Check the level properly
- Put the bike upright on level ground, on the centre stand if it has one, or as the manual says.
- Follow the manual on whether to check with a cold or a warm engine, and wait a few minutes after switching off so the oil settles.
- Read the level in the sight glass or on the dipstick, as the manual describes. It should be between the marks.
- Do not overfill. Too much oil can be as bad as too little.
Use the right oil
- The owner’s manual gives the viscosity grade, for example the numbers such as 10W-40, and the specification the oil has to meet.
- Many motorcycles share the oil between the engine, the clutch and the gearbox. For bikes with a wet clutch, look for oil that is marked with the JASO MA or MA2 rating, since oil designed for cars can make the clutch slip.
- Whether to use mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil depends on the engine and your riding. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Change it on time
The manual gives an interval by distance and by time, whichever comes first. Riding in dust, heat, short trips or hard use can call for shorter intervals. Change the oil filter at the same time, as the manual says.
Signs of a problem
- A falling level between checks can mean burning oil or a leak.
- Milky oil can mean coolant mixing in, and needs a mechanic.
- Metal glitter in the oil or a warning light on the dash needs to be checked straight away.
Dispose of used oil responsibly
Never pour used oil down a drain or onto the ground. Take it in a sealed container to a recycling point, or a workshop that accepts it.
Oil specifications, quantities and intervals differ between bikes. The owner’s manual and your mechanic are the final word.