Depending on the motorcycle you ride, you’ll need to change the oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. For some, that means an oil change a couple of times a year.
Those who don’t ride as much might only need to change their oil once a year. Nonetheless, changing your motorcycle’s oil is affordable and quick.
The average cost of a motorcycle oil change is $56.21. This price includes two components – $12.21 for the oil and $44 for the labor.
While oil is cheap, most people don’t have the tools or time to change their own oil.
We calculated the average cost by analyzing the prices of five different types of oil: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, mineral, castor, and high-performance.
Are you trying to find the best oil for your motorcycle or interested in buying a brand-new bike? Keep reading to learn more about motorcycle oil and the cost of the five most common types.
The Cost to Change a Motorcycle’s Oil
As mentioned, you’ll pay an average of $56.21 to change your motorcycle’s oil. Depending on the labor cost in your city, you could pay as little as $42.94 or as much as $69.47.
Note: this price reflects one quart of oil.
| High-End Estimate | $69.47 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $56.21 |
| Low-End Estimate | $42.94 |
The Price of Motorcycle Oil
The below table shows the high and low-end estimates and the average cost of the five most common types of motorcycle oil.
Note: these prices do not include the cost of labor, which averages $44.
| Price | Fully synthetic | Semi synthetic | Mineral | Castor | High-Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Estimate | $24.70 | $16.84 | $12.50 | $10.20 | $18.12 |
| Average Cost | $16.10 | $11.52 | $8.75 | $9.36 | $15.31 |
| Low-End Estimate | $7.50 | $6.20 | $5.00 | $8.52 | $12.50 |
Types of Motorcycle Oil
Here’s a look at the most common types of motorcycle oil, the features of each oil, and the respective price.
Fully Synthetic Oil
Full-synthetic oil is one of the top choices for bikers. Some of the most popular brands include Amsoil, Mobil1, Valvoline, and Castrol.
How does fully synthetic oil compare to other types of motorcycle oil? The critical difference is its longevity.
Fully synthetic tends to last longer and perform better compared to mineral oil and semi synthetic oil. You can buy fully synthetic oil in various sizes, ranging from a quart to a 55-gallon drum.
The Cost of Fully Synthetic Oil (One Quart)
| High-End Estimate | $24.70 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $16.10 |
| Low-End Estimate | $7.50 |
If your motorcycle uses fully synthetic oil, you can expect to change the oil every 6,000 – 9,000 miles.
Many expensive and high-performance motorcycles require fully synthetic oil. Regarded as a “premium” product, you’ll have to spend a bit more for this type of oil compared to mineral and semi synthetic oil, for example.
If you’re unsure what kind of oil your motorcycle needs, fully synthetic is probably a safe bet. This oil boasts many qualities that protect the engine and help keep it clean.
The Key Features of Fully synthetic Oil
- Last longer than alternative motorcycle oil
- Designed for high-performance
- Protects the engine from everyday wear and tear
- Makes for a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience
- Does not contain any mineral oil (unlike semi synthetic oil)
Semi Synthetic Oil
A more affordable option is semi synthetic oil – a perfectly acceptable oil for most motorcycles. Brands that sell semi synthetic motorcycle oil include Mobil1, Lucas Oil, BikeMaster, and Maxima.
The main difference between fully synthetic and semi synthetic is that semi synthetic oil contains mineral oil. Therefore, it’s cheaper and doesn’t boast the same level of quality as fully synthetic oils. Nonetheless, semi synthetic oil will still provide engine protection, albeit not as much as its fully synthetic alternative.
The Cost of Semi Synthetic Oil (One Quart)
| High-End Estimate | $16.84 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $11.52 |
| Low-End Estimate | $6.20 |
You can use semi synthetic oil in various bikes – commuters, dual-sport, and even some off-road bikes, to name a few. However, if you have a high-performance motorcycle, you’ll probably want to go with fully synthetic oil.
While each product varies, most semi synthetic oil has 25% synthetic oil and 75% mineral oil, which helps drive down the price.
The Key Features of Semi Synthetic Oil
- Contains a mixture of synthetic and mineral oil
- Protects the engine to a certain degree
- Suitable for almost all types of motorcycles (except street-racing bikes)
- Still has the benefits of synthetic oil, such as improved lubrication
- Reduces fuel dilution while promoting power
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil usually falls last on the ranking of motorcycle oils. As the name suggests, mineral oil comes straight from the Earth.
