I bought a motorcycle (really a maxi-scooter but it’s 300cc so it’s a motorcycle) last year and finally hit over 1000 miles. That means I need an oil change. That’s also when I found out it’s hard to find a motorcycle shop where I live.
Either the shops had terrible reviews, the owners had multiple complaints of anger issues over the years, or they didn’t exist anymore. The most common advice I got was to learn how to do my own basic maintenance or go back to the dealership.
I’ve done some work on cars before so I thought I’d take a swing at it. Oil changes on cars aren’t very hard so I went through a similar checklist for the motorcycle and it was pretty close.
Start with the manual
Knowing which type of oil to use is important or else you can mess up the whole engine. There are some standard types for motorcycles, but I found out mine used a different one. I’ve been burned a lot from not reading manuals or docs before starting.
There will probably also be pictures or some high-level instrustions for you to start with. It would have taken longer to find the oil drain plug if I hadn’t seen the manual first. By knowing what to expect, combined with car knowledge, I felt like I had a good plan.
Gather up the tools
Nothing’s more frustrating than to get into a groove and realize you need that other socket size, but you left it because there’s no way you need that one. Just take everything you might need, like:
- Different sized sockets
- A screwdriver
- A small container to hold screws, washers, and other parts
- The new oil and a crush washer replacement
- Gloves
- Towels
- A funnel
- A container to catch the old oil
- A bag for trash
Pay attention to the order you do things
For any bolts, it’s worth drawing a mark on the head and a spot around the hole before you start untightening them. That way you know when you’re back to the original starting point when tightening. This is particularly useful so you don’t over-tighten the drain plug.
As you take the drain plug out, note if there is a crush washer and where the oil filter is. I was really surprised to find a little reusable metal mesh filter tucked in where the drain plug is. Now stop. Do you remember where you put the oil cap?
Maybe. But don’t lose track of it in the process. That’s what you brought that small container for, so you can put all the pieces in it. Having all the parts in one convenient, specific spot helps keep future you from panicking later.
Clean as you go
Just like in the kitchen, it’s easier to clean as you go than to wait until the end to clean everything. By then the dirt could have settled and it’ll be a lot harder to scrub. When you take the oil filter out, regardless of what type it is, go ahead and clean it or have the replacement close by and throw away the used one.
Wipe off the oil cap and the drain plug and coat them with the new oil before you put them back on. If you want to be extra cautious while the oil drains, put some cardboard under the oil catch container so it doesn’t leak anywhere.
Take a quick look through the trash bag before you toss it. When you’ve experienced “losing” a part and having to wait until the next morning to find out the store doesn’t open until Monday and now you’re digging through a trash can looking for a bolt, this will be second nature.
Test it out
Everything’s back in place, sealed up, and the oil’s full. Turn the engine on for the moment of truth! Let the bike idle for a bit to check for any obvious leaks and warning lights. After a few minutes of that, take it for a ride around the block. If nothing’s blown up or fallen apart, you’re probably good to go!
I usually go back home and check the oil cap and drain plug one more time to make sure there aren’t any leaks and the oil is at the right level. But you’ve already driven it and revved it up a bit. It’s fine.
Do a last check
Look around work area and see if you notice anything out of place. All of the tools you used should be put back up and the trash should have been double checked. Just to be sure that the oil is flowing like it should, go for a ride. 30 minutes, minimum.
It’s for super motorcycle technician reasons. Not just because it’s a nice day and you have that aura of success about you.