How to change motorcycle oil: step-by-step full guide

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Featured image for 'How to Change Motorcycle Oil: Step-by-Step Full Guide' showing a motorcycle on a two-legged stand with a bucket underneath, essential tools for changing oil arranged neatly, and the oil lid being opened with pliers. The background is light to highlight the motorcycle and tools.

Knowing how to change motorcycle oil is one of the easiest and most useful skills for any rider.

Whether you’re using your motorcycle to get around every day or just enjoying it on weekends, keeping it well-maintained is important.

Changing the oil is a simple way to keep the engine running smoothly and avoid big problems down the road.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step to change your motorcycle’s oil, so it’s always in great shape and ready to go whenever you are.

 

How to change Motorcycle Oil

Changing motorcycle oil is a very easy way.

First, let’s identify the tools required to replace oil.

Tools required for changing motorcycle oil, including cotton gloves, pliers, a bucket, a bottle of new oil, a spanner, and a funnel, neatly arranged on a flat, light-colored surface.
Essential tools for changing motorcycle oil: cotton gloves, pliers, a bucket, a bottle of new oil, a spanner, and a funnel, all neatly arranged on a light-colored surface.
  1. Before we dive into the oil change, let’s gather the tools you’ll need. Here’s a quick list:
    • Cotton gloves – These help keep your hands clean and protect against hot oil spills.
    • Pliers – Useful for opening the oil reservoir cap if it’s tightly sealed.
    • Bucket or tray – Place this under the bike to catch the draining oil and avoid any mess.
    • New oil bottle – Make sure to choose a high-quality oil that’s right for your motorcycle’s engine.
    • Spanner or wrench – This will help you open the drain plug. An oil filter wrench might also be handy if your motorcycle has a tight oil filter.
    • Funnel – Helps pour the new oil into the engine smoothly without any spills.

Now, let’s get started with changing the oil. But first, make sure your motorcycle is parked on a level surface and standing upright on its two-legged stand. This will help the oil drain properly.

Motorcycle placed on a two-legged stand with a bucket positioned underneath to catch the oil, showing the correct setup for an oil change.
Motorcycle on a two-legged stand with a bucket underneath, properly positioned to catch the oil during an oil change.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Did You Know?
Warming up your motorcycle for a few minutes before changing the oil thins the oil, helping it flow out faster. This makes sure you’re draining as much old oil as possible for a cleaner refill!

  1. Warm up the engine – Start your motorcycle and let it run for a few minutes. This will warm up the oil, making it thinner and easier to drain. Just be careful, as the oil can get hot!
  2. Clean the area around the drain plug – Take a cloth and wipe the area around the drain plug to remove any dirt. This helps prevent dirt from falling into the engine when you open the plug.
  3. Place the bucket or tray underneath – Position your bucket or tray right under the drain plug to catch the oil as it drains. This will keep things neat and save you from cleaning up a mess later.
  4. Open the drain plug – Use your spanner to loosen and remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain completely into the bucket. It’s a good idea to tilt the bike slightly to make sure all the oil flows out.
  5. Replace the drain plug – Once the oil is fully drained, screw the drain plug back in securely. Be careful not to overtighten it, as this could damage the threads.
  6. Pour in the new oil – Use the funnel to pour in fresh oil. Check the recommended amount in your motorcycle’s manual and avoid overfilling.
  7. Check the oil level – Once you’ve added the oil, check the level using the dipstick. Make sure it’s at the right level according to your motorcycle’s guidelines.
  8. Run the engine – Start the motorcycle again and let it run for a minute. This helps the new oil circulate through the engine. Afterward, check the oil level one more time and top it up if needed.
Close-up of a hand using pliers to open the engine oil lid of a motorcycle, with a cloth being used to clean the inside of the lid to prevent dirt from entering.
Close-up view of using pliers to open a motorcycle’s engine oil lid, while cleaning the inside of the lid with a cloth to ensure no dirt enters

After completing the steps to drain the old oil, we’ll move on to preparing the engine for fresh oil.

