What happens when you change your bike's oil
An oil change removes the old oil from your engine and replaces it with fresh oil. Over time, oil breaks down from heat and friction, loses its ability to protect metal parts, and collects dirt and debris. Fresh oil clings to engine surfaces, reduces wear, helps the engine run cooler, and keeps moving parts from grinding against each other.
On a motorcycle or scooter, you drain the old oil from the bottom of the engine, replace the oil filter (if your bike has one), and pour in new oil to the correct level. The whole job usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how straightforward your bike's drain plug and filter are to reach.
Key Takeaways
- You will need an oil drain pan, a wrench to fit your drain plug, a filter wrench if your bike has a cartridge filter, and the correct type and amount of oil for your specific model.
- Always drain oil while the engine is warm but not hot, because warm oil flows faster and leaves less sludge behind.
- The oil filter location and type varies by bike — some have spin-on filters under the engine, others have cartridge filters inside the engine cover, and some small bikes have no filter at all.
- Overfilling or underfilling the oil causes engine damage, so check the level with the sight glass or dipstick after you finish, with the bike upright on level ground.
Gathering the right tools and materials
Before you start, collect everything you need so you do not have to stop halfway through. You will need an oil drain pan large enough to hold all the old oil without spilling, a wrench that fits your drain plug (usually 17mm or 19mm on most bikes), fresh oil in the type and weight your owner's manual specifies, and a new oil filter if your bike has one.
If your bike has a spin-on filter (a cylindrical canister that screws onto the engine), you need a filter wrench — a band wrench or cup wrench that grips the filter so you can turn it without your hands slipping. If your bike has a cartridge filter (a flat element inside a cover on the engine), you may not need a special tool, but check your manual first. Some bikes also need a new crush washer for the drain plug, which is a small metal ring that seals the plug. Your manual will tell you whether to replace it each time.
Draining the old oil safely
Start with the engine warm. Ride the bike for a few minutes or let it idle, then turn it off and wait two or three minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely than cold oil. Do not let the engine get so hot that you cannot touch the engine case — you should be able to hold your hand on it for a few seconds.
Place the drain pan under the drain plug. The plug is usually on the bottom or lower side of the engine, and oil will flow out in a stream once you loosen it, so position the pan to catch it all. Loosen the plug with your wrench, then unscrew it by hand and set it aside on a clean rag. Let the oil drain completely — this takes five to ten minutes. While you wait, you can remove the old filter if your bike has one.
Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect it for damage. If the plug has a crush washer, remove the old one and set a new one in place. Screw the plug back in by hand first, then tighten it with your wrench — snug but not so tight that you strip the threads. Most drain plugs need only hand-tight pressure once the washer is seated.
Replacing the oil filter
Not all bikes have an oil filter. Check your owner's manual to see whether yours does and where it is located. Spin-on filters screw onto the engine and look like a small metal can. Cartridge filters sit inside a cover, usually on the side of the engine, and you remove them by unbolting the cover and pulling out the element.
For a spin-on filter, position your drain pan underneath and use a filter wrench to loosen it. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and let any remaining oil drip into the pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag, then explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it another three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct.
For a cartridge filter, unbolt the cover (usually four bolts), lift it off, and pull out the old filter element. Wipe the inside of the cover clean, then insert the new element and bolt the cover back on. Some cartridge filters have an O-ring seal that you should replace each time — your manual will specify.
Filling with fresh oil and checking the level
Pour the new oil slowly into the filler cap opening on top of the engine. Your manual states the exact amount — do not guess. Most bikes hold between 1.5 and 3 quarts, but this varies widely. Pour most of the oil, then stop and check the level before adding the last bit.
Set the bike upright on level ground (not on the kickstand, which tilts the bike). Wait 30 seconds for the oil to settle, then check the level using either the sight glass (a small window on the engine case) or a dipstick (a rod you pull out and wipe clean). The oil should reach the full mark on the sight glass or the top line on the dipstick. If it is below the mark, add a little more oil and check again. If it is above the mark, you have overfilled — drain a small amount into the pan until the level is correct.
Screw the filler cap back on, start the engine, and let it run for 30 seconds. Turn it off, wait a minute, and check the level one more time. The oil circulates through the engine when it runs, so the level may shift slightly. Adjust if needed, then you are finished.
Disposing of old oil properly
Never pour old oil down a drain or into the ground. Oil is toxic to soil and water, and dumping it is illegal in most places. Instead, pour the old oil from your drain pan into a clean, sealed container — an empty oil bottle works well. Take it to a recycling center, an auto parts store that accepts used oil, or a quick-lube shop. Most places take used oil for free, and some pay a small amount for it.
If you replaced the filter, the old filter also contains oil. Let it drain into your pan for a few minutes, then place it in a bag and take it with your used oil. Some recycling centers accept old filters; others do not. Call ahead to ask.
How often your bike needs an oil change
The interval depends on your bike's engine type, riding style, and the oil you use. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation — this is the most reliable guide. Most modern motorcycles need an oil change every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, while some larger bikes can go 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Scooters and small displacement bikes often need changes every 1,500 to 3,000 miles.
If you ride in dusty conditions, in stop-and-go city traffic, or in very hot weather, your oil breaks down faster and you may need to change it more often. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil, so if you switch to synthetic, you may be able to extend the interval — but only if your manual permits it. Always follow what your manual says, not what you think might work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of oil should I use in my bike?
Your owner's manual specifies the exact viscosity and type — for example, 10W-40 conventional or 5W-30 synthetic. Do not use car oil in a motorcycle engine; motorcycle oil has different additives that protect the clutch and gearbox. Using the wrong oil can damage your engine or cause the clutch to slip.
Can I change the oil without warming up the engine first?
You can, but you should not. Cold oil is thick and drains slowly, leaving more sludge in the engine. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely. Warm the engine by riding for a few minutes or letting it idle, then wait a couple of minutes before draining so you do not burn yourself.
What if I spill oil on the engine or frame?
Wipe it up when ready with a rag or paper towels. Oil on hot engine parts can smoke or catch fire. Once the engine cools, clean any remaining oil with a degreaser and water, then dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.
How tight should the drain plug be?
Snug but not forced. If you over-tighten it, you can strip the threads in the aluminum engine case, which is expensive to repair. Once the crush washer is seated, hand-tight pressure is usually enough. If your manual specifies a torque value, use a torque wrench.
Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every oil change. Some bikes allow you to change the filter every other oil change, but check your manual first. A clogged filter restricts oil flow and can damage the engine, so it is safer to replace it regularly.