It’s no secret that motorcycles are expensive to maintain.
One of the most common maintenance tasks is changing the oil, and it’s extremely important to do it regularly to keep your bike in good working order.
Now, if you’re wondering how much it costs to change motorcycle oil, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll give you a breakdown of the average cost of a motorcycle oil change, as well as some tips on how to save money.
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Average Motorcycle Oil Change Cost
The average motorcycle oil change cost is $60 if you do it yourself. This price includes both the cost of the oil and the oil filter.
On the other hand, the dealership will charge an extra $100 for labor on top of the $60 for the oil, for a total of $160.
So, it’s definitely worth doing it yourself if you’re comfortable with motorcycle maintenance.
How to Save Money on a Motorcycle Oil Change
There are a few ways that you can save money on a motorcycle oil change.
First, you don’t really need the most expensive motorcycle engine oil unless you are constantly doing track days. It’s easy to get confused with all the aggressive marketing surrounding engine oil, but the thing is, most oils are manufactured at the same plants and they are not as different from each other as they might seem.
Of course, this does not mean that you can just buy the sketchiest and cheapest oil you can find. Just go with known brands and make sure that the JASO specifications of the oil match your motorcycle’s engine.
Another way to save money on motorcycle oil changes is to do it yourself. This can be a little messy, but it’s not difficult once you get the hang of it. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money in the long run.
And finally, you can also save money by taking your motorcycle to an independent motorcycle shop rather than the dealership. They will usually charge less for labor, and you might even be able to get a discount if you purchase the oil and filter from them.
Why Are Motorcycle Oil Changes So Expensive?
Motorcycle oil changes can get expensive due to a variety of factors.
First, a lot of motorcycles are covered in fairings or require special tools to do the oil change.
On some sportbikes, it takes at least 40 minutes to get the fairings off in order to get access to the oil filter and the drain bolt. Assuming that independent shops charge around $80 for 1 hour of labor and dealerships can charge $150, it all adds up pretty quickly.
Next, “genuine” motorcycle engine oil and filters are expensive and if your shop or dealership is using them, then you will pay considerably more than you normally would.
With that said, I HIGHLY recommend doing oil changes yourself. Not only will you save a ton of money in the long run, but you’ll also get a better understanding of how your motorcycle works, plus it’s actually fun.
Is It Easy to Change Oil on a Motorcycle?
Yes, it is actually very easy to change motorcycle oil, even if you have never done it before. In fact, most people can do it in less than 30 minutes, and you don’t even need any special tools.
The only thing that you need is a set of wrenches or sockets with a ratchet, an oil filter removal tool (if your motorcycle needs one), an oil drain pan, and a rag to wipe off any spills.
You can find motorcycle oil and filters at most auto parts stores, or you can order them online. Just make sure that you get the right oil and filter for your motorcycle.
How Often Should You Change Your Motorcycle’s Oil?
If you’re riding your motorcycle on the streets with an occasional track day now and then, you should replace your engine oil every 2000 to 3000 miles.
On the other hand, if you’re racing your motorcycle on the track often, then it’s a good idea to change your oil every 1000 miles.
However, the absolute best way to know when you need to change the oil on your specific motorcycle is by reading the owner’s manual – nobody knows your motorcycle better than the engineers who designed it in the first place.
But why do motorcycles have such short oil change intervals?
Well, the main reason for that is that most motorcycles have a wet clutch, which uses engine oil to lubricate the clutch plates. As you may know, the friction material on the clutch plates wears out relatively quickly, and all of the loose friction material particles get mixed with the engine oil and cause it to thicken and lose its properties.
Combine that with engine oil also lubricating the transmission and you get an environment where engine oil gets contaminated relatively fast when compared to the oil inside car engines. Because of that, motorcycles have relatively short oil change intervals.
Also Read: Motorcycle Valve Adjustment Cost & How To Save Money Doing It
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle oil changes can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. You can buy cheaper motorcycle oil, do the change yourself, or go to an independent motorcycle shop.
Just remember to use the right oil type and viscosity for your motorcycle and to change it often enough.
If you take care of your motorcycle in the garage – it will take care of you on the road.
Jake is the site’s primary contributor.
Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore it’s only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs.