How to perform a motorcycle oil replacement

In order to prolong the life of your motorcycle, an oil replacement is recommended at least every 3000 miles. This will undoubtedly boost the motorcycle's engine life, and keep your motorcycle purring like a kitten. For the less astute, here's a simple guide to changing the oil in your motorcycle. It's not as hard as you think.

Replacing the bike's oil

Things that you will need - 1 basin
- 1 siphon/hose
- 1 socket wrench
- 1 pair of needle nose pliers
- an oil filter
- oil
- chamois for easy clean up What to do - Unscrew the filler cap from the oil tank. - Place the basin directly beneath the oil tank in order to collect the old lubricants. - Place the siphon directly between the oil tank and the basin. - Using the socket wrench, unscrew the oil tank, ensuring that the siphon is firmly in place. - All the gear oils should be leaking into the basin. When all the oil has been drained, reseal the oil tank. - The next step is to locate the oil filter. For Harley Davidson motorcycles, it can be found in a cylinder under the seat. - Remove the seat in order to get to the cylinder. - Take the lid off the cylinder's cap, and lift out the cylinder. - Use the needle nose pliers so as to remove the cap that secures the cylinder, and remove the used oil filter. - Put in the new oil filter, and reseal the cylinder cap. - Put the cylinder back in its place, and replace the seat securely. - Pour, for example, fuchs oil inside the oil tank. Specific manuals will designate the correct proportions. - Cover the oil tank when finished.

Advice for cyclists

- Always consult your owner's manual when making any adjustment to your motorcycle. The manual will give a guide to the correct oil to be used as well as specific information that will relate to your make and model of motorcycle. Never be afraid to ask for help if it proves to be too daunting a task for you. - The oil can be recycled at most gas stations, but always bear in mind that recycled oil will always lack the potency of a new can of oil. - Allow the motorcycle's engine to cool before changing the oil, as working near a heated engine may prove to be dangerous. Be safe and ride!