  1. Flush the engine (optional but recommended) – Before pouring in new oil, it’s a good idea to flush the engine. Using an engine flusher helps remove any leftover residue or buildup. Simply add the flusher, run the engine briefly, and then drain it out. This keeps the engine cleaner for the new oil.
  2. Open the oil lid and clean it – Use pliers to carefully open the oil lid. Once it’s open, take a clean cloth and wipe the inside of the lid. This step prevents any dust or small particles from getting into the engine.
  3. Place the funnel over the oil opening – Position the funnel over the engine’s oil opening. This helps you pour in the new oil without any spills or mess.

Now, you’re ready to add fresh oil and finish the process smoothly.

Image of someone pouring a bottle of flusher into the engine opening of a motorcycle, with the flusher bottle clearly labeled and the engine area visible.
Pouring flusher into a motorcycle engine, with the bottle clearly labeled and the engine opening in view, focusing on the action of pouring.

Now, after putting in the flusher, you place the tray under the engine of the motorcycle.

Now, there will be a nut at the bottom of the engine’s oil console; open it with the help of a spanner.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine’s drain plug being opened with a spanner, with oil draining into a tray placed underneath. The spanner is turning the nut, and the oil flow is clearly visible.
Close-up view of opening a motorcycle engine’s drain plug with a spanner, showing oil draining into a tray below, focusing on the spanner, the flowing oil, and the tray

Nut releases, oil empties completely. Handle extracted oil with caution. This step helps determine the timing of the next oil change.

Lean the motorcycle to ease oil drainage. This will remove the old oil from the engine’s console corners.

After confirming that you drained the oil, reattach the nut you opened at the bottom, and close the drain.

Move the oil-drained tray from the bottom to another location.

Now open the lid of the oil near you and reading its specifications will increase your knowledge.

Now, put the oil into the engine console using a funnel.

New motorcycle oil being poured into the engine through a funnel, with the funnel securely placed in the engine’s opening and the oil bottle positioned to show the smooth flow of oil. The background is light green
Pouring new motorcycle oil into the engine through a funnel, with the funnel securely in place and the oil flowing smoothly from the bottle. The light green background highlights the pouring action

Remember that a bottle of oil is the same size; if you put in half, it will not be enough.

After pouring the oil, close the engine lid and secure it, but avoid tightening it too much.

Now, your oil has turned into an engine.

After changing the oil, you must make the motorcycle lively. Run it for 15 minutes to heat the oil and let it work.

Top Reasons to Regularly Change Your Motorcycle Oil

The motorcycle is a machine that runs on its engine. The oil in it lubricates the engine, helps it move, and keeps it cool.

As well as:

1. Improves the function of the engine.

Motorcycle oil is vital for lubrication. Without it, the motorcycle won’t run. The engine’s internal components function in harmony. The oil reduces friction between them.

2. Reduces the heat inside the engine.

The engine parts in the motorcycle rub together, causing heat. New oil absorbs this heat and cools the engine.

3. Clean the inside of the engine.

When the engine of the motorcycle moves, all the equipment inside it moves. The engine’s movement causes its parts to break over time. The circulating oil carries these broken parts, cleaning the engine.

4. Reduces the consumption of petrol.

Engine oil depletion halts engine operation. As the motorcycle speeds up, its inefficient engine increases pressure. This causes the motorcycle to use more petrol. So, changing the motorcycle’s oil over time can help avoid high petrol usage.

If the motorcycle’s oil is low, it will lose lubrication. This will reduce the engine’s performance.

So we remove the whole oil and put in new oil so that the engine’s performance is better.

How do you know if the oil in the motorcycle is going to change?

You pay based on your motorcycle use. To know when to change the oil, check the engine oil.

