Motorcycle Maintenance 101: Oil Changes

Oil changes are one of the simplest yet most important parts of motorcycle maintenance. Regular oil changes and filter replacements will keep your motorcycle running smoothly and living a longer life overall (not to mention, helping you avoid costly repairs!). You can either take your motorcycle to a trusted shop or perform the oil change yourself. If you have questions, this simple guide will walk you through the importance of oil changes, tips for when to get your oil changed, and the pros and cons of taking your bike to a shop versus doing the maintenance yourself.

Why Oil Changes Are Crucial

• Engine protection. Over time, motorcycle oil degrades and loses its ability to properly lubricate engine parts, resulting in increased friction and heat, and potential wear and tear. Clean oil ensures keeps the engine’s components moving smoothly, reducing the risk of damage and extending engine life.
• Enhanced performance. Fresh oil with the right viscosity and additives ensures smooth engine operation, sharper throttle response, and overall better performance on the road.
• Extended engine life. Routine oil changes help protect critical components like pistons, bearings, and the crankshaft from excessive wear. Keeping these parts well-lubricated prevents costly repairs and delays engine failure.
• Improved fuel efficiency. Old or dirty oil forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption. Fresh oil reduces internal friction, allowing the engine to run more efficiently and use less fuel.
• Better heat control. Engine oil helps absorb and dissipate heat, an ability it loses over time as it breaks down. Regular oil changes help prevent overheating by carrying heat away to keep the engine running at a stable operating temperature.
• Removal of contaminants. As oil circulates, it picks up combustion byproducts, dirt, and tiny metal particles from engine wear. In harsh conditions or with delayed maintenance, these can accumulate into harmful sludge pushing through your engine. Fresh oil flushes out contaminants and keeps the engine clean and running smoothly.

Signs Your Motorcycle Needs an Oil Change

• Cloudy or milky oil. Water contamination, possibly from a failed gasket, loose oil cap, or exposure to water, is extremely harmful to your engine. If you notice cloudy or milky oil in your motorcycle, get your bike to a service technician as soon as possible.
• Dark, thin, or thick oil. Fresh oil is typically a clear, amber colour. As it ages and collects contaminants, it darkens and loses its ideal viscosity. If the oil on your dipstick is dark, unusually thick or thin, it’s likely time for an oil change.
• Burnt or unfamiliar smell. A burnt smell coming from the oil in your engine could signal overheating or worn clutch components (especially in bikes without a separate transmission case). In either case, it’s worth having the motorcycle inspected.
• Low oil level. A noticeable drop in oil level may mean the engine is burning oil or there’s a leak. Topping off isn’t enough – an oil change may be needed to restore proper lubrication and investigate for further issues.
• Rising engine temperature. Oil plays a vital role in cooling the engine. If the oil is degraded or insufficient, the engine can overheat. Consistently high engine temperatures are a red flag and should not be ignored.
• Louder or harsher engine noise. When oil breaks down, it no longer cushions internal components effectively. This can result in louder engine noise, increased friction, and potential wear from metal-on-metal contact.

Pros and Cons of Shops Vs Self-Servicing

Performing an oil change service on your motorcycle yourself can be a simple task if you know what you’re doing, but there are some factors to consider that you might not have thought about – like what you’re going to do with all that dirty oil you’re left with. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of taking your bike to a shop versus self-servicing.

Taking Your Bike to a Shop

Pros:

• Professional expertise. Experienced technicians know exactly what to look for and are trained on the proper procedures, significantly reducing the chance of mistakes that can damage your bike.
• Time saving. You can drop your bike off and get on with your day – no need to spend your own time or get messy.
• Thorough inspection. Many shops include basic inspections during oil changes (checking tire pressure, brakes, chain tension, leaks, etc.), meaning you catch and correct issues earlier before they get worse.
• Proper disposal of oil. No need to worry about disposing of used oil and filters – the shop will handle it responsibly.
• Record keeping. Service history is documented, which can help with warranty claims or resale value.

Cons:

• Cost. You’ll pay more for labour and shop materials than if you do the oil change yourself.
• Wait times. Appointments can be delayed, especially during busy seasons, or you might need to leave your bike overnight.
• Less control. You’re trusting someone else to do the job correctly in an unfamiliar space. If you like to know exactly what’s happening to your bike at all times, this may make you uncomfortable.

Doing It Yourself

Pros:

• Cost effective. You’ll save money by only paying for oil, a filter, and basic tools.
• More control. You know exactly what oil and filter you’re using, and how everything is done.
• Learning experience. Building mechanical knowledge and valuable skills will give you the confidence to handle other simple maintenance tasks.
• No appointment needed. Do it on your own schedule.

Cons:

• Initial tool investment. If you don’t already have a toolbox full of tools in your garage, you may need to buy a drain pan, a torque wrench, a funnel, and more. You’ll need stands for your bike, too.
• Messy and time consuming. Oil changes can be messy and take longer if you’re new to it. There goes your Saturday.
• Risk of errors. Over-tightening the drain plug, using the wrong oil or filter, or underfilling can all cause damage to your bike’s engine.
• Waste disposal responsibility. You can’t pour used motor oil down the sink, unless you want to destroy your plumbing and pay the legal consequences. You’ll need to find a proper facility to dispose of used oil and filters.

Whether you decide to take your bike to a shop or do it yourself, oil changes are a critical maintenance task to maintain a healthy engine and enjoy a smoother riding experience. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form here. You can book a service appointment here, or sign up for our newsletter here to be the first to know when we have sales on our oil change services.

Ride safe!