Oils are so advanced now that the typical rider won’t see any problems if it’s changed at the recommended intervals. Of course, it depends on how you ride, but unless you’re putting your engine through very extreme stress – for instance by racing – the oil will easily go the distance. The filter should be changed with the oil – it’s a relatively inexpensive part, and unlike some cars that allow a filter change every other oil change, a motorcycle engine works a lot harder. Some bikes, like certain Austrian and Italian motorcycle manufacturers, have one or more mesh screens fitted to further filter the oil – in this case they can be washed, but a complete kit of filter, O-ring and two mesh strainers costs will not cost the earth and are often a necessary requirement in the manufacturer service schedules.
Many bikes have a ‘canister’ oil-filter, typically mounted at the front or bottom of the engine and easy to access – the disadvantage with these is that they can be easily damaged. We have seen filters that have been punctured by a foreign object such as a stone, which subsequently caused oil to spray over the rear tyre. Some models utilize a cartridge-type filter that’s tucked away inside the engine, making it less prone to damage. Some bikes – typically more specialist or 'older-design type' machines like the Honda CR450 and Harley's – use a separate oil for the engine and transmission, whereas you’ll usually find your motorcycle takes one oil in the sump to lubricate the engine and integral gearbox. Bike oils are different to car oils as they’re designed to soak the clutch plates – a car oil will cause it to slip.
Even in older Ducati's, which had dry clutches (hence the distinctive rattle sound), a specific motorcycle oil must be used, not least because it needs to deal with the sheering forces of a gearbox, cheap supermarket oils really do not offer value for money when it isn't doing what it is designed to do. Avoid these at all costs, the price is usually a quick giveaway to their quality.
When checking the level of your bike’s oil, consult your owner’s manual first – some machines have a very specific procedure, and checking while the bike’s cold might lead you to believe that the level’s low when it’s not; overfilling an engine can be almost as damaging as starving it of oil.
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