You’ve finally got your hands on a brand-new motorcycle, and it’s a beauty! Awesome! But with this shiny new ride comes a responsibility – maintenance. Motorcycle maintenance is an important aspect of the motorcycle experience, which is why the book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is so popular.
One of the key tasks involved in keeping your motorcycle running smoothly is regular oil changes. However, the timing of the first oil change on a new motorcycle is a topic that often confuses riders.
In this article, we’ll explore why the first oil change is so important and why it should happen sooner than you’d think, as well as the regular oil change schedule that riders should follow.
When to Change Oil on a New Motorcycle?
According to the owner’s manuals of most recent bikes, you should do the first oil change on your new motorcycle after 500 miles, while the next oil change and those after should follow the regular 6000-mile interval.
Now, these are just averages from our research, and you should definitely check your new bike’s owner’s manual for the specific oil change interval for your machine.
Engine Break-In & The Importance of the First Oil Change
The first oil change on a new motorcycle is crucial and happens much sooner because of the engine break-in period. During the break-in period, which typically lasts for the first 500 miles of riding, the engine components are settling into their final positions – the piston rings wear in against the cylinder walls, the main bearings wear in against the crank, etc. During this time, the metal parts in the engine are rubbing against each other, generating heat, and causing small amounts of wear. This is normal and expected during the break-in period, and it’s why the first oil change is so critical.

Now, while this is happening, extremely small metal particles and other contaminants from the metal-to-metal contact start to accumulate and build up in the oil. This is accounted for by the manufacturer by making the first oil change extremely early at only 500 miles. However, if for some reason the first oil change gets pushed back, the contaminants in the engine start to cause the oil to sludge up and become acidic, which means bad news for the brand-new engine.
This can cause significant damage to the engine if left unchecked and can lead to reduced performance and even engine failure. To prevent these issues, it’s essential that the first oil change happens at the 500-mile mark before the debris and sludge have a chance to cause significant harm.
Regular Oil Changes: How Often is Enough?
Once the first oil change has been completed, we recommend following a regular oil change schedule to maintain the health of the engine. The recommended interval for oil changes varies between manufacturers, so it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual to determine the best schedule for your bike. Nobody knows your bike better than the engineers who designed it in the first place.
However, as a general rule, it’s recommended to change the oil every 3000 to 5000 miles, or at least once a year, whichever comes first. Factors such as usage, riding style, and environment can impact the oil change schedule, so it’s important to keep an eye on your motorcycle’s performance and adjust the schedule as needed.
For example, if you’re riding your new motorcycle in a dusty environment, extremely hot ambient temperatures, or taking it to the track often, then it’s a good idea to change your engine oil to 1500 or 2500 miles.
Choose the Right Oil for Your New Bike
It’s also a good idea to choose the right type of oil for your motorcycle, as different types of oil have different properties and are designed for specific types of engines. For example, some oils are designed specifically for high-revving sportbike engines, while others are formulated for touring bikes and cruisers. Different purpose oils have different friction modifiers and different additive packages, so keep that in mind when shopping for engine oil.
However, the most important thing to look out for when choosing oil for your new bike is viscosity. Your bike’s owner’s manual should contain the specific viscosity requirements according to the ambient temperature in your area. It’s essential to use the exact same viscosity of engine oil as the owner’s manual states, otherwise, you’ll risk ruining your engine.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, changing the oil on a new motorcycle is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. The first oil change should happen at the 500-mile mark to ensure that the engine break-in period is completed without any issues. Regular oil changes should then be performed following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, and high-quality oil should be used to keep the engine running smoothly.

Nick Kowalski is a diesel mechanic by trade, but his passion lies in motorcycles.
He’s been riding them since he was just a wee lad, and he loves restoring old Japanese street bikes and ATVs in his spare time.
Nick is an adrenaline junkie at heart, and he loves nothing more than hitting the open road on his motorcycle.