How to Change Motorcycle Oil
Keeping your oil clean is part of motorcycle maintenance and adds to the longevity of your bike. Set aside an hour or so to change your motorcycle oil. Learning how to change motorcycle oil is simple and becomes routine after you have done it once or twice.
Things You'll Need:
- Funnel
- Rag
- Oil
- Oil filter wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Socket wrench
- Container for oil disposal
- Oil filter
- Crush washer
- Bucket
Look for bike tools underneath the bike seat or in your toolbox for removal of fairing that may block the front of the engine.
Drain the oil by unscrewing the cap to the oil filler using pliers or fingers.
Use a socket wrench to remove the oil plug. Position a tub or bucket to catch the oil.
Replace the old crush washer with the new one in the bike's oil drain plug. Wipe the oil off the drain plug.
Unscrew and remove the oil filter including the O-ring. Take the mesh filter off the engine casing and clean it with a rag.
Insert the new oil filter onto the engine case. The O-ring needs to be lubricated with motor oil before placing the filter onto the engine case. Always tighten the filter by hand. Tools may damage the ring by over tightening.
Clean the drain hole with a rag and mesh filter hole after all the oil has been drained out. Screw the mesh filter and oil drain plug back onto the engine casing by hand and then screw on your oil filler cap.
Check the oil capacity of your bike in your owner's manual to determine how much oil is needed. Add fresh motor oil to the engine. Use a funnel to pour the old oil from the bucket into a clean milk jug and dispose of it at a recycling center or automotive garage.
- Start the motorcycle and let the engine idle for a couple of minutes and shut it off. Wait a few more minutes and look into the oil window found on the crankcase side while holding the bike level. The oil should register even against the centerline. Add more oil if needed.