Cheapest and Most Important Dirt Bike Maintenance - KX250

Hey guys, today we are going to talk about the most important dirt bike maintenance that is going to save you a lot of money long term, this is also the cheapest dirt bike maintenance as well. We are going to do an oil change on 2022 Kawasaki KX250 4 stroke dirt bike.
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dirt bike maintenance kx250 oil change 4 stroke

[@dean754]

Hey Rado 👋🏼….from my experience…Diesel oil goes black because of the cleaning additives I believe and doesn’t mean that it isn’t lubricating properly or going bad. Think about it, a Diesel engine oil gets changed about every 10,000 miles, so 6 hours on a dirt bike is absolutely nothing in comparison. Also noting that Diesel engines are generally lower reving and may run at higher road speeds.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Dean

[@bradleyhetherington2145]

Are they riding motorcycles for over 30 years and you would think that I would know how to change oil on my bike but he pointed out that little screen and I forgot all about it so this video was actually a great reminder for me to check that screen. Thank you.

[@happyman8488]

I usually check my oil filter after every ride for metal shavings as even smaller particles will be there, giving you a better indication if something is about to let go in the engine. I also used my stock sump plug, drilled a press fit hole in it and installed a strong magnet, it keeps oil clean and good to inspect engine health.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing, appreciate it!

[@pablos6.060]

Rotella is an amazing oil. I use it on my diesel truck, boat, lawn mower, pressure washer and my dirt bikes and quads.

[@travis9684]

Been doing this for years ,Change it every ride You can get it so cheap good job man!!! 👍

[@dirtniron]

Right on! thanks Travis

[@someoneyouknow96]

I hate to be an asshole but if you can’t afford to maintain your bike, maybe you shouldn’t own a bike. If it breaks you certainly can’t fix it if you can’t afford the oil change. Second, I bet these same people bitching about not being able to afford an oil change probably aren’t too savvy with money to begin with. But every week they will be going out to dinner, maybe a night of drinks, along with many other “unneeded” items or activities. Prioritizing is important.

[@dirtniron]

good idea!

[@bradmosteller433]

i was thinking the same thing..

[@diegogarces3654]

Indeed

[@kylephillips1695]

I tried the rotella for my 17 300xc and I never had so many shifts to neutral in my life. Ya know I took the advice I’ve saw all over oil is oil well belray 80 wt is what I went back to and will only use that from now on. Maybe 4 strokes would handle it different but it’s no good for what I’m riding

[@wrenchone5003]

No rotella is gross I can't believe how many guys recommend that crap .you can literally tell by how black it is after one ride .

[@Xfacehack]

@@wrenchone5003 Nah don't get hang up on the name. HOWEVER using regular oil in 2022? MADNESS synthetic even the cheapest synthetic is way better than that crap he is using

[@basedlord88]

Probably gunna get hated on but I run full synthetic ATF if my 125 😁 have for 14 years and it’s still the original bottom end with no issues. Change it every 5 hours or so

[@benmartin6476]

That’s totally fine to run Royal purple synchrmax even says two stroke transmissions I used to run atf in my kx500 Now I have two Kawasaki 4 strokes, a husqvarna 2 stroke, beta 2 stroke and a couple quads so I buy nothing but amsoil 10w50 dirt

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Hey Rado, I have preached Shell Rotella T4 over on my channel for a couple years now....and man people just want to argue with me how it's not good enough...I guess the old saying of " you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink " rings true anyway keep up the good work. 😁👍

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Dave, appreciate it

[@trackpackgt877]

Rotella is good oil but the T4 Is conventional oil. I don't ride my bike a ton and I don't race it so I don't have to do as frequent of oil changes but I love my bike it was expensive so I give it the most expensive oil Amsoil or mobil 1 T4 racing both synthetics in conjunction with oil analysis from Blackstone labs. I highly recommend sending an oil sample to black stone labs check your wear Metals make sure your oil is doing a good job and nothing is wearing excessively also catch anything before it breaks! Good video brother

[@DirtByk]

I’ve been running Rotella T in ALL my bikes from two stroke 300 tpi’s to 1000cc Sport bikes without issue for nearly 20 years. I’ve tried other oils, specifically fully synthetic oil and immediately I can tell that when the oil is cold, you can feel a slight slip in the clutch pack. The Rotella does not give that sensation. Change often and you can’t go wrong.

