Performing an Oil Change on Your Motorcycle

Whether you drive your vehicle often or not, you will eventually have to have an oil change. You can either take it to a reliable mechanic or you can do it yourself. Doing it yourself is fairly simple, even if your vehicle is a motorcycle. Getting an oil change according to manufacturer's instructions should make your vehicle last longer. If your motorcycle has a carburetor, the fuel can easily become contaminated. So, it is definitely important to make sure that you change your oil often.

Before you start the job, there are several supplies that you will need. These items include a screwdriver, an oil filter wrench to make it easier to change, and the right size crush washer so that it can be replaced. Other useful tools include a good pair of needle nose pliers to make it easier to remove tight fitting oil filter caps, an adjustable socket wrench, clean towels, engine oil, replacement oil filter, and a funnel. Sometimes, the body of the motorcycle is in the way and will have to be partially removed to give you access to the engine. Just keep all the parts in the same place so that they can easily be found when you are ready to put the bike back together.

One of the first things you have to do to perform an oil change on your motorcycle is unscrew the oil filter cap so that the oil will drain quicker. Make sure that you have a pan under your engine so that the oil will drain into it and not on the ground. You will then need to replace the crush washer and the magnetic drain plug.

As the oil drains, remove the oil filter and make sure that the o-ring that gives the filter a secure seal comes off when you remove the filter. If you find some larger pieces of trash in the filter, remove the mesh and wipe it off with a clean rag. Then, using an air compressor, remove the smaller ones so that it is clean.

While the pieces are exposed, it would be a great time to wipe them down to get off any sludge that has built up so that you can have a tighter seal when you put the parts back together. Also, make sure that the o-ring is on properly so that your replacement oil filter will fight tightly.

Once the old oil is completely removed, clean the drain hole with a clean cloth and connect the new crush washer to the plug and screw it back in. Make sure that you know the motorcycle's oil tank capacity before you pour in the oil. Then, put the filter cap on the engine and start it up. Let the engine run for a couple of minutes before shutting it off.

If you don't feel comfortable changing your own oil in your motorcycle, take it to a professionally licensed oil change specialist.