Regular oil change for your motorcycle is one of the best ways to keep it running smoothly.
It is a preventive maintenance routine that allows your vehicle to effectively do its job without giving you trouble while on the open road.
However, some motorcycle owners tend to neglect this simple measure and end up having their bikes repaired. It costs them their time, money, and safety, which is avoidable if they conduct oil changes regularly.
This article relays the details of proper motorcycle oil change and how often you should do it.
Why Motorcycle Oil Matters
The engine oil of your motorcycle allows its moving parts well-lubricated. Your engine's internal components need cleaning and protection from wear and tear.
They also need clean and fresh oil for the features to function with ease without dealing with foreign particles that slow down their work.
You can address all these concerns with a consistent oil change.
What Does It Mean to Change Your Motor Oil?
Changing motor oil means removing old and dirty oil and replacing it with a fresh supply. This measure also flushes out foreign matters mixed with the oil, which can be hazardous to your engine.
Your motorcycle oil is not permanent and is replaceable.
Over time, the oil gets dirty and is less effective in lubricating and cooling your engine. It also accumulates metal shavings which can further damage your engine's moving parts.
How Often Should You Change Your Motorcycle Oil?
Now that you already know the use of motor oil, you may ask—how often should i change my motorcycle oil? Motorcycle oil change interval relies on the type of oil you use. If you use semi-synthetic oil or your vehicle, you may change after reaching 5,000 or 6,000 miles.
Fully-synthetic motor oil must be changed after 7,000 to 10 000 miles.
Aside from considering the type of oil you use, you also need to consider how frequently you use your motorcycle.
You must change regularly if you use your bike daily and travel long distances. On the other hand, if you rarely use your vehicle, you can change it twice a year.
What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Oil?
Each type of oil has its purpose. The kind of oil depends on the type of your vehicle, your riding style, and your location’s climate.
Mineral
Mineral oils are refined crude oil that protects your engine and its vital internal parts. However, it is less efficient and may require quicker replenishment.
Although mineral oil is cheaper than other types of oil, it is not as effective with the intensive stress that your engine's components deal with.
Synthetic
Synthetic oils are refined based with lower levels of layers than mineral oil. As they are more chemically based than mineral oils, it allows for more efficient wear and tear prevention even in intensive pressure like high speed and continuous engine use.
Synthetic oils also work better for climates with extreme heat. It does not break down easier and can withstand damage from heat.
Semi-synthetic
Semi-synthetic is a mix of traditional mineral oil and synthetic oil form. It is designed to maximize the benefits of both types of oil while remaining affordable.
Signs Your Motorcycle Oil Needs Changing
It is essential to be aware of the warning signs on your bike, so you can have your motor oil changed immediately.This will lessen the chances of engine damage or vehicle breakdown while riding it.
Consider these telling signs if you are thinking when to change oil in motorcycle.
Low Dipstick
There are bikes with oil windows where you can check them quickly to make sure it does not reach their low level.
Otherwise, one way to check the level of your oil is by using a dipstick, a metal rod-like strip found in your oil pan.
If you have a low dipstick, you definitely need to change the oil to maintain the proper oil level suitable for your motorcycle to run smoothly.
You can use the simple dipstick inspection method to inspect their oil levels before you have a ride.
But before you do this, make sure that you read your owner's manual to determine the right way of checking your oil.
Excess Vibrations
If you notice unusual vibrations from its engine while riding your motorcycle at high speeds, it can be a symptom of dirty oil. The vibration may come from metal parts banging together due to a lack of clean oil.
Loud Noises
Engine oil that is already less slippery and dirty tends to give off alarming sounds from internal components. Metals and foreign bodies may have been rattling together, forming unusual sounds that get louder as you use your bike. With fresh engine oil, your bike sounds calm and clean.
Increase Temperature
Another reason why you need to change motor oil is when your motorcycle has increased temperature when you ride into it.
If your vehicle is hotter than usual, your engine suggests that it can overheat anytime, and you need to change the oil to prevent it.
Engine Seizure
Low oil is a critical threat for your engine's components to rub together and heat up, resulting in your bike's pistons touching your cylinder walls. This can cause engine seizure and failure of transmission.
How to Change Your Motorcycle Oil
Changing your engine's oil is an easy project you can do on your own if you want to save money. But there are measures you need to follow for safety and effective oil change.
Prepare what you need
List down the materials you need for changing the oil and ensure you have them within your reach before you start working.
