You want the best possible lifespan and quality out of your dirt bikes and motorcycles, and one of the simplest parts of this that you have control over is your motorcycle’s oil changes. Changing the oil regularly and on a schedule will help keep your engine in great shape, and keep your motorcycle on the road.
There are times when the recommended intervals for oil changes should even be sped up, however, and we can help you identify these at Southpaw Motorsports. Here are a few tips for independent signs that it might be time for an oil change.
Black or Gritty Oil
Oil will originally be tinted more of a honey brown color, and this will darken after a few weeks of use – this darkening is totally normal. But when you start to see particles mixing in with the oil, this is a warning sign. These particles are often contaminants, and once you start to see them in larger quantities within the oil, it could mean that your filter is wearing down in its ability to keep these particles out of the engine.
Noisy Engine
Oil is meant to lubricate the engine, and without it, guts will start to rub and grind against each other. If you’re in tune with the normal sounds your bike’s engine makes you’ll be able to easily tell when these start to change, and this is a sign that it’s time to get some new oil into the system.
Check Engine Light
This kind of signal will vary depending on the type of motorcycle you’re driving, but any continuous signaled issue with the engine is always worth a quick look to see if oil is the issue. It’s often that simple, and you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle looking for more complex problems.
Dropping Levels
Engines gradually eat up the oil in the engine, which is why it has to be changed periodically, but there are times when this can happen faster than you’d expect. Check engine oil levels regularly, and if you notice a level getting extremely low, don’t just fill it back up – check the consistency and consider changing the oil out entirely.
To learn more about oil changes or any other maintenance items, or to find out about any of our used motorcycles, speak to the experts at Southpaw Motorsports today.