One problem that motorcycle lovers often encounter is the replacement of motorcycle oil. Especially those who are new to motorcycling, may not know the correct way to change the oil, which may cause them some trouble. Today, we'll share with you how to properly check and change your motorcycle oil and how often it should be changed.
How to check motorcycle oil?
Regardless of what you ride, you need to check your engine oil regularly. That's because every motorcycle engine needs the right oil, in the right conditions, to perform as well as it should, economically and reliably. Fortunately, checking engine oil is a simple task on almost every motorcycle.
Checking motorcycle oil through the inspection window
If your motorcycle style is on the modern side, it will often have an inspection window underneath the side of the engine. You may need to get down on the ground to see inside to get an idea of the oil level and condition of the oil. The check window is marked at the top and bottom, and the engine oil level should be somewhere in between. If the oil level is above or below these lines, you must take immediate action to either drain a little oil or fill it up. If the oil is dark brown or black, you can't see through it, or you see sludge deposits, you must change the oil and filter at this point. Or, if you see metal particles in the oil, this may be an early sign of engine failure. If the oil looks milky white, this usually indicates a coolant leak. In both cases, you should consult a mechanic or repair store to address the problem as soon as possible.
Checking motorcycle oil with a dipstick
Just like checking the oil through the inspection window, first park the motorcycle on level ground and set it up with a center stand or equipment stand. Wait for the engine to cool and allow the oil to flow back into the tank, which may take up to 20 minutes. You will find the dipstick at the bottom of the engine side. Unscrew it by hand counterclockwise and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. Then insert it back into the dipstick hole until it rests against the threads, do not tighten it at this time. Then carefully remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. You should see a lower and a higher mark on the dipstick, sometimes with shaded areas drawn with crossed parallel lines in between. The oil level should be between these two marks. However, if it is below the lower line or above the higher line, some oil needs to be replenished or drained. Assuming the oil level looks adequate, you should also take this opportunity to assess the condition of the oil. It is a good idea to apply a small amount of oil to the seal port before putting the dipstick back on and to take care to avoid mis-snapping the screws when putting it back on.
How to change motorcycle oil?
To change the motorcycle oil, we need to use the following tools: gloves, oil pan corresponding wrench, oil filter wrench, and waste oil collection container.
Step 1: Unscrew the oil pan screw and use the container to catch the waste oil.
Step 2: Wait for five minutes and use the oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter.
Special Note: The oil filter must be replaced for an oil change.
Step 3: Take out the new oil filter, fill it up as much as possible and load it onto the motorcycle engine.
Special Note: This is to allow the engine to get the fastest lubrication effect from the oil in the shortest time possible during the motorcycle oil change.
Step 4: Tighten the oil pan screw and add new oil from the oil injection port.
Special Note: The amount of oil varies depending on the model, and the amount of oil is marked in the engine.
Step 5: After the oil is added, hold the car upright, start the engine, run for one minute, and observe the oil mirror, the amount of oil is in the right position.
Step 6: Tighten the oil port screw, so that the oil replacement is complete.
How often to change motorcycle oil?
Most motorcycles require an oil change every 2,000 to 3,500 kilometers. Oil is called the blood of the engine. If the engine does not have oil, the engine will not run properly. Oil not only plays the role of lubrication in the engine but also plays the role of cleaning, sealing, cushioning, rust prevention, and heat dissipation.
When the engine is running, the oil will form a layer of oil film on the surface of each part in the engine, which can prevent the parts in the engine from direct contact with friction. If the parts in the engine are in direct contact with friction, it will increase the wear and tear of the engine, and also cause the engine to overheat. Long-term use will reduce the performance of the oil, so the oil needs to be changed regularly. When using your car, you must change the oil regularly and replace the oil filter together with each oil change.
The general motorcycle oil change interval is related to the frequency of use of the motorcycle and the quality of the oil you change. If you have just purchased a new motorcycle, the first oil change should be done at 300-500km mileage, and it is best to clean the oil filter at the same time because a new motorcycle has more iron filings at 300-500km, so cleaning it is good for the motorcycle later. The second oil change should be done when the motorcycle has a mileage of about 1000km, and it is easy to change the oil without cleaning the oil filter. After the second oil change, you should change the oil every 1000-2000km. According to the instructions for motorcycle use, the minimum number of oil changes required is two in a year, which you must remember. If you use mineral oil, it is best to change it every 1,500km. If you use fully synthetic oil, the oil change interval can be extended to about 3,000km. Of course, each motorcycle has a different oil standard, so it is recommended that riders do not blindly change the oil standard or model that does not match the model.