These are the items you need:
- Suggested type of oil from your manufacturer
- Replacement oil filter
- Motorcycle stand
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Rags
- Torque wrench
- Strap wrench
- Drain plug
- Sealing washers or filler-hole gaskets
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Footwear
Ensure safety in your working area
Find a safe area to work on with a stable ground, less distraction, and away from children and pets. Lay down all your materials on a protective cover such as cardboard or mat.
Ensure that your motorcycle is on the center stand before you work. Carefully read the specific instructions on your owner's manual and follow the guidelines.
Warm your engine
Conduct an oil change when the oil is warm. However, if you just came from a long ride, wait until your engine cools down before you drain the oil. If your vehicle has been sitting around for days, you can warm it for 30 minutes before you start.
Note that this is not the case if you have an air-cooled motorcycle. It does not need warming as the oil tends to drain slowly if it is warm.
Drain the oil
Put the drain pan below the oil drain plug and open it to allow the dirty and old oil to flow.
Replace the filter
While you put fresh oil, you can also replace your old oil filter. Use a wrench to remove the old filter and let excess oil drain into the pain. Once you install the new filter, you can add oil to it for a break-in.
Replace the drain plug
While some can reuse the same drain plug, it is recommendable to use a new one after removing all the oil. Place the new plug in its spot and tighten it with a torque wrench.
Put the right amount of oil
Read your owner's manual for the specific amount of oil recommendation. Just add the right amount of oil and don't overload to avoid spilling and leakage. An overladed crankcase puts pressure on the system.
Check the oil level
After placing the oil, ensure no leakage in the drain plug. Try riding your motorcycle for a few minutes and return to your garage to check if the oil level is the same.
You can also check on the path you took and inspect if there were drops of oil from your system.
What engine oil should I use on my motorcycle?
Older bikes have a design that works with mineral-based motor oil. Using synthetic and semi-synthetic oils for older bikes is not advisable because they may be prone to leaks due to
viscosity.
Meanwhile, if you have a modern motorcycle, you can choose between semi-synthetic and fully-synthetic engine oils.
If you are unsure what to choose, book an appointment at Full Throttle and let our mechanic inspect your motorcycle to determine what you should use.
Should I change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Oil filters trap debris, dirt, and sludges inside your crank base. It helps your oil maintain its cleanliness and long life.On most bikes, the recommended mileage to change the oil filter is every 2,000 to 3,000 miles.
If you use synthetic oil, then you need to change the oil filter along with your change oil routine. It is also better to replace your oil filter with a new one if you frequently travel long distances.
If you are looking for a service provider for oil change for motorcycles in Houston, visit us at Full Throttle. Contact us today to book an appointment with our trusted mechanics.
What Happens If You Don't Change Your Motorcycle Oil on Time?
Changing your motorcycle's oil is a significant step toward maintaining the health of your vehicle.
When you fail to have your old and dirty engine oil replaced, your bike will likely develop a problem in transmission, engine, performance, and fuel economy. It can also lead you to troubles while on the road, such as overheating and engine seizure.
How Much is a Motorcycle Oil Change
The cost of a motorcycle oil change varies depending on your maintenance provider's location and the engine oil type to be used.
The price of oil change does not include additional services such as changing the oil filter and other parts that your mechanic may suggest replacing upon checking.
No matter the cost, spending a few dollars for a regular motorcycle oil change is better than shelling out a considerable amount of money for repairs in the future if you neglect this preventive measure.
To know the cost of a motorcycle oil change, talk to us today, and we'll give you an accurate estimation.
Where to Get Motorcycle Oil Change
A motorcycle oil change can be an easy task in your garage. But if you lack time to check on your engine oil and see if it needs changing, you can always look for a trusted maintenance service provider in Houston to handle the job.
Full Throttle is a reliable motorcycle center specializing in preventive maintenance and repair for motorcycles of any type.
Our professional and highly-skilled mechanics are ready to conduct maintenance services such as changing engine oil, oil filter, tire pressure inspection, and many other routines.
Call us today to book a motorcycle oil change at Full Throttle, and we'll gladly accommodate
your concern.
A safe and smooth ride
Changing your motorcycle's oil is an excellent way to prevent your vehicle from encountering problems while on the road.
This basic procedure can save you resources in the long run. All you need is a trusted routine expert and mechanic who can expertly conduct oil changes on time.
Let us handle your motorcycle oil change at Full Throttle, and you will be guaranteed a safe and smooth ride.