Check & change your engine oil?

Steps

1. 1
   1

   Warm the engine & gather your tools

   Run the engine for 3–4 minutes so the oil thins and carries more contaminants out with it — warm, not scalding. Shut it off and lay out everything you'll need before you loosen anything: sockets, torque wrench, filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, gloves, rags, the correct grade and quantity of oil, a new filter and a fresh crush washer.

   

   Warning
2. 2
   2

   Position the bike & drain the old oil

   Hold the bike upright and level (centre stand or a paddock stand — never rely on the side stand for an accurate level). Slide the drain pan under the sump, then crack the drain plug loose and remove it by hand for the last turn so it doesn't drop into the pan. Let it drain fully — several minutes.◆2·1

   

   Warning
3. 3
   3

   Remove & replace the oil filter

   Position the pan under the filter (it will dump oil as it comes off) and back the old filter out with the filter wrench. Wipe the mating face clean, then smear a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter's rubber gasket. Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten the manufacturer-specified amount (typically about 3/4 turn more) — over-tightening crushes the gasket.

   

4. 4
   4

   Refit the drain plug to torque

   Fit a new crush washer to the drain plug (re-using a flattened one invites leaks), start it by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to the manufacturer's torque spec with a torque wrench. Wipe the area dry so you can spot any weep later.

   

5. 5
   5

   Fill with the correct oil & check the level

   Add oil through the filler with a funnel, pouring most but not all of the specified quantity first. Wait a minute for it to settle, then check the level via the sight glass or dipstick and top up in small amounts until it reads correctly between the marks. Don't overfill.

   

6. 6
   6

   Run, check for leaks & dispose of the old oil

   Start the engine and let it idle ~30 seconds; the oil-pressure light should go out promptly. Shut off, wait a minute, and re-check the level (it drops as the new filter fills). Inspect the drain plug and filter for leaks. Finally, decant the used oil into a sealed container and take it to a recycling/collection point — never pour it down a drain or into the ground.

   

Fits these bikes

All motorcycles