An oil filter tray catches drips when you remove your old filter
An oil filter tray is a shallow pan you place under your motorcycle's oil filter before you unscrew it. When you loosen the filter, oil still inside it drains into the tray instead of onto your engine, frame, or garage floor. It is not a permanent part of your bike — it is a tool you use during the oil change itself, then remove and clean.
Most riders use either a purpose-built motorcycle oil filter tray or a standard automotive drain pan. The motorcycle version is shallower and narrower to fit in tight engine bays. Either one works; the choice depends on your bike's design and how much space you have to work.
You do not need to own one before your first oil change. You can buy one for $8 to $25, or you can use a shallow baking pan, a cake tin, or even a folded piece of cardboard with a plastic bag taped to it. The goal is straightforward: catch the oil so it does not make a mess.
Key Takeaways
- An oil filter tray is a shallow pan that catches oil draining from your old filter during an oil change.
- Motorcycle-specific trays are narrower than automotive drain pans and fit better in tight engine bays.
- You can use a purpose-built tray, an automotive drain pan, or any shallow container you have on hand.
- After use, pour the old oil from the tray into a container for disposal and rinse the tray clean.
Choosing between a motorcycle tray and an automotive drain pan
A motorcycle oil filter tray is designed for bikes and has a narrower footprint, usually 6 to 8 inches wide. It sits flat under the filter and has a pouring spout on one side so you can transfer the collected oil into a disposal container without spilling. Most have a handle or lip for gripping.
An automotive drain pan is wider and deeper — built for cars — but works fine if you have the space. It holds more oil and costs less, but it may not fit under your filter if your engine bay is tight. Check your bike's manual or look at photos of your specific model to see how much clearance you have.
If you change your oil regularly, a dedicated motorcycle tray is worth the small cost because it is faster to position and easier to pour from. If you change oil once a year or less, borrowing a pan from a friend or using a makeshift container is reasonable.
How to use an oil filter tray during an oil change
Position the tray directly under your oil filter before you touch the filter itself. Slide it as close as you can to the engine so the draining oil falls into the pan, not beside it. If your tray has a handle, use it to hold the pan steady with one hand while you unscrew the filter with the other.
Once the filter is loose enough to turn by hand, slow down. Tip the filter slightly so the opening faces down into the tray, then unscrew it the rest of the way. Oil will pour out — this is normal and expected. Let it drain for 10 to 15 seconds, then lift the filter away and set it aside on a rag or newspaper.
After the filter is out, pour the oil from the tray into a container marked for old oil disposal. Rinse the tray with a rag or paper towel to remove any remaining oil residue, then set it aside to dry. Do not pour used oil down a drain — take it to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station that accepts used oil.
Cleaning and storing your oil filter tray
After each use, wipe the tray with a dry rag or paper towel to remove oil. If oil has dried on the sides, rinse it with hot water and a small amount of dish soap, then dry it completely. Store the tray in a dry place — a garage shelf, a tool cabinet, or a corner of your workspace.
If you use a disposable container like a cake tin or baking pan, you can throw it away after one use. If you use a reusable tray, inspect it before each oil change to make sure it is clean and not cracked or dented. A dent that creates a low spot can cause oil to pool unevenly, so replace the tray if it is damaged.
What to do if you do not have a tray
You can improvise. A shallow baking pan, a plastic storage container, or even a large, flat-bottomed bowl will catch oil. Line it with a plastic bag if you want to avoid cleanup — the bag catches the oil, and you can tie it closed and throw it away (or pour the oil into a proper container first).
Some riders place a large piece of cardboard under the filter area and tape a plastic grocery bag to it, creating a makeshift tray. This works in a pinch, though it is messier than a real pan. The point is to contain the oil so it does not run onto your frame or floor.
If you are changing oil for the first time and do not want to buy a tray yet, use whatever you have. Once you see how much oil drains and how your bike's engine bay is laid out, you will know whether a proper tray is worth the investment for your next change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse the same oil filter tray every time I change my oil?
Yes. Rinse it clean after each use, let it dry, and store it in a dry place. A reusable tray lasts for years. If it cracks or dents, replace it — a damaged tray can spill oil and defeat the purpose.
How much oil typically drains into the tray?
Usually 0.5 to 1.5 quarts, depending on your bike's filter size and how long the engine has been running. A warm engine drains faster and more completely than a cold one. The tray should hold at least 2 quarts to be safe.
What is the difference between a motorcycle tray and a car drain pan?
Motorcycle trays are narrower and shallower to fit tight engine bays. Car drain pans are wider and deeper. Both work, but a motorcycle tray is easier to position under a filter on a bike with limited space.
Can I pour used oil from the tray directly into a disposal container?
Yes, most trays have a pouring spout for this. Pour slowly to avoid splashing. If your tray does not have a spout, use a small funnel or pour carefully into a container with a wide opening.
Where do I take used oil for disposal?
Most auto parts stores, quick-lube shops, and municipal recycling centers accept used oil for free. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they accept oil in any container. Never pour used oil down a drain or into the ground.