How to Change Motorcycle Oil

In an effort to save money, some people are doing more maintenance on their motorcycles themselves, instead going to a motorcycle repair shop. Changing the oil is one thing that most people can manage, even newbies. Depending on the make and model of your motorcycle, it can be a pretty simple procedure, or it can be difficult, because you may have to remove certain parts to get to the oil filter.

Things You'll Need

• Oil
• Filter
• Wrenches
• Drain Pan
• Funnel
• Clean Cloths

Instructions

1. Examine your motorcycle carefully before dissasembling anything. You will need to know exactly where your oil filter housing and drain plug are located. Decide what, if anything, needs to be removed to gain access to these two things. Gather the appropriate size and type of tools to work with.

2. 

   Remove any parts that block access to the drain plug or filter housing. Some require removal of the foot peg, while others may require you to drop the exhaust. The motorcycle should be warm, for good oil flow, but don't run it so long that you will get burned while working.

3. 

   Put the motorcycle on its belly stand or secure it with a motorcycle jack. Place a catch pan under the belly of the motorcycle to catch the oil. Remove the oil drain plug with the appropriate size wrench. While the oil is draining, check the drain plug. Wipe it off with a soft cloth and make sure there are no metal shavings attached to it. Most are magnetized just for this purpose in case you have engine problems.

4. 

   Remove the oil filter-housing cover. A small amount of oil will drip as you do this. Wrap the housing cover in a clean cloth to protect it from dirt and set it in a safe place. Reach inside the cavity and remove the oil filter. Some models may unscrew, while some just slide out. The slide-out filters can be easily removed by putting a finger in the hole of the filter and gently pulling it out. Discard the old filter responsibly.

5. 

   Wipe out the inside of the oil filter housing cavity with a clean cloth and insert the new filter. Some filters came with new O rings to change out the seals on the housing. This is not necessary every time. These O rings are usually generic and may or may not fit your particular motorcycle anyway.

6. 

   Replace the oil filter housing cover and the oil drain plug. Open the oil cap on the motorcycle and fill it with the appropriate weight and amount of oil that your specific motorcycle calls for. A small, clean funnel will help avoid any excess spills. Refer to the owner's manual, if you don't know how many quarts of oil to use, or what weight it should be.

7. Replace any parts that you had to remove. Wipe the motorcycle down to ensure that there is no spilled oil still on it. Start the motorcycle and check for leaks. Discard the used oil in a responsible way. Drain it into jugs and take it to oil collection centers.

Tips & Warnings

• Never run the motorcycle in an non-ventilated garage area. Turn on exhaust fans or open the doors before starting the motorcycle to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.