Checking Your Bike’s Oil

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Check the oil regularly

Low oil levels can seriously damage your bike's engine and be a symptom of some significant mechanical problems so check your oil levels at every 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) and before any long trips.

Any bike engine will consume oil, and all oils will become depleted over time, so you may have to top up with a little fresh oil – or change the oil completely. If you use your engine with low oil levels, or run out of oil your engine will break down!

Is the oil level ok?

Check the oil level through the glass panel on the side of your engine or on the dipstick if your bike has one. The engine oil level should be close to the maximum, but not above. If it is below the minimum mark, top up with extra oil. Keeping the sump topped up will ensure improved cooling and engine protection.

When do you need to change the oil?

The manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change intervals are listed in your bike manual. Most often, these recommendations are measured according to “ideal” riding conditions, and in practice you should match the frequency of your oil changes to your riding.

Riding conditions that require frequent oil changes

* Longer rides with full throttle.

* Dusty or humid conditions.

* Stop-start riding, which puts more strain on the oil than motorway journeys.

* Using poor quality fuel, which can lead to oil contamination and sludge.

Helpful hints

* Keep the oil level close to the ‘max’ (maximum) level;

* Never run below the ‘min’ (minimum) mark.

* More oil in the sump means higher resistance and better engine protection.

* Don’t worry about the engine oil turning black – that means the oil is working well.

* If storing your bike away for a long period, e.g. over winter, change your oil beforehand and run the engine to circulate it. Oil has powerful anti-corrosion additives which fill the total airspace of the engine, and even protects parts not covered with oil.

* Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation in your handbook with regard to oil quality. But note, often the recommendation is a minimum and does not necessarily refer to the best product available.