To keep your motorcycle’s engine roaring, there are a few basics of routine maintenance to follow, including changing your bike’s oil. How often you change the oil depends on the make, model, and year of your motorcycle, along with how often you ride and the type of oil you use. Generally, you should change the oil at least once a year. You can either take your cruiser to a mechanic to perform the oil change or do it yourself at home. If you decide to handle this maintenance yourself, Cycle Trader has broken down the six steps for changing your bike’s oil.
1. Warm Up the Engine
If your bike’s engine is cold, idle the engine for three to five minutes. Then, turn the ignition off and wait two to three more minutes before checking the oil level and performing an oil change. Warming up the motorcycle before you check and change the oil will help the fluid drain better and faster from the bike.
2. Position Your Motorcycle
To get your motorcycle ready for an oil change, place the bike in an upright position on a firm, level surface. If your bike is tilted to the side, it can result in an inaccurate reading of the oil level.
3. Check the Oil Level
Before you add new oil, you should inspect your engine’s oil level. In fact, you should check your bike’s oil level before each ride.
Different motorcycle models vary on the specifics of checking the oil level. Most likely, your bike’s engine will have oil level markings. Your oil level should be between these upper and lower markings. If the oil level is below the lowest marking, then it’s time for an oil change.
If you can’t see the markings, you can also use an engine oil dipstick to check the levels. Dipsticks also have high- and low-level markings to indicate the oil levels. To do this, place a clean dipstick into the engine and pull it back out. The oil streak on the dipstick will let you know how much oil is in your bike’s engine.
4. Drain the Existing Oil
Avoid a potential mess by placing a drain pan under your bike’s drain to catch any oil that comes out. Remove the drain bolt and gasket to begin draining the oil. You can discard the old oil at an approved recycling center. Many mechanics or auto part stores can also recycle the oil for you if you bring it in.
5. Replace the Oil Filter
Because motorcycle oil filters are not reusable and cannot be fully cleaned, you should replace the oil filter whenever you change your bike’s oil. The oil filter captures contaminants and metal particles, allowing the oil to successfully flow. Maintaining your motorcycle’s oil and filter will help extend the engine life. If you have a spin-on oil filter, you can unscrew and dispose of the old filter and replace it with a new one.
6. Add New Oil
Remove the oil fill cap and pour in your engine oil. As you add the oil, keep an eye on the upper level marking to make sure you aren’t adding too much. Your manufacturer provides recommendations in your owner’s manual for the type of oil to use. Overfilling oil or using insufficient oil can damage your engine, so be sure to pay close attention to the type and amount of oil you use.
Once you add the new oil, place the cap back on the oil tank and you’re ready to ride! Changing your bike’s oil is key to keeping your engine revving for as long as possible. In just six simple steps, you can perform this routine maintenance yourself. Be sure to follow your owner’s manual for instructions on how to properly change the oil and filter for your specific dirt bike, cruiser, or other type of motorcycle.
For more maintenance tips, visit the Cycle Trader blog. And, if you’re shopping for a new or used motorcycle, browse the nationwide inventory on CycleTrader.com.
