Is it okay to change the oil for a new motorcycle at 500 kilometers?
2 Answers
Yes, many motorcycles require the first oil change at 300-500 kilometers. Reasons: The components inside a new motorcycle engine, such as the cylinder, piston, and piston rings, are not perfectly smooth and need a certain mileage to break in and achieve optimal working condition. Therefore, manufacturers also recommend that users avoid high engine speeds during the break-in period. How to check if your motorcycle needs an oil change: You can place the oil on a filter paper to judge whether it needs changing based on the amount of impurities. Alternatively, you can check the mileage, dip the oil onto your fingers, and rub it to feel the viscosity and amount of impurities to determine if an oil change is necessary.
I just changed the oil on my new motorcycle after riding only 500 km. As a beginner rider, I think early oil change is worth it, especially during the break-in period when the engine produces many fine metal particles. Changing the oil helps remove these contaminants and prevents engine wear. The manual usually recommends the first oil change at 1,000 to 2,000 km, but I was concerned about oil degradation affecting performance, so I did it earlier. After the change, the ride feels smoother with more responsive throttle and reduced engine noise. The oil change itself was inexpensive, costing just over 100 RMB; I used semi-synthetic oil for better performance. Moving forward, I plan to service it every 5,000 km or six months to maintain the bike properly for longevity and safety. I'd suggest following the manual, but changing oil at 500 km isn't harmful—consider it an extra layer of protection. After all, extending engine life is what really matters.