[@dirtniron]

Thanks for sharing Todd!

[@ScoOutDoors]

Castrol fully synthetic 10/40 every 6hrs plus new air filter in a ktm 300 exc 2017 can run a piston for 180 hrs single track riding with no problems 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@bengraham6672]

How do you find the single tracks in Wales mate? Im from Pembrokeshire originally, but now live and ride in Australia

[@ScoOutDoors]

@@bengraham6672 absolutely brilliant in the valleys enduro capital of the world 🌎 even billy bolt agrees 💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🍻

[@talon0863]

Grease on the threads is a very good idea. I do the same but with a blue thread lock.

[@dirtniron]

haha, there is a time and place for blue thread lock ;)

[@ironthumb3048]

I have been using Rotella in all my street and dirt bikes for 20 yrs without any oil related failures Rotella meets JASO requirements for motorcycles.

[@troymoszer]

Great oil just not for motorcycles with a single sump oil reserve. I used it for a season and as others have stated, I also experienced shifting and especially clutch issues, went back to motorX and those problems went away.

[@timberg331]

I tried rotella in my kx 250 for this reason to save money, personally it didn’t work for me. Shifting was stiff and I could tell very noticeable power lose in high rpm/ over rev. Switched to castrol power 1 5w40 spec from kawi and bike has better response with way more top end pull. Probably ok for a 450 but 250s run higher RPMs most the time. I’m guessing rotella has to much detergents and is too thick for a high revving 250. I change my oil every 2-3 hrs.

[@Blocanbentlyyahu]

I noticed the shifting

[@mattminaz]

DirtNIron I am with you on this. At 4-6 hours Rotella is fine. I ran it because Rekluse recommended it and it worked. If you are going to do 8-10 hour oil changes or 15 hours like Husky recommends then I can see using the full synthetic Motorex or equivalent. Good video. Thanks.

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Matt

[@sevensi62]

I agree with you on letting the oil sit!

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing

[@bikersoncall]

Have you don't a video on how you keep your bikes so clean and new looking? What chemicals, brushes, etc on engine/frame...

[@dirtniron]

not yet, but Jay @dirtbiketv has some video posted recently

[@bikersoncall]

@@dirtniron Thanks Rado, I've seen one of Jay's cleaning videos, I'll have to go back and view it again..

[@622wesc]

Still having a hard time switching to Rotella. Yes race teams use it. They can also afford to rebuild them often. They don't put 100's of hrs on them. You had less then 50 hrs on your bike. Yea I'll stick with the expensive stuff for now.

[@dirtniron]

I had other bikes with 120h+ change the oil and you are fine for a long haul.. whatever suits you the best Eric, your way works too

[@dylancrow7919]

I been stuck on mobile one race oil. About 12-13 dollars per oil change. Every 4-6 hours. No more than 10 if I have a big week. I started to try rotella. I bought some and went home with it. I drained my oil, right before filling it, I returned the rotella and got some mobile one. I hate to change what I know is working on such a used up engine. Maybe after I do a rebuild I’ll have the guts to switch.

[@MC_795]

Great video rado thank you

[@dirtniron]

Glad you enjoyed it, welcome!

[@bradl45]

For so many years I used Rotella in EVERYTHING(T4 and T6s), cars, trucks, moto's, mowers, tillers, etc, loved it. It's more expensive now, I've changed to Motul7100(got to buy in bulk one time) in the bikes, my interval is slightly longer than with Rotella, so cost is not to much more. Change oil, keep your bike alive, good stuff. Go Rado!! Some time ago the internet was buzzing with a formula change, I didn't dig into it. Anyone have the scoop? My dirt bike change to 7100 was more due to availability when I was buying in bulk.

[@dirtniron]

hey Brad, thanks for chipping in! I heard about that couple years ago, but we dont see the difference and still use it with no issues.

