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21 May 2025 (updated) How to change the oil on a motorcycle: frequency and required tools
How often does motorbike engine oil need to be changed?
Cars are complex machines, and changing the oil and many other tasks is increasingly a professional's job. The good news is that motorcycles are comparatively straightforward, and you should be able to change the oil yourself. Please read our guide to find out all you need to know about how to buy engine oil for motorcycle and when to change it.
How many miles until I need to change the oil on a motorcycle?
A bike using semi-synthetic motor oil can last between 5,000-8,000 miles, but engines using fully synthetic motor oil can expect to last approximately 7,000-10,000 miles. Regardless of the mileage, you should schedule an oil change interval at least annually.
The important thing is that it must be motorcycle oil and must not contain any additives (i.e. no additives). Otherwise, the parts of a motorcycle engine will become damaged over time. Also, pay attention to the relevant standards. If you are unsure, ask a specialist workshop.
Changing your oil is easy to do and saves you time and money.
We've broken down the procedure into step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners and pros alike.
Before you begin, you will need to gather some essential items, and you will need to know what type of oil is best for your motorcycle. Always consult your owner's manual to ensure that you have the appropriate tools in all circumstances.
Motorcycle oil change tools
Cover your garage floor with a large cloth if you don't have a workshop. Then it's not so bad if oil splashes next to it.
You will need:
- Oil sump or collecting basin - do not use an old bowl; it may not fit under the bike or may not have enough volume. It is easier to work with professional materials.
- Torque wrench
- Strap wrench
- Brake cleaner
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Clean rags and gloves
- A motorcycle lift table is also recommended to position the motorcycle at a height where its elements are more easily accessible.
Pro tip
You might be tempted to ride your motorbike for ten minutes to heat the oil, making it flow faster. However, if you are a beginner, we recommend that you first change your oil a few times when cold to familiarize yourself with the manoeuvre and thus avoid the risk of burning yourself.
Let's get started
- Before you start, make sure the area where you will change the oil is clean and free of dust and other contaminants.
- Next, remove any items blocking access to the drain plug and filter (on some bikes, you may need to remove the footpeg or fairing).
- Once you have cleared access, place your drain pan under the drain plug to collect the used oil. Using your wrenches, remove the oil filler cap, then pull the drain plug.
- While the old oil is draining, remove the old filter. If your motorcycle is equipped with a spin-on oil filter, unscrew the filter. If it is not possible to remove it by hand, invest in a special motorcycle oil filter removal tool. If your motorcycle has a canister oil filter, the tools and procedures needed to remove it can be trickier, so consult your user manual.
- Using a clean rag, wipe down the engine area where the oil filter seal makes contact. Then carefully use your finger to spread some of the new oil on the gasket. This manoeuvre will help seal the assembly with flexibility. Install the new oil filter for motorcycle by hand if it is equipped with a spin-on oil filter. The filter should be tight enough but not so tight that it can still be removed by hand. If your motorcycle is equipped with a canister oil filter, you may need specific tools to reinstall the oil filter cover.
- Let the used oil flow out until the flow reduces to a trickle. Expect this to take 5-10 minutes. Screw the drain plug back on—hand-tighten first to reduce the risk of cross-threading. If you feel resistance before screwing on a significant portion of the cap, unscrew it and try again. Once the cap is sufficiently engaged, use a torque wrench that meets the manufacturer's torque specifications to tighten it securely. If you don't have a torque wrench, use a pipe or socket wrench to tighten the cap an additional quarter to half turn. Don't overtighten.
Tip:
Cheap oil is a false economy so buy the premium version.
- To fill your oil tank, check your owner's manual to determine how much oil is needed. Next, pour in the largest amount of oil using the funnel. Make regular stops to check the oil level. Depending on the motorcycle in question, you can check the oil level either via a sight glass located on the side of the engine or via an oil level dipstick. Make sure the motorcycle is level when you check the oil. Add enough oil to bring the level between the "Add" and "Full" marks on the sight glass or dipstick. If the level is above the "Full" mark, return to step 3 to drain the excess oil.
- Once the reservoir is full, replace the filler cap and clean the surface. Note: You must discard the old oil - you can fill it in the new oil's canister. Make sure to properly dispose of your used oil and filter properly (many municipal landfills or auto parts stores will dispose of your used oil for recycling). Run the engine to check for leaks, then double-check your oil levels. Add or remove oil as needed.
And that's it! A job well done and time for a well-earned cup of tea. With a bit of practice, changing your motorcycle's oil turns out to be a quick and easy operation, which you can do in the comfort of your own garage.
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