KTM Four-Stroke Oil Change - Cycle News

Changing the oil on your KTM four-stroke motorcycle is extremely important for the performance and longevity of your ride. And, it’s actually pretty easy. Here’s how you do it.
It’s best to begin all oil changes with a warm engine with warm oil inside it. This allows the oil to drain faster and more thoroughly from the engine. A KTM four-stroke oil change is no different.
With the bike on level ground and upright (a shop stand works great for this), begin by removing the oil filler cap. This will allow the oil to drain more quickly from the engine when you remove the drain plugs.
Start by removing the rear drain plug with a t-handle or socket. This drain plug will have a small magnet on it to catch metal debris in the oil. Set that drain bolt aside. Now, remove the other drain bolt just in front of the first. This bolt has a small screen behind it for catching more oil debris.
Carefully spray-clean the oil screen with brake parts or contact cleaner to remove debris or metal shavings.
While the oil continues to drain, take a moment to clean the magnet on the first drain plug. A little metal here is completely normal as long as it’s not excessive.
Next, remove your oil filter cap by loosening and removing the two 8mm bolts holding it on. There is an O-ring seal holding the cap in place that takes a little back-and-forth effort to remove. Circlip pliers work well for grabbing the oil filter and pulling it out of the engine. Use a rag to clean the oil filter area and clean with contact cleaner.
Next, pre-oil your filter by filling it with oil by simply filling it up with oil. Then, put the new filter in the engine with a little pressure to seat it in place. Finish the oil-filter change by reinstalling the cap and bolts. Ensure the O-rings are in good shape.
Now move back to the drain bolts you removed earlier. Remove the brass crush washer from the magnetic drain bolt and install a new one. Reinstall it into the engine and tighten to a torque of 20 Nm or 14.8 ft.lbs.
Now, install the cleaned oil screen by pushing it into the engine until it clicks in. Install the cap and tighten to a torque of 15 Nm or 11 ft.lbs.
With the guidance of a funnel and using your owner’s manual recommend oil, refill with 1.2 liters of new oil (when changing an oil filter).
Reinstall the oil fill cap and use a pair of pliers to torque it on. This helps prevent the cap from coming loose inadvertently from a boot-kick or flying roost.
Start the motorcycle and let it run for a couple minutes to ensure oil is dispersed throughout the engine. Then, let it sit for a few minutes and check the sight glass. When properly filled, oil should be just above the halfway mark.
That’s it. Your KTM Four-Stroke Oil Change is done. And you’re ready to ride!

[@dmazy]

There is also a drain on the bottom of the engine!!! This drain ALSO has a screen that needs to be cleaned!

[@time_on_target]

Great video but I would not spray parts cleaner into the engine like that. That solvent will be mixed with the oil and even though it's only a small amount still isn't a good idea.

[@dennisrexin9684]

Great work on the video.

[@armandosantana4544]

Thank you for sharing this..

[@ThePrivateRusty]

Your a star sir.Thanks for sharing

[@yanyudharamadhani3166]

The oil standard in the manual is Jaso MA2

[@martintessier9547]

Where can I get that screw on funnel??

[@saoudabdullah464]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@danibosman7160]

where did you buy those t handles can you give a link to that site ?

[@tjsquib8359]

Verry important to note u check the oil while on the triangle sta d nit a box stand. A box stand it will be level with the top of the sight glass

[@tjsquib8359]

@MARCUSAURELIUS well when u put 1.1 qts in it it didn't go ti the right position when I checked the oil

[@tjsquib8359]

@MARCUSAURELIUS I honestly posted thsi when I first got the buke and I don't even check the oil relly anymore its not in the bike long enough to di anything I just change it alot

[@samwaters6635]

Wld it b the same ,just above half way site glass on a 250f

[@loshonorables6165]

Who knows if you are supposed to check engine oil when the bike is hot or cold!? When it's cold it does not show up in the glass but when you warm it up then turn it off and check the oil it's right in the middle! So the oil expands when it gets hot.

[@taholahnativeriders325]

Is this for current 2021 Sxf’s

[@StevenvanderWesthuizen90]

IV just done a oil change and oil filter change on my 450 EXC, I didn't Pre fill the oil filter,is that a problem?

[@Shiba_25]

I have the 2017 ktm 350, I changed the oil and it is half way up on the sight glass,but when I start the bike or lean it on the opposite side of the sight glass the oil disappears. Is this normal?

