How Often Do I Need To Change My Motorcycle Oil? (2024)

You're probably aware that your motorcycle needs routine maintenance just like any other motor vehicle. This also entails regular oil changes to ensure your bike performs at peak performance. Though you're fully aware of the importance of oil changes, you might still wonder: how often do I need to change my motorcycle oil? We're here to help answer all your lingering questions and provide you with top-notch maintenance. When the time comes for your routine oil change, schedule an appointment with our service department at Rommel Harley-Davidson® Smyrna!

How Often Do I Need To Change My Motorcycle Oil? (2)

Types of Motorcycle Oils

Figuring out which oil you have is the first determining factor after asking: how often do I need to change my motorcycle oil? Different kinds of oils will require different types of maintenance. First, there's mineral oil. These oils are made from petroleum, and they usually break down at a quicker rate. Mineral oils typically require more maintenance than other oils. Next, there's synthetic oil, which is derived from altered petrochemicals. Synthetic oils usually have fewer impurities than mineral oils because they get filtered out. They also last longer and provide more protection to the motorcycle's engine. Last, we have semi-synthetic oil, a versatile combination of mineral and synthetic oil.

How Often Do I Need To Change My Motorcycle Oil? (3)

Factors to Consider

Other factors that will affect when you'll need an oil change include how many miles are on your bike and the frequency of your riding. These factors are unique to each rider, meaning there is no simplified answer, but there are some general rules on how often you'll need an oil change. Based on your oil type, here is an estimated time you'll need an oil change:

  • Mineral Oil: change every 2,000 - 3,000 miles
  • Semi-Synthetic Oil: change every 5,000 - 6,000 miles
  • Synthetic Oil: change every 7,000 - 10,000 miles

While it's important to look at and monitor the scope of your motorcycle stats, we generally recommend changing out your oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. We can assure you that routine maintenance, check-ups, and oil changes will provide your motorcycle with a healthier, longer life.

Schedule An Appointment

Our first-class Rommel Harley-Davidson® Service Department is filled with factory-trained technicians ready to service your motorcycle and give you an oil change. If you're still unsure when you're due for an oil change, stop by, and we'll take a closer look at your bike. Call or take a trip to Rommel Harley-Davidson® Smyrna to make an appointment for an oil change!

Schedule a Service Appointment

Please email our helpful staff with any questions or comments by using the contact form below or give us a call at (302) 659-6400 or fax to (302) 659-3634.

  • Phone:

    (302) 659-6400

    Address:

    450 Stadium St

    Smyrna, DE 19977

How Often Do I Need To Change My Motorcycle Oil? (2024)

FAQs

How Often Do I Need To Change My Motorcycle Oil? ›

Based on your oil type, here is an estimated time you'll need an oil change: Mineral Oil: change every 2,000 - 3,000 miles. Semi-Synthetic Oil: change every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. Synthetic Oil: change every 7,000 - 10,000 miles.

How often does a motorcycle need an oil change? ›

It is advisable to change the oil in a motorcycle engine that uses semi-synthetic motor oil every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. The general recommendation for those who use fully synthetic motor oil is to change the oil every 7,000 to 10,000 miles.

How often should I check my motorcycle oil? ›

So a weekly oil level check, and a top off whenever necessary, really is a vitally important part of looking after your motorcycle.

How often should I change full synthetic motorcycle oil? ›

Here's a quick guide to how often to change each type of oil, according to Rips and Rides: Mineral-based oil: Change the oil every 2,000 miles or less. Semi-synthetic oil: Change the oil every 5,000-6,000 miles. Fully synthetic oil: Change every 7,000 to 10,000 miles.

How many miles should you change your motorcycle oil for the first time? ›

One of the most important chapters is your maintenance schedule. In that schedule you will see when the manufacturer says to do the first oil change, which is often as early as 600 miles or around 1000 miles. Do it then. Subsequent oil changes will be a much longer intervals.

Can motorcycle oil last 2 years? ›

Shelf life

Mobil claim their oil can be left on the shelf for up to 5 years while Total say 2 years. This doesn't mean Total oil is useless after 2 years, the point is that it would be adding those years onto the time it spends in your engine.

How long should engine oil last in a motorcycle? ›

As a general rule, engine oil must be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometres. At this stage, engine performance will still appear to be normal but not replacing the oil, could result in engine problems later. Daily kilometre readings can be used to determine the right time for changing the oil.

What happens if you don't change the oil on your motorcycle? ›

Forgetting to change the oil can lead to more costs than a regular oil change. The engine may also eventually break down and fail to run. In this article, we will explain why oil should be changed periodically to maintain your motorcycle.

How do I know if my motorcycle needs more oil? ›

Signs That Your Bike Is Low On Engine Oil
  1. If The Oil Indicators Stay On. ...
  2. If it Has Been Sometime Since You Haven't Changed the Oil. ...
  3. If the Bike Engine Makes a Metallic Clattering Sound. ...
  4. The Engine Is Hotter than The Normal. ...
  5. Smell Of Burning Metal While Driving.
Feb 27, 2024

How often do motorcycle tires need to be replaced? ›

Motorcycle tire manufacturers advise that even if a tire has lots of remaining treads, the drying out of the tire's multiple rubber compounds means it will need replacing every 5-6 years. You can find this information as a 4 digit date code located on the sidewall of the tire.

How often should I change my motorcycle spark plugs? ›

When to change motorcycle spark plugs. According to FOD Sports, you should change motorcycle spark plugs every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. If you find your bike is riding rough or misfiring, it may be a symptom of a bad spark plug on your motorcycle, and you'll want to inspect it.

How often should I change my motorcycle air filter? ›

If you are a street rider, most modern bikes have the filter well shrouded, and are good for probably at least 5,000 - 10,000 miles. If you ride in more rural settings, or go off roading at all, they can get dirty a lot quicker. Take it out & look at it. If it looks dirty, replace it.

How long can a motorcycle go without an oil change? ›

While it's important to look at and monitor the scope of your motorcycle stats, we generally recommend changing out your oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. We can assure you that routine maintenance, check-ups, and oil changes will provide your motorcycle with a healthier, longer life.

Does a motorcycle run better after an oil change? ›

Yes, a motorcycle will typically run better after an oil change. Fresh oil lubricates and cools the engine, reducing friction and heat, and improving performance.

How many miles should a motorcycle engine last? ›

Several factors determine how long a motorcycle engine lasts, including the quality of the components, riding conditions, a motorcycle's make and model, and frequency of maintenance. Usually, a motorcycle engine is estimated to last between 50,000-250,000 miles or 12-15 years.

How long can a motorcycle go without oil? ›

The presence of oil and its distribution is absolutely crucial to an engines continued operation. Engines can work without oil, but the effect is so damaging they are only capable of running for less than 30 minutes until failing - and in most cases, it's a lot quicker than that.

How often should motorcycle be serviced? ›

You want your bike to be ride-ready at all times! So how often should you service your motorcycle? You'll need to change your oil and check your chain on a regular basis - every 6 months or 4,000 miles. Your tire pressure should be checked more frequently, at least once a month.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6700

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.