Motorcycle Oil Change Intervals

Any avid motorcyclist should know how to change their own oil.  Motorcycles are distinct from automobiles in that the oil change intervals are dictated primarily by riding style, and not pure mileage.  A daily on road commute tends to be less demanding as compared to off-roading, racing, or track riding.  For more demanding rides change the oil every 500 miles. 

Keep in mind that regular oil changes are only part of a routine maintenance program to ensure that your motorcycle has a long and reliable life.

• Determine your specific maintenance intervals.  These can be determined with a factory service manual.  As with any vehicle, maintenance intervals are determined by the manufacturer, and are meant to identify preventative maintenance intervals for responsible owners to follow.  Items to be serviced might include fluid changes, brake pad and spark plug changes.  Component failures can also be prevented by replacing these components at specified intervals.


• Perform your bike’s first service.  This interval is typically set at the 600-1,000 mile mark.  Many motorcycle enthusiasts consider this to be the most important service of your bike’s life.  During the first service, the oil and filter are to be changed which will flush out metal shavings during the breaking in process.  Machine faults or defects in the bike can be identified and resolved by the dealer at this time.


• Identify minor service intervals.  The most common issues addressed during this service are oil changes, brake system service, inspecting the bike for leaks, and inspecting the electrical system.  Spark plug and air filter changes can also be performed during these service intervals.  Check your service manual, but minor service intervals are typically set at 4,000 – 14,000 miles, and then again at 18,000 – 22,000 miles.


• Identify major service intervals.  Issues addressed during these intervals are valve and bearings inspections.  Though these can be labor intensive, and therefore expensive, they are necessary to ensure long-term optimal performance of your bike.  Check your service manual, but these intervals are often recommended at the 16,000 – 24,000 mile mark.