An oil change on your motorcycle will cost you between $50 and $200. The price covers two components, which are the oil and the labor. Generally, motorcycle oil will cost you around $12.21-$25.50per quart but you will have to pay the labor cost, which is above $44.
Among the reasons why an oil change is expensive is that the mechanic has to move the bike engine by hand in opposition to attaching it to a machine. Some bikes also require the mechanic to remove the transmission from the frame, which might lead to further labor costs. Furthermore, any motorcycle that features a 4-strokes engine or a turbo system will demand additional specialized lubricants that may cost you more money.
To determine the amount of money you will have to pay for an oil change, consider the type of oil you require for your bike, whether your bike has a turbo system or a 4-stroke engine, and whether you need additional services like replacement of spark plugs.
The Cost of Various Types of Motorcycle Oil
The health of your motorcycle depends on the quality of oil you choose and therefore you cannot risk buying a substandard product. Still, the market offers very many types of motorbike oil at different prices. Here are the common types to expect and the amount of money they will cost you.
Full-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Full-synthetic motorcycle oil is the first type on our list and it has been a top choice for most motorcyclists. This type tends to perform better and last for a longer time compared to semi-synthetic and mineral oils. The market offers it in various sizes, which range from a one-fourth gallon to a 55-gallon drum. The price of a single quart of this oil ranges from $7.50 to $24.70.
Many high-performance and expensive motorcycles require full-synthetic oil. If your motorbike is within this class, you will have to change the oil after every 6,000-9,000 miles. The oil is also a good choice for people unsure of the type of oil their bikes require. That is for the reason that it has several qualities that help protect the engine and keep it clean.
Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a good option for full-synthetic oil. The primary difference between the two types is that semi-synthetic oil contains a good amount of mineral oil, it is cheaper, and its level of quality is below that of fully-synthetic oil. Mostly, the oil will contain around 25 percent synthetic oil and 75 percent mineral oil to lower the price but it still provides adequate engine protection.
This oil will cost you an amount between $16.84 and as low as $6.20 and it is a good choice for dual-sport, bike-commuters, and off-road bikes. If you own a high-performance motorbike, you have to choose a fully-synthetic oil.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil ranks last in the list of motorcycle oils when it comes to quality. As its name suggests, this type of oil comes from the earth and it does not contain the synthetic additives associated with semi and fully-synthetic oils. Therefore, this oil is not as effective as the other two types when it comes to engine protection. It has been a good choice for motorcyclists with old engines and those who would not want to pay for premium oils.
Mineral oil will cost you between $5 and $12.50 per quart depending on the brand and you will generally get around 1,500-3,300 miles out of every change. Even more, the oil is easy to find both in automotive and online stores.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is not popular among motorcyclists but some use it for maximum engine performance on the racetrack. One big advantage of this type of motorcycle oil is that it protects the engine surface in a better way compared to the other types. It also prevents rust and reduces carbon emissions significantly.
The price of this type of oil ranges between $8.52 and $10.20 per quart depending on the brand. You are unlikely to find it in the local stores, meaning that you should start your search online. It is a perfect choice for all types of bikes.
High-Performance Oil
This is the last type of motorcycle oil on our list. Most brands optimize the high-performance oil for the best street performance and therefore it does not contain mineral oil. The price varies between $12.50 and $18.12 per quart, meaning that it is the most expensive type on the market.
Mostly, the oil will come with many features to help improve fuel efficiency and engine longevity. The oil also lasts longer than semi-synthetic and mineral oil. You will notice less leaking and reduced engine noise when using it.
When Should You Change the Motorcycle Engine Oil?
The amount of time to wait after every oil change varies from one type of motorcycle and model to the other. Generally, you should change the oil after every 1,500km to 2,000km but experts recommend changing it after every 1,200-1,500km.
The life expectancy of oil highly depends on how you care for the motorcycle. If you clean the bike regularly and ensure that the fluids are not very dirty, the oil will last longer. Further, proper maintenance of the bike helps improve the expectancy of the oil.
Almost every motorcycle comes factory-rated for oil changes. Most manufacturers will require an oil change every 3000-7000 miles. Use high-quality synthetic oils to prevent engine damage or the premature wear of the moving parts and bearings.
The oil is usually thick and sticks in the cold winter months. So, if you have to remove it during such times, remember to clean out the gunk and debris before adding the new oil after the temperature rises. Keep an old towel or rag under the bike when replacing the oil because leakages are inevitable.
