated by a numerical value followed by the letter "W" (which stands for winter) on the oil bottle label.

Common viscosity grades for motorcycle oils include 10W-40, 15W-50, and 20W-50.

Motorcycle oils come in different formulations, including conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic.

• Conventional motor oil – Basic mineral motor oil, budget friendly but breaks down faster.

• Semi-synthetic motor oil – A mix of synthetic and mineral motor oil for a balance of affordability and performance.

• Full synthetic motor oil – Offers better lubrication, heat resistance, and longevity.

Check your motorcycle's owner's manual or consult the manufacturer's recommendations to determine the appropriate oil for your bike type.

Motorcycle oils often adhere to industry standards set by organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

The API standards are denoted by a two-letter code, such as:

• API SN

• API SL

• API SM

These indicate the level of performance and protection the oil provides. The SAE standards represent the oil's viscosity grade, as discussed earlier.

Look for these industry standards on the oil bottle label to ensure you choose a suitable oil for your motorcycle.

Pro Tip: Avoid switching lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. The use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine.

Start your motorcycle. Allow it to run for 2-3 minutes. Warm oil will flow more easily and helps flush out contaminants when draining.

Remove the oil cap on the engine to allow air to flow into the engine and facilitate the oil-draining process.

Place an oil catch pan or container underneath the drain plug to catch the old oil. Lay down a protective mat or absorbent material to catch any spills.

Locate the drain bolt on the bottom of the engine oil pan. Loosen and remove the drain bolt carefully using the appropriate socket or box wrench. Warning: used oil will start flowing through drain immediately, avoid direct contact with hot engine oil.

Allow the used oil to completely drain from the engine by letting it flow into the catch pan. Ensure that all the used oil has been drained before proceeding.

Locate the oil filter on your motorcycle, usually near a low point on the engine. Using an oil filter wrench or removal tool, carefully loosen and remove the old oil filter making sure the rubber gasket isn’t stuck to the engine. Be cautious, as more oil may drain from the filter.

Apply a thin layer of new oil to the new motorcycle oil filter's rubber gasket. Install the new oil filter by hand, ensuring it is tightened according to the manufacturer's specifications. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the filter or cause leaks.

If your drain bolt has a crush washer, remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. This helps ensure a proper seal when reinstalling the drain bolt.

Carefully reinstall the drain bolt and tighten it securely, but do not overtighten it. Use a torque wrench, following the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.

Use a funnel to add fresh oil to the engine through the oil fill port. Be careful to fill the right amount, which can lead to performance issues.

Using a clean rag or paper towel, wipe away any residual oil that may have spilled or accumulated on the engine or other surfaces during the oil change process. Be sure that no lubricants or fluids get on tires, wheels or brakes when changing fluid. Traction can be adversely affected. Here’s some tips on how to clean your bike after an oil change.

Double-check that the replacement oil filter and drain bolt are tightened securely. Inspect for any signs of oil leakage around the drain bolt and oil filter.

Once you're confident everything is in place, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to circulate the fresh oil throughout the engine.

Check the oil level using the dipstick or sight glass and add more oil if needed.

Pro Tip: Oil level indication on the dipstick may distinguish between checking the oil level when the engine is hot or cold or whether the motorcycle is upright or on the side stand. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the proper procedure to check oil level.

• Overtightening the drain plug (can strip threads).

• Forgetting to check the oil level after starting the engine.

• Using car oil (can cause clutch slippage in wet-clutch motorcycles).

• Over or under filling the engine for the specified amount of oil due to improper oil level check for engine oil temperature, or motorcycle position, or on an unlevel surface.

To check the motorcycle engine oil, ensure the bike is on level ground, and the engine is cool. Follow the oil level check procedure as outlined in the Owner’s Manual.

Depending on your motorcycle model, locate the dipstick or sight glass on the engine. Remove the dipstick or check the oil level through the sight glass.

Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it, and then remove it to check the oil level.

The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If equipped with an oil level sight glass on the engine, the oil level is generally between the designated range in the sight glass.

The first oil change for a new motorcycle may be within the first 1, 000 miles but generally oil changes are recommended every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, it's best to consult your motorcycle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations for your bike.

The frequency of oil changes varies depending on the motorcycle's make, model, and manufacturer's recommendations. If you operate your motorcycle under adverse conditions (severe cold, extreme heat, very dusty environment, very bad roads, through standing water, etc.), you should perform the regular maintenance intervals more frequently to ensure the safe operation of your motorcycle

Used oil should never be disposed of in regular household waste or poured down drains. It is harmful to the environment.

Instead, take the used oil to a recycling center or an automotive shop that accepts used oil. Many local recycling centers or auto parts stores have collection points for used oil that can be properly recycled.

Synthetic motor oil generally offers better performance, improved lubrication, and higher resistance to heat, making it suitable for high-performance or demanding applications.

Mineral motor oil is less expensive and can be suitable for normal riding conditions.

It's recommended to refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil type.

To top off the motorcycle engine oil, locate the oil fill port, typically on top of the engine. Remove the oil cap and slowly add small amounts of oil using a funnel.

Check the oil level using the dipstick or sight glass to ensure it reaches the recommended range.

Skipping an oil change interval can lead to a variety of problems. Over time, the oil becomes degraded and loses its lubricating properties, resulting in more friction and wear on engine parts.

This can result in reduced engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, overheating, and potentially severe engine damage.

Changing the oil in your motorcycle is a critical maintenance task that helps ensure optimal engine performance, longevity, and overall reliability.

Following the proper steps and guidelines for changing motorcycle oil, you can maintain a healthy engine and enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.