How to change motorcycle engine oil and do basic service at your own!, by Aakash Dhawan on YouTube. 1 min 39 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 39 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Run the engine for two or three minutes, then switch it off and wait a minute. Warm oil drains better, but hot oil and the exhaust can burn you, so wear gloves.
Park on level ground on the centre stand or a paddock stand. Slide the drain pan under the sump plug.
Wipe the dirt away from around the drain plug. Loosen it anticlockwise with the right socket or spanner, keeping pressure on as the last threads come free.
Let the old oil drain completely, about five to ten minutes. Move the pan aside and spin off the old filter with a filter wrench.
Smear fresh oil on the new filter's rubber ring and fill it part way. Screw it on by hand until it touches, then turn it another half to three quarters.
Refit the drain plug with a new crush washer. Tighten it to the torque in your manual, often around 20 to 30 Nm on a small bike.
Pour in the amount listed in your manual, usually 1.0 to 1.5 litres for a 150 to 200cc engine. Use a funnel so you do not spill.
Hold the bike upright and check the sight glass or dipstick. Run the engine for a minute, switch off, wait, then top up to the upper mark.
Wipe up any spills and check for drips at the plug and filter. Take a short ride and look again.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not overtighten the filter or the drain plug, as this strips threads and causes leaks.
Check the oil level with the bike upright and level, not leaning on the side stand.
Take used oil to a recycling point or garage, never down a drain or in the bin.
Replace the crush washer every time or the plug will seep oil.
Questions
How much oil does a motorcycle need?
Most small bikes take 1.0 to 1.5 litres, but the exact figure is in your owner's manual. Fill to that amount, then adjust using the sight glass or dipstick.
Can I use car engine oil in my bike?
Only if the manual lists the same grade and it is not an energy-conserving car oil. Wet clutches can slip with the wrong additives, so buy motorcycle oil.
How often should I change the oil?
Follow the service interval in your manual, often every 3,000 to 6,000 km. Short city rides and dusty roads mean changing it sooner.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
