Why Do Motorcycles Need to Change Oil?

Experts recommend that we change motorbike oil frequently, but have you wondered why they recommend changing it frequently? Here’s the answer. 

Motorbike oil used to lubricate your motorbike engine loses its lubrication properties because of heat and scaling. Thus, you need to change motorbike oil every 2000-3000 miles if you’re using mineral oil,7000-10,000 miles for synthetic oil, and 5000-6000 for semi-synthetic oil. 

Let’s look at what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorcycle oil. 

Why Do Motorcycles Need to Change Oil? 

Experts always recommend changing motorbike oil frequently, but have you wondered why it’s so?

Motorbike oil used for lubricating your motorbike engine comes with limitations that won’t last long. You need to change the motorbike oil more frequently according to your riding lifestyle and motorbike temperature. 

It’s mainly because motorbike oil can’t sustain its lubrication properties after some time because of motorbike heating, and that’s why experts recommend changing the motorbike oil frequently. 

When to Change Motorcycle Oil? 

So far, you understand why you need to change the motorbike oil, but have you wondered when you need to change the motorbike oil? 

According to experts, changing a motorbike solely depends on the motorbike oil you’re using and your riding lifestyle. 

For example, if you’re using mineral oil in the motorbike, then you should change the motorbike oil every 2000-3000 miles.

On the other hand, you should change motorbike oil every 7000-10,000 miles if you’re using synthetic oil and 5000-6000 if you’re using semi-synthetic oil. 

What Will Happen If You’re Using Old Motorcycle Oil? 

So far, you understand why you should change the motorbike oil more frequently. Still, now the question arises, what will happen if you’re using old motorbike oil. 

According to experts, old motorbike oil loses its property to lubricate your motorbike engine; in simpler words, it will be of no use. 

So if you’re using old motorbike oil, your motorbike engine will start to overheat, which will hamper motorbike performance. And to protect your motorbike engine from overheating and low performance, experts recommend changing motorbike oil frequently. 

How to Prevent Motorcycle Engines Overheating:  

Engine overheating might cause some severe damage to your motorbike. Unfortunately, there were many motorbikes ruined because of engine overheating. 

The best part is that you can prevent engine overheating. Here’re some ways through which you can avoid engine motorbike overheating. 

How to Prevent Your Motorbike Engine from Overheating: 
Check the oil level of your motorbike. 
Check the coolant level. 
Always use suitable oil for your motorbike. 
Check if any leakage is there. 
Check the radiator fan. 
Table Explaining Some Ways to Prevent Your Motorbike Engine from Overheating?

Check Oil:

Oil helps to reduce the friction between cylinder and piston. And in the absence of enough oil, the friction will cause overheating. 

It’s always better to check the oil level before going for a long ride. 

Suitable Oil:

It’s not always the lack of oil that overheats the motorbike engine. Unsuitable motorcycle oil could also hamper engine performance. It’s always better to put suitable oil which your motorbike engine demands.

Check Coolant Level:

As mentioned above, coolant protects the engine from overheating. It would be best if you check the coolant level every six months. 

Check Leakage:

If you always find a low level of coolant every two months, then you should focus on radiator leakage and see if the coolant is leaking or not. 

Check Radiator Fan:

Suppose everything goes right and the motorbike is still suffering from overheating. In that case, you shouldn’t forget to check the radiator fan before you miss the boat.  

What’re the Symptoms of Low Oil?   

So far, you understand some steps you should take to prevent overheating. Now the question arises what the same symptoms of low motorbike oil are. 

The most prominent symptom of low motorbike oil is engine overheating, mainly caused by friction between the motorbike piston and cylinder. 

However, this is not the only sign you need to consider before concluding anything. The engine overheats for various reasons such as traffic jams, hot weather, etc. 

Another symptom of low motorbike oil is a burning smell you will experience while riding the motorbike for a longer time. Not only the burning smell, but you will also experience the whining sound from your motorbike engine.

Experts always recommend checking your motorbike engine if you see any symptoms with your motorbike. 

You can also check the oil level in your motorbike engine by dipstick; most motorbike dipsticks come with an indicator that will tell you the level of motorbike oil in the engine. 

Even new motorbike models come with an indicator that will tell you whether your motorbike is low on oil.

I highly recommend taking your motorbike to a mechanic if your motorbike engine produces an unordinary heating and burning smell. 

The burning smell and sound are the most significant sign that your motorbike has already gone through enough destruction. And riding motorbike fuhrer will only increase the destruction. 

Does Using the Wrong Type of Oil Cause Overheating? 

Sometimes the engine does not overheat because of low oil but oil type. 

Many of us don’t bother to cross-check the oil type the technician is using. Even some of us leave the whole oiling work to the technician. 

For instance, some technicians use mineral oil in the high CC engine and synthetic oil in the low CC engine. 

Using mismatched oil in your motorbike can harm your motorcycle engine instead of cooling it. 

Experts always recommend checking the oil level and type before going for a long ride. And always remember to tell the technician about your motorbike engine demand before you miss the boat. 

Can You Use Different Types of Oil? 

So far, you understand what mineral oil is and other types of oil. Now the question arises, can you use different types of oil? 

According to experts, mixing different types of oil together is the worst thing you can do with your motorbike. 

Different oils come with different viscosities and molecular structures, making them different in their working mechanism. 

In easier words, don’t ever mix two different types of oil.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed, how long can a motorcycle run without oil, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When you should change your motorbike oil?

According to experts, changing a motorbike solely depends on the motorbike oil you’re using and your riding lifestyle. 

What will happen of you’re using the oil motorbike oil?

According to experts, old motorbike oil loses its property to lubricate your motorbike engine; in simpler words, it will be of no use. So if you’re using old motorbike oil, your motorbike engine will start to overheat, which will hamper motorbike performance.

Why you should check your motorbike oil level?

Oil helps to reduce the friction between cylinder and piston. And in the absence of enough oil, the friction will cause overheating. 

When you should see the sign of leakage?

If you always find a low level of coolant every two months, then you should focus on radiator leakage and see if the coolant is leaking or not. 

What’s the main symptom of low oil motorbike oil?

The most prominent symptom of low motorbike oil is engine overheating, mainly caused by friction between the motorbike piston and cylinder. 

Final Verdict: 

Why do motorcycles need to change oil? Over the period, motorbike oil used to lubricate your motorbike engine loses its lubrication properties because of heat and scaling. 

Thus, you need to change motorbike oil every 2000-3000 miles if you’re using mineral oil,7000-10,000 miles for synthetic oil, and 5000-6000 for semi-synthetic oil. 

I’ve also mentioned how you can protect your motorbike from overheating and why it’s necessary to change the motorbike oil.