[@Billbar15]

shouldn't use carb clean or brake clean on any rubber o rings or seals it makes the swell and slowly eats away at them if there were any on the strainer screen

[@dirtniron]

yea, thanks for sharing

[@talon0863]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing

[@jaymz_mx45]

He's most likely using something like wd-40. I really doubt he's exposing his hands to carb cleaner. Doesn't do your skin any favors.

[@BlazinSteelLtd]

Is brake cleaner a good substitute for contact cleaner?

[@bradmosteller433]

i use brake cleaner

[@ohdehhan]

If you're changing this oil every 4hrs compared with every 12hrs with fully synthetic... the price works out very similar, doesn't it?

[@woodman4989]

You can get the oil filters for $2.99 on Rocky Mountain using the Tusk brand.

[@johngray722]

There’s no way I’m using that oil in my bike oil is cheap any way and I also disconnect the fuel pump when using starter as your filling your cylinder with fuel

[@jamaljackson9879]

Lol. ALL HAIL JOHN GAY!

[@KTM-Beta]

When using engine oil for car or truck you will get some lowfriction additives in your engine. Don't you experience some clutch slip?

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Thanks for the pro tip. 💪😃👍

[@dirtniron]

you are welcome!

[@martinhernandez7733]

Hello my fellow rider I had an 07 kx 250 f my first thumper I ride pretty hard big bike open class but I used the Rotella and unfortunately I blew my exhaust valve 3 times it was around $900 to fix it each time I switched to maxima and I rode it almost everyday for 3 yrs and it ran like a charm maybe it was just a coincidence because alot of guys I know use the Rotella that's my story bbraapp

[@dirtniron]

thanks for sharing Martin

[@mervinjones317]

I have a ktm 560 smr o6 model can i use the same oil and do you get a starter for my bike thank you for all your videos I really injoy them

[@dirtniron]

Yes you can Mervin.

[@nazarreyaz7882]

Hi, is there any advantage in using magnetic drain bolts as opposed to the OEM drain bolt?

[@dirtniron]

yes, It gathers all the metal shavings and keeps them from going around..

[@thedriverofallthings]

Dang we dont have that shell retells in the UK I'm gonna have a look online

[@dirtniron]

good luck bro!

[@gixxerofsweden9409]

very nice =)

[@davidb.4342]

Do you use that Oil in both 4 strokes and 2 strokes?

[@dirtniron]

yes, in both

[@benmartin6476]

15w40 will protect the engine and transmission ok but is not wet clutch compatible so at least run the rotella t6 5w40 ( jaso MA2 ) spec

[@optony9606]

This is only sold in the US what will match it in Australia

[@guybates7587]

Gulf western top dog 15/40 mineral you can get it in 20 litre drums

[@greygoose9577]

Man i live in Switzerland and it's so expensive. Yes i run a high performance racing oil but still 1liter of my oil is abot 37$ 😵‍💫

[@talon0863]

I would get brain damage if I had to spend that much on oil. I spent a year at Institut La Gruyère when I was 14. You're lucky to live there my friend.

[@dirtniron]

that is expensive.. do you have good tracks there?

[@davidwilliamson9162]

What about the clutch adertives?

[@dirtniron]

good for clutches, Rekluse recommended this oil for a while too.. now they have their own brand.. there are some guys listing all the specs on the forums, you should be able to find it when you do the search

[@davidwilliamson9162]

@@dirtniron wow are you sure,when ov had to run on car oil I just get either bad shifts or clutch slip

[@martinmachava6933]

Do you use this same oil in 2 stroke transmission?

[@humpday2267]

I do and it’s always worked fine for me.

[@dirtniron]

yes, same for 2 strokes.

[@senor7857]

4$? In Spain no way...

[@filmstamp7448]

Does this work on 2 stroke engines?

[@dirtniron]

yes 2 strokes too

[@Briank-ef5iq]

Save time an money buy a 2 stroke !!

