Do you need to change your motorbike oil? The oil in your engine lubricates it, preventing friction and helping to maintain your engine’s efficiency and condition. Your oil should be changed about every 5,000 miles – usually, your local mechanic will advise you when it needs to be done or do it for you when you get your motorbike serviced. However, if you haven’t been able to get to the garage or you fancy having a go yourself, here’s what you need to know.
What you’ll need:
- A sealable container for collecting the used oil
- Rubber gloves
- Funnel
- Correct oil filter for your bike
- Correct oil for your bike
- Socket wrench
- Filter wrench
- Kitchen towel
- First up, you want to warm the engine slightly - this will help you to drain the oil. Go for a little ride, or run the engine for a couple of minutes, then park your bike on a flat surface and let it cool down for a minute or two.
- Next, you want to unscrew the oil cap. You’re now ready to remove the old oil, so place your container below the sump.
- Use the socket wrench to remove the drain bolt. Place your drain bolt down next to the oil cap so you know what needs to go back!
- As the oil drains from the sump into the container, remove the oil filter by turning it anti-clockwise. Now you are ready to clean the oil fill plug and drain plug, and replace the filter gasket.
- Using your funnel, pour a small amount of oil into your new filter, and coat the new gasket in a thin layer of oil.
- Clean your oil fill plug and drain plug, then replace the drain plug gasket.
- Fit your oil filter back into place, making sure that the drain plug is tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended volume of oil and make sure that you have the right type and grade; the wrong oil can damage your engine. Using a funnel, carefully and slowly pour the oil in, a little at a time. Wait two minutes before replacing the oil cap.
- Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes – check the oil levels. If they are still low, repeat the process of topping up oil until your level is correct.
Once you have cleaned up you are ready to go! Changing your oil is essential to keep your bike running smoothly. If in doubt, contact your local garage – an oil change is a relatively quick and inexpensive process that can save you a lot of hassle and expense further down the line.
For more information and advice, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.