How Often to Change Motorcycle Oil | Timber Town Harley-Davidson

How Often to Change Motorcycle Oil

Most newer bikes run best on synthetic oil—a type of motorcycle engine oil that’s modified with pure crude for lower viscosity and reduced friction. If your bike runs on synthetic oil, you’ll need to schedule a motorcycle oil change every 2,000 to 5,000 miles.

Keep in mind that synthetic oil isn’t necessarily the best choice for every bike, so be sure to ask a technician if you’re unsure about which motorcycle engine oil to buy. We’re happy to answer your bike maintenance questions at Timber Town Harley-Davidson, so feel free to stop by our service center in Salem at a time that’s convenient for you.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Oil Change Cost?

Synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil, so you can also expect the motorcycle oil change cost to vary depending on the oil type. For a synthetic oil change in the Albany area, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $100, or less if you learn how to change motorcycle oil yourself.

How to Check Motorcycle Oil

Learning how to check motorcycle oil yourself is the best way to ensure that your bike gets the maintenance it needs. It’s possible for certain riding circumstances (terrain, weather, riding habits, and more) can cause your bike to need an oil change sooner than expected.

Motorcycle engine oil has several important functions: reducing friction, gathering up dirt and debris, and absorbing heat inside the combustion chamber to prevent overheating. Our service center team can tell you more about how to check motorcycle oil, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

When to Schedule Motorcycle Engine Oil Service

Although we recommend referring to your Harley-Davidson maintenance schedule for how often to change motorcycle oil, it’s often easy to tell when your bike needs new oil because its performance will suffer. Be on the lookout for these signs:

  • Unusually loud engine noise
  • Dash light warnings that won’t disappear
  • You’re not sure when you last visited a Lebanon-area service center for an oil change

Schedule a Motorcycle Engine Oil Change Near Portland!

You can order oil and oil filters online and even save on your purchase with service and parts specials at Timber Town Harley-Davidson. Whether you schedule service with us or you know how to check motorcycle oil and change it yourself, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!

*NO PURCH/PAYMENT NECESSARY. Open only to legal US/DC (excl HI) & Canada residents, above age of majority. Entries will only be accepted on 2/15/2025. You do not have to be present to win. You may “RSVP” to the Ride into 2025 Event starting 1/27/2025 at RSVP Dealers (see list here). The 1st 100 people who RSVP will receive Poster Prize. An RSVP is not an entry & you must enter on 2/15/2025 to be eligible to win. See full rules for entry details. Winners will be determined by 2/18/2025. Prizes include (1) 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra Motorcycle (ARV: $31,949), (1) 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST Motorcycle (ARV: $25,249), (1) Trip for 2 for European Bike week, incl motorcycle rental for 5 days, guided tour & 4 nts’ hotel stay (ARV: $7,000), (2) $2025 USD H-D® Dealership shopping sprees at winner’s Preferred Participating Dealer (ARV: $2025), (12) $500 USD H-D Dealership shopping sprees at winner’s Preferred Participating Dealer (ARV: $500), & 100 Posters (ARV: $1). Limit (1) prize (other than Poster) per person. Motorcycle winners must pay tag/title/dealer & fees prior to receipt of Motorcycle Prize. Winners resp for all taxes/costs not stated above. Other restrs & elig lims apply. For entry methods, winner selection, eligibility & prize details & restrictions, see full rules at HD-promo.com/rideinto2025. Sponsor: Mighty Loud, Inc. H-D or its affiliates. H-D, Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. All rights reserved. Void where prohibited.

**While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 100 attendees.