How much money have you spent on mechanic’s fees since buying your first motorcycle? Most motorcycle owners take their vehicle for a service at least twice a year, and it can cost up to hundreds of dollars a time. One great way to reduce the number of trips that you take to the mechanic is to learn how to change the motor oil yourself. In this blog, your local Amsoil Dealer – 109 Autosolutions have put together a simple guide to show you how to do it.

All owner’s manuals will have a recommended frequency with which they tell you to change the oil. However, this is usually an overestimation, so that motorcycle owners do not leave it too long between oil changes. You can check if your oil needs to be changed simply and easily at home.

Fresh engine oil should be clear, runny, and golden. Over time, the oil collects dirt and dust particles, as well as corrosive substances. It begins to breakdown, and become thicker and darker in appearance. If your oil is dark brown and viscous, it is time for a full oil change. Synthetic oils are developed by scientists to perform better in terms of lubrication and protection from wear than conventional oils. Contact your local AMSOIL Dealer – 109 Autosolutions today to find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in your bike.

Preparation

Once you have checked the engine oil and discovered that it is time for a full oil change, you will need to find out what kind of oil filter your particular engine uses, and purchase a new one along with its specialist wrench. You will also need a wrench to remove the waste nut, newspaper to protect the floor, and a container to hold the old oil that you will remove from the system. Run the engine for a few minutes, before shutting it off and placing your motorcycle on a stand, on a level surface. This helps to make the existing oil runnier so that it can be removed from the circuit more easily. Place newspaper on the floor, and place the container to collect the oil underneath the reservoir.

Locate the waste nut (look in your owner’s manual if you are unsure). Remove this using a wrench, being careful not to touch is at is may be hot. Take out the plug and allow the oil to drain out for at least a few minutes. You should check that the plug is in good condition, and clean it before re-inserting it. Next, locate the engine oil filter (again, using your owner’s manual). Remove this using the specialist wrench and replace it with a new one. Add a little oil to the seal to reduce the risk of leakage. Make sure to take the old oil that you have removed to a specialist disposal facility. Do not pour it down the sink or drain as this will cause damage to your pipes.

Add a high-quality synthetic motor oil to the circuit using a funnel. It is important not to overfill the circuit with oil as this can cause damage. You can avoid this by consulting your manual to find out the recommended amount to add. You should also stop regularly and check the level as you go along. Once you have finished, screw the plug back in and check that all components are where they should be. Turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes to spread the new oil around the system. After doing this, you may need to top up with a little more oil. By following this quick and easy guide, you can reduce your visits to the mechanic, saving you time and money.

The best way to prolong your engine’s lifespan is by investing in a superior quality, synthetic engine oil that will protect it from friction and rust. Contact your local AMSOIL Dealer – 109 Autosolutions today to  find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change and how synthetic oil can extend the frequency of your oil changes.