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✔ Article reviewed by Ethan Orenstein. Bringing motorcycles back from the dead since 2013. Learn More.

How to Change Dirt Bike Oil

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Regular oil changes are a very important aspect of proper dirt bike maintenance. 

On a 4-stroke dirt bike, clean oil is necessary from regulating the temperature of your engine and keeping the engine’s internal parts lubricated. 

Sticking to regular oil changes will help your dirt bike run better and last longer. 

Failing to change your oil can result in prematurely worn parts, poor performance, or a blown engine. 

Before you get started, you should refer to your dirt bike’s service manual for:

  • Type of oil you should use. 
  • Torque specs for the oil drain plugs. 
  • Whether you’ll need to change the transmission oil separately. 
  • How often to change the oil. 

How to Do an Oil Change on a 4-Stroke Dirt Bike

The oil change process is fairly similar for most dirt bikes. To get started, you’ll need:

  • Gloves. 
  • Rags.
  • Oil drain pan. 
  • Socket wrench to remove the drain plugs. 
  • Funnel.
  • New oil filter, if necessary. 
  • Fresh oil.

To change the oil on your dirt bike:

  1. Get your dirt bike on a service stand
  2. Start the dirt bike and run the engine for about 5 minutes to get the oil warmed up and help it flow more easily. 
  3. Place the drain pan underneath the oil drain plug and unscrew it. 
  4. Allow the oil to drain completely.
  5. Remove and clean or replace the oil filter. 
  6. Reinstall the filter and drain plug, and ensure the gasket/o-ring is in good condition. Replace if necessary. 
  7. Torque the oil drain bolt according to factory specifications and ensure that the threads are aligned properly. 
  8. Unscrew the oil cap and use a funnel to pour in the correct amount of fresh oil. 
  9. Replace the oil cap and wipe away any spills. 

That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your oil. 

How Often Should You Change Oil on a Dirt Bike?

Unlike street bikes, which typically go by a mileage range for oil changes, dirt bike oil changes are measured by riding hours and riding conditions. 

Most dirt bikes should have their oil changed about every 5 to 15 hours

If you ride particularly hard, you may need more frequent oil changes. 

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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