Is distance the only factor for motorcycle engine oil change?
Often people rely on kilometre reading or distance travelled as the benchmarks for knowing when to change the oil in their motorcycle engines. However, as it turns out, it is not so straightforward as there are other aspects that come into play.
Below are some additional factors that you should bear in mind for when you need to replace your engine oil.
Motor age
When you buy a new motorcycle, there is a reason why you are advised to change the oil in the first 1000 kilometres or the first month. It is to remove dirt that accumulates during that time due to friction between engine components such pistons, piston rings and engine blocks. Hence, the older the engine, the more frequently oil needs to be changed.
Driving time
Pay close attention to your daily commute. If you’re often encountering traffic jams, it is better to use drive time as a measure of when to replace oil. That is because, in a traffic jam, the constant starting and stopping puts a strain on your engine and your lubricant. If, on the other hand, you ride long distances, you can depend on kilometre readings as a benchmark.
In summary, kilometre readings are not the only way to determine when oil needs to be replaced. Choosing the right method to determine the right time for oil replacement starts with understanding your daily ride. Plus, pay close attention to the age of your engine and try to change your oil at least once a month.