The Oil Change And Your Motorcycle

Whether you vehicle is driven often or not, it will need an oil change from time to time. You have a couple of options on how you have your oil change performed. You can either do it yourself or take it to a mechanic that you trust. Changing the oil on your motorcycle is no different and it can be done at home. Following the manufacturer's instructions is the best way to lengthen the life of your vehicle. Because the engine is smaller and usually has a carburetor, it will get dirty easier, causing your oil to need to be changed a little more often.

You will need several tools before you get started. Using the right tools will make the job much easier. You will need a screwdriver; the appropriate size crush washer, and an oil filter wrench so that the filter will come off easier. Other tools that you will need are needle nose pliers, an adjustable socket wrench, some clean towels, new engine oil and a new oil filter, and a funnel to help you get the oil into the tank. Sometimes you will need to take the body of the motorcycle apart so that you can get to the engine. Just make sure that you remember where you put all the parts so that the bike can be put back together easily.

You can't perform an oil change without taking off the filter cap. This helps your oil drain faster. However, before you remove the filter, place an oil pan under the engine so that the draining oil has someplace to go. The new crush washer and the new magnetic drain plug will then need to be put on.

As the oil is draining, you need to make sure the O-ring on the seal of the oil filter comes off clean. Sometimes particles fall into the oil while it is being changed. These need to be removed. To do this, wipe the mesh cover with a clean rag, and then remove the ones that are smaller with an air compressor so that it is completely clean.

While the motorcycle engine is uncovered, it is a great time to clean off any dirt and build up that has gotten on the engine over time so that your seal can be tighter when you put the machine back together. You also want to make sure that you have put the O-ring on right so that your filter will fit as it should.

Once the pan is completely empty, you need to clean the drain with one of the clean cloths and screw the new crush washer on. Before you fill the tank, make sure you know how much the tank holds. You can find this information in your owner's manual. Once the oil is in the tank and the cap is on the engine, you need to start it up to make sure that it runs and everything is lubricating properly.

A mechanic can help you if you don't feel comfortable performing your own oil change on your motorcycle.