Oil and Filter Service for Motorcycles: 3 Most Common Mistakes

Oil keeps motorcycle engines running smoothly. It helps cool the motor, reduce friction and trap dirt.

But oil alone isn’t enough.

The motorcycle oil filter plays a key role in cleaning the oil and making sure it flows where it’s needed. If you’re not checking or changing these parts the right way, your engine could wear down faster than it should.

Whether you’re a rider looking to care for your bike or thinking about becoming a motorcycle technician, it’s smart to know what can go wrong during oil service.

The best way to avoid damage? Learn from the common mistakes before they cost you.

Let’s break down three of the biggest ones.

1. Checking Oil Improperly

It might seem simple, but checking oil the wrong way is one of the most common mistakes people make.

First, never check the oil while the bike is resting on the kickstand. This tilts the bike and throws off the reading. Use the center stand if you have one or hold the bike upright on level ground. Only then will the oil level show up correctly.

Also, be aware of where the sight glass or dipstick is located. On bikes with the sight glass on the right side, oil may look low when it’s actually fine.

On bikes with the glass on the left, oil might look high when it’s not. Always check while the motorcycle is upright.

If your bike uses a dipstick, do not screw it in while measuring. Just set it on the fill hole and read it from there. Screwing it in gives you a false reading.

Read: Motorcycle Final Drives: What They Are and How They Work

2. Over-Tightening the Oil Filter

Another big mistake? Cranking down the oil filter too tight.

Over-tightening it can crush the gasket, cause leaks or even damage the threads on the engine. Most filters only need to be hand-tight, then maybe a small extra turn with a wrench. Check your manual to be sure, but forcing it usually does more harm than good.

If you're training to become a motorcycle technician, you can learn the right torque specs and best practices to prevent over-tightening from happening in the first place.

Read: 4-Stroke Engines: What Are They and How Do They Work?

3. Forgetting Drain Plug or Filter Cover Components

During an oil change, a lot of people forget that some parts are more than just bolts and covers. Drain plugs and filter covers often include sealing parts like O-rings, aluminum washers or crush washers.

Each of these is designed to form a tight seal. If you reuse an old washer or forget to install a new one, it can lead to oil leaks or pressure issues. That can be dangerous — and costly.

Always check for these parts during reassembly. If your plug or cover came with a washer or ring, make sure to replace it with a new one that matches.

Read: How To Become a Certified Motorcycle Technician: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn About Motorcycle Oil Filter Fixes and More!

Learning how to handle a motorcycle oil filter is just the start. With our 48-week Motorcycle Technician Training program,⁷ you can learn hands-on skills with real tools on real bikes — building the kind of skills shops are hiring for.^1,18 You can learn how to diagnose problems, do full services and take on industry demands the right way.

Want to speak to someone now? Call to connect with an Admissions Representative at 1-800-834-7308, or enroll today to get started.