[@dirtniron]

best have both ;)

[@Briank-ef5iq]

@@dirtniron I tried a 4 stroke an sold it in 6 months! We woods ride a lot 4 strokes just run so hot an flame out constantly! Having to change oil an air filter every ride is annoying but as long as bike makes you smile that’s all that matters!

[@dirtniron]

I like 2 stroke on the trails as well, some faster flowy stuff 4 strokes works great too.

[@shannonscott5788]

My friends with 2t’s have more problems then my 4t. Honestly modern 4t are better in reliability.

[@Briank-ef5iq]

@@shannonscott5788 I have 2 250 an a 125 all 2t never issues basic maintenance they run like screaming eagles!

[@gasi9613]

Do u like grease? Is not it?? 😂

[@andreasjonsson8075]

Is it ma/mb rated?

[@dirtniron]

google it Andreas.. I am sure its on the label

[@andreasjonsson8075]

@@dirtniron Have you tried the shell t6? The fully synthetic variant of the t4

[@MOTO_MAVERICK53]

It’s not 4 dollars tho is it Because the oil cost more then that I’m in England and a 4 litre bottle of oil is £47 for my bike so please explain how this is 4 dollars oil charge

[@quintbetts7707]

That oil work on two stroke also then?

[@dirtniron]

yes we use it for all our bikes, 2 and 4 strokes

[@jamaljackson9879]

@@dirtniron for premix???

[@humpday2267]

@@jamaljackson9879 no not for premix for gearbox oil. Do not use rotella as premix

[@lozadazx14]

That’s completely wrong diesel engine oil on a small hi performance gas engine !!! 🤦‍♂️

[@dirtniron]

Strong words bro..

[@humpday2267]

Haha hard to argue with thousands of people who use this oil regularly. Go buy your expensive name brand oil and overpay I don’t care.

[@racingjunk7024]

I have over 400 hours on my 13 crf450r never been touched other then the water pump .ran t4 rotella oil change after every ride .even run it in a street strip car runs consistent 9s .oil is oil just change it . At the end of the day but what makes you feel good you’ll be throwing it away in a cpl hours anyways

[@greg6319]

Diesels don’t run at 8000-11,000 rpm’s.. don’t use cheap ass oil in your dirt bikes.. you are falsely protecting yourself towards a rebuild

[@dirtniron]

do some research Greg, some race teams running rotella. Long time ago I bought a bike from Sebastian Tortelli, he was the one who told me to use this oil, that's what he uses in all his bikes for a long time, seen a lot of other industry guys using it since then. But, its your bike and your $, do what works best for you. take care

[@greg6319]

@@dirtniron do some research Sebastian tortelli ran a mostly 2 stroke’s in his 7 yr pro career.. so your example does not apply here to a modern day 4 stroke

[@greg6319]

@@dirtniron . but why would you? It literally blows my mind how people spend 10 thousand dollars on a modern day 4 stroke and then try to save $10 on an oil change.... 🤦‍♂️

[@greg6319]

The interface between the lifter bucket and the nose of the cam is a consistent extreme pressure situation especially once the clearances begin to close up. The same regularly holds true for the cam plain bearings like those used in the YZFs and RMZs. It's pretty easy to look at the cams from these engines to get a really good insight into what went on from the oil side of things. If you are riding a modern four-stroke it's best to choose your oil wisely boys, because this can be an expensive place to save a few bucks.

[@dirtniron]

not trying to argue with you man, do what works for you

[@MTnumber11]

250f. Four stroke. Kx250 is a two stroke. Click bait for us two smokers.

[@dirtniron]

No click bait, Kawasaki dropped “f” from the name. Look it up

[@MTnumber11]

@@dirtniron I stand corrected. Thanks for that

[@dirtniron]

@@MTnumber11 no problem, happy thanksgiving 👍

[@alfredvonseherr4337]

Hallo 👍😀🏍

[@xenomorph7299]

Then why does the manual tell you not to put diesel oil in your dirtbike?

[@dirtniron]

whatever works for you man

[@joe0813]

if you cant afford to do an oil change on a dirt bike every four hours then go find a different hobby. Maybe a hobby that is free. Peasants 😂