Maintenance Routine Beginner
Oil and Filter Change: Universal Guide
🔧 Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
🔧 Tools Required
- • Drain plug wrench (size specific to your plug)
- • Oil filter wrench
- • Container for used oil (minimum 4L)
- • Funnel
- • Clean rags
- • Nitrile gloves
📦 Parts/Materials
- • Engine oil (amount per specification)
- • New oil filter
- • New drain plug washer (recommended)
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- ! Never work with a hot engine - risk of severe burns
- ! Dispose of used oil at an authorized recycling center
- ! Wear safety glasses - hot oil can splash
Difficulty Level Easy
Easy Moderate Hard
Oil and Filter Change: Complete Guide
The oil change is the most important maintenance you can do to extend your engine’s life.
How Often to Change Oil?
| Oil Type | Interval |
|---|---|
| Mineral | 3,000 - 5,000 km |
| Semi-synthetic | 5,000 - 8,000 km |
| Full synthetic | 8,000 - 15,000 km |
Step 1: Preparation
Warm Up the Engine
- Start the bike and let it warm for 3-5 minutes
- Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants
- Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes before draining
Step 2: Drain the Used Oil
- Position the motorcycle upright
- Locate the drain plug (bottom of the crankcase)
- Place container under the plug
- Loosen the plug counterclockwise
- Let it drain completely (minimum 10-15 minutes)
Step 3: Change the Oil Filter
Cartridge Type (External)
- Locate the filter (side of the engine)
- Place rags underneath
- Turn counterclockwise
- Clean the sealing surface
- Apply new oil to the new filter’s gasket
- Tighten by hand + 3/4 turn additional
Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug
| Typical Size | Torque |
|---|---|
| M12 | 20-25 Nm |
| M14 | 25-30 Nm |
| M16 | 30-35 Nm |
⚠️ Don’t overtighten - you can damage the crankcase threads
Step 5: Add New Oil
- Remove the filler cap
- Use a clean funnel
- Add 80% of the specified amount
- Wait 2 minutes
- Check the level with dipstick or sight glass
- Add the rest gradually
Specifications by Brand
| Brand | Specification | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | JASO MA/MA2 | 10W-30 or 10W-40 |
| Yamaha | JASO MA | 10W-40 |
| Kawasaki | API SL or higher | 10W-40 |
| Ducati | Shell Advance | 15W-50 |
| BMW | JASO MA2 | 5W-40 or 10W-40 |
Pro Tip: Keep a log of each oil change with date, mileage, oil brand/type, and filter used.