How often should you change the oil in a Motorcycle?

Answer 1

I run synthetic oils in my motorcycles, and normally change oil and filter at about 6000 miles. Transmission and final drive (shaft drive) are changed every second oil change. If you can't ride year-round where you live, then it's also a good idea to do a full service, including an oil change before putting the bike up for the winter.

Other service to consider...

Battery... Check at least once a month, and add distilled water if needed.

Brake fluid (and clutch fluid, if equipped with hydraulic clutch)... Flush system and fill with new fluid every two years.

Antifreeze (if bike is liquid cooled)... Every 24000 miles, or two years, whichever comes first. Replace with a 50/50 mixture of a good quality antifreeze and distilled water.

Air Filter(s) Depends on riding conditions, but street bikes should change every 12000 miles. Dirt bikes, inspect frequently and change as needed.

Fuel filter(s) if equipped... Same as air filters.

Chain lube... At least weekly, or after washing or riding in the rain.

A clean bike is a happy bike! You don't have to wax and buff it after every ride, but at least wash it once in a while and get rid of the mud and dead bugs!

Answer 2

On a new bike, get your first one at 100 miles. During the "break in" period, there will never be as much crap floating about in the oil as there is after this short time.

After that, I like to get mine done every 1000 miles, but I have a service contract that includes unlimited oil changes. With my old bike, I used Bel-Ray semi-synthetic every 3,000 mi.

Sure, it seems like the dealers rip you off, but you have to realize that motorcycles do not have separate transmissions like cars do. The engine and tranny use the same oil, and internal combustion makes the oil very acidic. You don't want that crap eating your engine AND gears, do you? Motorcycle oil contains special additives that neutralize more of those acids so your bike runs better.

A wet clutch also runs in the same oil bath, so bike oil also has certain friction modifiers to keep your clutch plates from sticking together as well. You can use automotive motor oil in a pinch, but the bike won't FEEL right.

To do it yourself, a gallon of Bel-Ray semi-synthetic will run you about $25, but the filters are still dirt cheap. Again, motorcycles use the oil for both the engine and transmission, so a sportbike can take as much as 4 quarts to fill. But you know what you put into the bike, when you did it, and can be assured that you did the job right.

Answer 3

The standard oil change intervals depends on the oil you use. In my 84 Shadow I change oil every 2500 miles, this is because the oil I use in it is a petro base 10-30. This bike has 125,000 miles and I have never had to crack the top on it as of this date. My Harley calls for a change every 5000 miles. In this one I use a synthetic oil that does not break down as fast as petro based oils do, how ever I change the oil on it at about 4000 miles. If you are starting the bike for the first time of the year I usually start it and run it for about 5 minutes at idle speed. I then turn it off and change the oil and filter. This will clear any "gunk" and start the season with fresh oil. One more note if you are using a petro based oil do not switch to syntec oil. The techs that I know all agree that the bikes do not respond well to the change.

One more note, an oil change on my Harley isn't cheap when the oil cost $9.00 a quart and it uses 3 quarts, plus filter cost.

Answer 4

Most motorcycle manuals will suggest about every 3000 miles but it depends on what conditions you ride in (short trips are harder on engine oil than long ones - doesn't stay at operating temp long enough to burn off condensation).

It is also a good idea to change the oil before storing your bike for the winter (if you're in a location that has harsh winters and you won't ride for a while).

Changing the oil in a motorcycle is cheap and easy to do yourself (filter is usually less than $10 and the cost of a couple quarts of oil.) To me it seems worth it to do it frequently and keep the bike in good shape.

Answer 5

You should change the oil in a motorcycle at least once a year.
Good Luck Hope this helps.

Answer 6

actually it depend on the type of the vechile u r using and the oil also as u get a manual with ur bike u can get the correct details in that as the company gives the correct information abt their product released i got a bike and i change oil for every 2000 or 2500 km

Answer 7

Very first oil change is at 500 miles, after that, ever 5k for HD, for any 2 stroke or higher rev. engine every 2500 miles.

Answer 8

i don't care what anyone says about the dealer after your first oil change at 1000 miles you should change it every 3000 miles no matter what

Answer 9

I change mine every 3K miles in my car. I ride my bike harder than my car, plus my bike's engine works a lot harder than my car's. I tend to change mine more frequently then the book tells me. If you ride a cruiser, every 3K miles is fine. If you ride a sport bike, and ride it hard once in a while, I would change it every 1500 or so miles. Good lubrication is essential to engine longevity and performance.

Answer 10

You should run new oil through your bike every 2,000 miles if it is a sports bike. They run very high RPMS and oil is your motor life. Do you HAVE TO...no. But SHOULD YOU...most definitely.