Regular Maintenance
Motorcycle oil becomes dirty after it's been run through an engine for many miles. It must be changed regularly to keep the engine running properly.
Routine
Try to keep your oil changes are as regular as possible. Sticking to your changing routine is simple and is one of the easiest ways to ensure your bike keeps running smoothly.
Correct Oil Type
Check your user's manual to find the type of oil recommended by your bike's manufacturer. All new motorcycles come with user's manuals. If you don't have the one for your bike, you should be able to find a copy on the internet.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic motorcycle oil benefits include: better fuel economy, more power, less friction, improved temperature control, longer engine life, reduced part failures and more.
Use synthetic oil when you are using the bike under a lot of stress, are not good at following a maintenance schedule, or ride short distances. (always check your owner manual)
Don't use synthetic oil in an older engine.
multi grade oil
Under most circumstances it is best to run a multi grade oil in your motorcycle engine.
Performance Oil
A racing motor oil is recommended, along with more frequent oil changes, if you will be racing your motorcycle at high speeds. You would need the cooling ability to control the high temperatures created in the engine when racing. But for normal recreational riding or commuting, increased performance oil is not necessary.
Detergents
Nowadays you need to use detergent motorcycle oil - the detergents added to the oil helps gather dirt particles in the oil until it gets to the filter. Without it your engine starts to run less smoothly over a longer period of time.
External Temperatures
It's best to always use the same type, brand and grade of motorcycle oil in your engine. The only reason to change would be if you move to a different climate. A heavier grade of oil is recommended for use in a colder climate to improve cold starting ability, while a lighter grade should be fine for a more temperate climate.
Drain oil when hot (normal operation temperature) - it flows better and holds the dirt particles better.
Check oil regularly
Oil gets used in combustion process with two stroke engines - this is normal- so check the oil very often.
Stand upright
When checking oil your bike should stand upright (unless manual says differently) and just dip the stick onto the thread, no need to screw it back in (unless the manual says differently)
Oil filters
Realize they come as two different types - canister filters (when replacing watch the loose springs and bolts),
and spin-on filters.
Filter Change
There is no need to change the oil filter with every oil change - the ratio is 2 changes to one filter. If in doubt always change both.
Over filling
with oil can cause just as much damage as running with too little oil in your engine.
Drain Plugs are often magnetic (enabling them to catch little metal parts in the oil) remember to wipe it clean when servicing.
Motorcycle Oil Buying Tips & Checks