It doesn’t have the synthetic additives that fully and semi synthetic oil contain. Therefore, mineral oil isn’t as effective when it comes to engine protection or overall performance.
Most bikers use this oil if they have an older engine and don’t want to pay the premium price for synthetic oils. While mineral oil isn’t bad per se, you wouldn’t want to use it in a 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The Cost of Mineral Oil (One Quart)
| High-End Estimate | $12.50 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $8.75 |
| Low-End Estimate | $5.00 |
Depending on the brand and the type of motorcycle you ride, you can typically get 1,500 to 3,300 miles out of a mineral oil change. It’s easy to find mineral oil – both online and in automotive stores. Some of the most well-known brands include Carlube, Yamalube, Maxima, and Castrol.
The Key Features of Mineral Oil
- Lasts between 1,500 to 3,300
- Best for older engines
- Doesn’t contain synthetic additives
- Low-cost yet effective
- Provides excellent lubrication for the price
Castor Oil
Castor oil isn’t super popular amongst bikers, but some use it to maximize their racing engine performance.
The most popular brand of castor oil is Maxima, which sells a 1-liter to 5-gallon bottle of what it dubs as ‘Premix Racing Oil.’
An advantage of castor oil is that it works diligently to protect the engine’s surface (comparable to fully synthetic oil). This oil also does an excellent job of preventing rust and reducing carbon.
The Cost of Castor Oil (One Quart)
| High-End Estimate | $10.20 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $9.36 |
| Low-End Estimate | $8.52 |
Maxima makes all its oil in the United States with racers in mind. Since its inception in 1979, the company has continuously improved the quality of its premium oil products.
You can buy Maxima castor oil on Amazon or directly from Maxima USA. Castor oil is comparable to fully synthetic oil, and it’s a bit more challenging to find. However, if you’re into bike racing, you should seriously consider using castor oil.
The Key Features of Castor Oil
- Extremely effective at protecting the bike’s engine
- Helps keep the engine clean
- Comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1 liter to 5 gallons
- Prevents rust and reduces carbon
- Boasts a proprietary formula that maximizes performance
High-Performance Oil
The last type of motorcycle on our list is high-performance oil. This oil covers a broader oil category and not just fully synthetic or semi synthetic, for example. Since brands optimize this oil for the best-possible street performance, you won’t find many mineral oil products.
Some of the most popular brands that sell high-performance motorcycle oil include Castrol, Valvoline, and Royal Purple. You can find this oil on various e-commerce websites, including Amazon, and in auto parts stores.
The Cost of High-Performance Oil (One Quart)
| High-End Estimate | $18.12 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $15.31 |
| Low-End Estimate | $12.50 |
Most high-performance oil products boast features that help improve the engine’s overall longevity and fuel efficiency. This type of oil also tends to last longer than its semi synthetic and mineral counterparts.
When using high-performance oil, you’ll often notice a reduction in engine noise and less leaking. Most high-performance oils originate from the United States and come in a wide selection of sizes.
You’ll have to pay a premium price for this type of oil, but many bikers don’t mind paying a little more for high-quality oil.
The Key Features of High-Performance Oil
- Made with a blend of additives that helps lower the oil temperature
- Last longer compared to semi synthetic and mineral oil
- Helps make the engine run quieter
- Leaks don’t happen as frequently
- Improves the engine’s overall performance and longevity.
Motorcycle Oil Change Cost of Labor
Although changing a motorcycle’s oil is much easier than changing a car’s oil, many bikers prefer to hire a professional to change their oil. It’s more convenient and relatively inexpensive. Depending on your location, you can expect to pay around $44 to hire someone to change your motorcycle’s oil.
| High-End Estimate | $53 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $44 |
| Low-End Estimate | $35 |
What’s the Difference Between Car and Motorcycle Oil?
There are not many differences between car and motorcycle oil. The most notable variation is that motorcycle oil does not have friction modifiers.
Can You Change a Motorcycle’s Oil on Your Own?
Yes, you can change your motorcycle’s oil on your own and save a decent amount of money by doing so. You’ll need a few tools – a hammer, funnel, wrench, and drain pan.
The Cost of a Motorcycle Oil Change
Choosing the right oil not only helps maintain your engine’s health but also improves your overall biking experience. Fortunately, the cost difference of each oil type is relatively slim. If it’s time to change your motorcycle’s oil, you can expect to pay around $56.21.