How to Change Your Motorcycle Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your motorcycle running smoothly and prolonging the engine’s life. Over time, oil breaks down and accumulates debris, reducing its effectiveness in lubricating and cooling the engine. In this guide, we’ll go through the step-by-step process of changing the oil on a Yamaha MT-01, which has a dry sump system and an external oil reservoir. While some aspects of this process are unique to the MT-01, most of the steps apply to other motorcycles as well. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance intervals and procedures.
Step 1: Preparation
Find a suitable workspace – Park your bike on a flat surface and place cardboard or an oil pan underneath to catch any spills. Ensure you have plenty of space to work and adequate lighting.
Ensure the bike is warm – Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil, which makes it easier to drain. However, avoid overheating, as excessively hot oil can cause burns.
Gather your tools and supplies: All Supplies below are for the Yamaha MT-01, you will need specific supplies for your bike
Fresh oil (check your manual for the correct type and amount; the MT-01 uses 20W-40 and requires 4.10 liters)
New oil filter (OEM or aftermarket options are available)
17mm socket wrench ( For the Yamaha MT-01 your bike may differ)
Nitrile gloves and rags for cleaning up spills
Safety goggles to prevent oil splashes
This is the oil and filter for the Yamaha MT-01, please check your manual before ordering what you need
Step 2: Draining the Oil
Put the bike on its side stand – The MT-01 requires oil changes to be performed while on the side stand to ensure all oil drains properly.
Remove the oil reservoir drain plug – This is located on the left-hand side of the bike. Also, remove the filler cap to allow the oil to flow out smoothly, reducing airlocks.
Drain the crankcase oil – Unlike most motorcycles with a single drain plug, the MT-01 has a second plug under the engine. Use a 17mm socket to remove it and let the oil drain completely.
Watch for oil spills – The crankcase drain plug is positioned in a way that causes oil to pour onto the frame. Place rags around the area to minimize mess and wipe away excess oil after draining.
Allow sufficient drainage time – Let the bike sit for a few minutes to ensure all old oil has exited the system before proceeding.
Make sure your bike is on level ground and easy to access
Draing the oild is the first step
Step 3: Changing the Oil Filter
Remove the rectifier – On the MT-01, you need to remove the rectifier to access the oil filter. Secure it out of the way using zip ties if necessary.
Unscrew the old oil filter – You may be able to do this by hand, but if it’s too tight, use a filter wrench or a pair of grips. Turn counterclockwise to loosen.
Inspect the old filter – Check the removed filter for any signs of excessive metal shavings or debris, which could indicate engine wear.
Prepare the new filter:
Fill it with fresh oil to ensure immediate lubrication upon startup.
Rub a little oil around the rubber gasket to help it seal properly and prevent it from sticking when removed next time.
Install the new filter – Hand-tighten it until snug, then give it a slight additional turn. Over-tightening can make it difficult to remove in the future and may cause leaks.
Removing the oil filter on the MT-01 can be tricky, but for most bikes its an easy task
Prime your filter before re-installing
Step 4: Reinstalling Drain Plugs
Clean the drain plugs and install new washers – This helps prevent leaks by ensuring a proper seal.
Reinstall the drain plugs – Hand-tighten them first, then use a torque wrench to secure them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting. Remember to check your manual for the bike you are working on
YAMAHA MT-01 SETTINGS
OIL TANK TORQUE SETTING 35 Nm (3.5 m·kg, 25 ft·lb) CRANKCASE TORQUE SETTING 43 Nm (4.3 m·kg, 31 ft·lb)
Wipe down the area – Cleaning around the drain plugs will make it easier to spot any leaks later and maintain a tidy workspace.
Give your plugs a good clean and add the new washers to them
Step 5: Refilling the Oil
Fill with 2.5 liters of oil first – Since the MT-01 has a dry sump, the filling process is different from most bikes.
Start the engine briefly – This allows the oil to circulate through the engine and remove air pockets.
Add the remaining oil – Gradually pour in the rest, checking the dipstick as you go to ensure proper levels.
Check the oil level – Put the bike back on its side stand and let the oil settle before measuring. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Double-check for spills – Look around the engine and floor to ensure no excess oil has leaked before proceeding.
Take your time re-filling and make sure to keep an eye on how much you are putting in
Step 6: Final Checks
Run the engine and check for leaks – Start the bike and let it idle for a few minutes while inspecting for any leaks around the drain plugs and filter.
Recheck the oil level – If needed, top up the oil in small increments. Be cautious not to overfill, as excess oil can cause foaming and lead to engine damage.
Clean up and dispose of old oil responsibly – Take the used oil and filter to a recycling center or an automotive shop that accepts oil waste.
Test ride the bike – After confirming no leaks, take your motorcycle for a short ride and monitor performance. Afterward, recheck the oil level once more to ensure it remains within the recommended range.
Conclusion
Changing your motorcycle’s oil is a straightforward but crucial maintenance task that helps maintain engine performance and longevity. Performing regular oil changes ensures your engine runs smoothly, reduces internal wear, and improves fuel efficiency. If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for more motorcycle maintenance tips and tutorials. Ride safe and enjoy the road!