Things that Will Tell You It Is Time to Change the Engine Oil
Change the oil of your new motorbike after covering 1000 miles. You can also change it after 2 months, 6 months, or 12 months depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Waiting too long between the oil changes can lead to engine failure. So, to avoid engine failure, keep a close eye on the oil color after every ride. Here are the two things that will tell you it is time to change the oil.
- If the oil is black or dark, then it is the right time to change it. Also, if you mostly ride on dirt roads with sand and heavy dust, you will have to change the oil more often.
- The level of oil is another important thing to check. To check the level, turn off all electrical components, including the speedometer, and headlight because doing that with the components running may lead to expensive repairs afterward. Check the level of oil through the sight glass window.
FAQs
Q: Can You Change your Motorcycle Oil on Your Own?
A: Yes. Changing the motorcycle oil the DIY way will save you money. Unfortunately, most riders do not have the skills, time, and tools needed to complete the oil change. At a minimum, you will require a wrench for your motorcycle’s oil drain plug, an oil filter removal tool, a bucket to hold the used oil, and gloves. Used motor oil can be carcinogenic and you would not want to touch it with your bare hands.
Q: What is the Main Difference between Motorcycle Oil and Car Oil?
A: The only notable difference between motorcycle oil and car oil is that motorcycle oil does not contain friction modifiers. Friction modifiers, also known as boundary lubrication additives, are anti-wear oil additives that reduce light surface contact, including rolling and sliding. The additives modify the friction coefficient and are deployed to reduce the chances of metal surface wear. In addition to minimizing wear, they improve fuel economy.
Q: Why is Motorcycle Oil Very Important?
A: Like motor vehicles, motorcycles have very many moving parts that have to be cooled and protected after the engine starts running. However, you cannot use motor vehicle oil on your motorcycle engine. There are several reasons behind that.
First, the size of a motorcycle’s oil sump is smaller than that of an automobile, meaning that the engine can only hold a small amount of oil. Furthermore, motorcycle engines run at higher speeds and are much hotter than motor vehicle engines. The oil works much harder and faster when cycling in the engine because it must cool many parts that are hotter than those of a car engine. So, the wrong oil can break down very fast and cause engine problems.
Secondly, the lubricant requirements for motorcycles and motor vehicles are different. The purpose of oil in a car is to protect the engine. On the other side, oil in a motorcycle has to protect the engine from wear, friction, oxidation, and the formation of deposits. Further, it has to lubricate and cool the gearbox and clutch. Due to the small size of the motorcycle engine, the oil is usually formulated to move smoothly through narrow pathways.
Q: Why is the Choice of Motorcycle Oil Important?
A: Engine oil is essential for the proper performance of the motorcycle engine. Therefore, getting the best oil for your bike is important. It is always a good idea you start by consulting the handbook of your motorcycle manufacturer if you do not know the type of oil to buy for your bike.
The market offers various types of motorcycles and engines, each made to optimize the components. Therefore, it is not a surprise that some engines will work better with a particular type of oil. The wrong choice of oil can affect the engine performance, increase wear and tear and lead to faster corrosion of engine components. Even more,the use of the wrong oil will cause blockage of important parts due to the deposit of dirt and debris.
Q: Which Motorcycle Oil Manufacturers Provide the Best Oil?
A: It is hard to tell the manufacturers that offer the best motorcycle oil. Therefore, you must choose the type of oil made for your bike’s engine. Motorcycle manufacturers consider the input of lubricant producers when designing the engines. Therefore opting for lubricants from the big brands is a good idea.
Q: Is Synthetic Oil the Best Choice for Motorcycles?
A: Synthetic motorcycle oil provides the best protection. This type of oil has low oil burn-off and offers the best protection at extreme temperatures compared to other types. So, the synthetic oil blends in the market today perform better than the conventional oils.
Conclusion
While the engine of your motorbike might be the most recent release from a leading manufacturer, it will ruin your riding experience if you fail to maintain it in the right condition. The engine has many moving parts that work together to change fuel energy into mechanical force. They, therefore, come into contact and generate friction. A regulated oil change is required to facilitate the smooth movement of the parts. The average cost of motorcycle oil is $56.21 and it covers both the labor and oil. While you can complete the oil change the DIY way, the process will cost you a lot of money and take much of your time. Choose oil designed for your motorcycle.