5 Tips for a Better Engine Oil Change

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When it comes to looking after my bikes, I’ve always believed that the better I treat them, the better they’ll perform for me. Over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a ritual around my oil changes — not just because it’s essential maintenance, but because it gives me peace of mind every time I line up behind a gate or hit a long ride.

Here are 5 tips I’ve learnt (and lived by) to make sure I’m getting the most out of my engine oil changes:

1. Stick to Smart Service Intervals

I normally change my oil between 6–8 hours of riding, never more than 10, and if it’s hard racing or really aggressive riding, I keep it closer to 5 hours max. If it’s more of a chilled weekend ride, I might stretch it to 8–10. But bottom line: don’t push it too far. Oil is cheap compared to an engine rebuild.

2. Use Motul Engine Clean Every 3–4 Oil Changes

This one’s been a game-changer for me. Motul Engine Clean helps break down old deposits and varnishes inside the motor, giving your new oil a much cleaner start. After using it, I’ve noticed that the colour of my oil (whether it’s green from 300V or red from 7100) stays cleaner in the glass after 2+ hours of riding.

Without Engine Clean, the oil gets contaminated almost immediately. You’d be surprised how much old oil and grime stays behind during a standard drain, especially with Ester Technology, which magnetically binds oil to your engine parts for better protection.

3. Warm the Bike First – But Don’t Ride It

Before I drop the oil, I warm the bike up to operating temperature — just idling, no revving or riding. This thins the oil slightly, making it easier to drain and helping loosen deposits inside the motor. You're basically prepping the oil for removal, not putting stress on the engine.

4. Pay Attention When You Drain

When you actually drain the oil, take a look at what comes out — not just how dark it is, but how much sludge and residue is attracted to your sump plug. I was honestly shocked in my last change by how much grime had collected. That’s years of experience and a product doing its job.

5. Fresh Oil in a Clean Motor = Performance You Can Feel

There’s nothing better than knowing your new oil is going into a clean engine. It gives you better performance, smoother gear shifts, longer engine life, and just more peace of mind. It’s not just about maintenance — it’s about giving your machine the best possible chance to run right, every ride.

My Take

Look, I’m no mechanic. I’m not claiming to know it all — I just love this stuff. I’m obsessed with keeping my bikes perfect, and I take pride in the products I use and represent.

For me, my bikes were never just tools — they were teammates. If I looked after them, they looked after me. I always believed the better condition my bike was in, the better I would be.

If I ate rubbish, I felt rubbish — the same goes for your bike.

Ride hard. Maintain smarter. Respect the machine.