If your motorcycle needs to change oil, when you review the oil,

you will find the following signs:

Comparison of fresh and dirty motorcycle oil side by side. Fresh oil on the left is light in color and clean, labeled 'Fresh' in red text. Dirty oil on the right is darker, with small particles and metal deposits, labeled 'Dirty' in red text
Comparison of fresh and dirty motorcycle oil. Fresh oil is light and clean, labeled ‘Fresh,’ while dirty oil is dark and contaminated with particles and metal deposits, labeled ‘Dirty.’ The image highlights the differences between clean and contaminated oil.
  1. The oil’s color turns dark.
  2. When you look at the oil, you will see clay-like substances or some garbage in it.
  3. The level of oil in the engine will be lower than normal.
  4. The motorcycle’s engine produces scorching heat as you drive.
  5. In the engine, you will get a deep voice or abnormal voice.

Which oil is best to use in the engine of the motorcycle?

Many oils for motorcycle engines are on the market. I will tell you how many types of oil there are. I will explain each oil’s function and benefits.

Three oils dominate the market.

Comparison of three types of motorcycle oil: Mineral Oil, Semi-Synthetic Oil, and Synthetic Oil. Each type is represented by a labeled bottle with descriptions highlighting their key features and uses. Mineral Oil is basic and cost-effective, Semi-Synthetic Oil is a blend with improved performance, and Synthetic Oil offers superior protection and longevity.
Comparison of motorcycle oil types: Mineral Oil (basic and cost-effective), Semi-Synthetic Oil (blended for better performance), and Synthetic Oil (high-quality with superior protection). Each oil type is represented by a labeled bottle with brief descriptions of their features and uses.

There are three main types of motorcycle oils: mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick the right one:

  1. Mineral Oil
    Mineral oil is made from refined crude oil. It’s the simplest and most affordable option, which makes it great for older bikes or engines with lower capacity. Just keep in mind, it doesn’t last as long, so if you’re riding a lot, you’ll need to change it more often.
  2. Semi-Synthetic Oil
    Semi-synthetic oil is a mix of mineral oil and synthetic stuff, giving it a nice balance between performance and price. It offers better protection than mineral oil, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something that lasts longer without breaking the bank. It works well for regular rides and gives a bit more durability too.
  3. Synthetic Oil
    Synthetic oil is fully engineered, meaning it’s made to give you the best protection and last the longest. This is your go-to option for high-performance engines or if you’re riding in really hot or cold conditions. Yes, it’s pricier, but it also means fewer oil changes and top-level engine protection.

Related: How to clean motorcycle engine

FAQs

Q: How often should motorcycle oil be changed?

A: The best way to know when to change your oil is by checking your motorcycle’s manual, as it’ll give you a specific mileage recommendation. Generally, most manufacturers suggest changing the oil every 6,000 kilometers, but this can vary.

If you’re riding frequently or in dusty conditions, you might want to change it sooner. On average, it might take between one to three months to hit 6,000 kilometers, depending on how often you ride.

Q: How can I tell if my motorcycle needs an oil change?

A: There are a few signs to look out for:

  • The oil looks dark and dirty instead of a clear, amber color.
  • You notice your engine is running hotter than usual.
  • You hear unusual engine noises, like knocking or ticking.

Checking these signs regularly will help you stay on top of your oil changes.

Q: Can I change my motorcycle oil myself?

A: Absolutely! Changing your motorcycle oil is a straightforward process that you can do at home with a few tools. It’s a great way to save money and keep your bike in good shape. Just follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Q: What type of oil should I use?

A: The type of oil depends on your motorcycle’s make and model. Generally, you can choose from mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic oils. Check your manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Synthetic oil tends to last longer and is often better for high-performance engines, while mineral oil is more budget-friendly for basic needs.

Quick Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

  • Check oil levels and change the oil as needed.
  • Inspect tires for proper air pressure and tread wear.
  • Clean and lubricate the chain to ensure smooth performance.
  • Test the brakes and check the brake fluid.
  • Make sure all lights and signals are working.

This checklist can be a handy reference to keep your motorcycle running smoothly between rides.

conclusion

Changing your motorcycle oil is one of the best things you can do to keep it running well. Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping the bike clean — it’s the key to a long-lasting, smooth, and enjoyable ride.

Try to stick to a routine, and don’t forget to check in on the other parts of your bike too. A well-maintained motorcycle is a joy to ride.