[@madddog1411]

after the bike is started the oil breaks down and soaks into the filter and moves around the motor, let it run for 2 mins then check it again if you cant see it add more oil till it stays visible in the sight glass

[@tjlovesrachel]

Doge- yes if it’s on the kickstand that’s fine .... when you check the oil level... make sure the bike is upright

[@KomandeR6_]

Does the KTM not have the small oil screen plug on the bottom, compared to the Husqi, or did you guys skip that one, not necessary?

[@WillyD1]

manuel melchor yes the ktm does have the bottom plug with a screen and you should take it out and clean the screen

[@ogPolen]

They skipped it

[@phukspage]

Yes he took the screen out and sprayed the oil screen with contact cleaner

[@michaell6320]

No there’s 2 oil plug screens . One directly underneath. This is the first line of defence for this bike so make sure you take that out and clean it. I replace my screens every 2nd oil change

[@mad-maxx2211]

I really wonder why every video like this skips the bottom drain plug? Freaking idiots.

[@jimpewitt1802]

When checking the oil level on a sxf 250 Kim should it be straight up on the ground or on a stand ?

[@cantogg]

Make sure it is on the ground mate, on the stand will never be an even measuring guide.

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

Make it straight

[@shyhiemalston3375]

Was the name of that spray your useing

[@nekilik728]

Any brake cleaner spray for cars will work

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

What spray do you use to clean the filter????

[@owenlee4585]

it’s just brake parts cleaner, you can get it at your local auto parts store. carburetor cleaner works too

[@robertsilvarprmotoracing9083]

@@owenlee4585 Thank you veri much!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Jusu.siltsu]

If you are driving ktm 450 only at road what is the hour limit when you have to change the oil and filters?

[@madddog1411]

there is not really a limit it is more a recommended time to do it to keep your motor clean and healthy for a longer life but if you check the oil by running your finger under the tread of the cap you can tell if it needs to be changed

[@Jusu.siltsu]

Madd Dog how about the piston then? Is there a limit?

[@madddog1411]

on the Japanese bikes they recommend something stupid like 15 hours and ktm recommends 50 hours. but i do around 80-100, it all depends on how safe you want to be, if you have the money then splash it when ever you want otherwise you can take the risk of riding it out to 150. personally i would recommend 80 hours if you have the money

[@madddog1411]

and that is on the motocross bikes which i ride, if you have a different model the hours can vary.

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

I'm a noob, I've chosen to do it at 50hrs, today. Usually just roads, and a couple times putting through trails. Nothing like what it sees during a race for its recommended 10 hr interval.

[@paradox4193]

Is it the same for a 2005 450SX-F

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

Same for pretty much any ktm, mine is a 2008 xcf w and it's the same

[@insital9232]

what is ur graphics kit

[@johnlindberg9013]

That’s a factory edition bike.

[@jaydenwesley3906]

Tried this on my 2017 crf250r and unbeknownst to me on Honda bikes the right side is transmission oil and the left is engine oil. So I emptied the engine oil and put engine oil in the transmission, it ran for 5 hours until it blew, $3,400 later and a new engine, I think I’m going to read the owners manual next time.

[@OPnoobTheDH]

Wesley 173 jesus! that sucks bro

[@bradgriffith6234]

Wesley 173 ouch!!

[@HopOFFmyGlock]

Damn dude. Biggest nightmare.

[@bluedolphin5792]

Ouch

[@MatthewLowryUSA]

Is one motorex container enough?

[@danch3z]

My 450 sxf takes 1.5L

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

I usually need to add a bit more

[@sonnysingh2456]

Is there a specific torque required for the bolts on oil filter?

[@madddog1411]

just tight enough will be fine all these bolts just have to be tight

[@Mountain_Yeti]

With the exception of the plastics, I torque EVERYTHING on a bike. You don't have to, but I've never had any issues being a meticulous cunt lol

[@willcrain6786]

@@Mountain_Yeti Never hurts! Especially if you're after longevity of your bike's life. If you have the time why not?

[@erikbruneskogh2036]

10nm

[@Earth_By_Board]

I only put 1ltr in my 2019 FC250 and looking at the sight glass it shows way to much?? Do I need to let it run for a minute first?

[@mindfulnessinpeace]

You need to fully drain the previous oil, it could've left some undrained

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

I usually warm up my bike then drain, it comes out much quicker

[@senditsillly1423]

🤙

[@variator259]

👍

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

Can I use water to clean things?

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

I'm just gonna use water.

[@NWO_tv]

Nonononononononononono

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

@@NWO_tv I used water 🥺

[@NWO_tv]

@@iHopeyoure0ffended water and oil don’t go together, water can wash everything but internals or anywhere it can get in the engine

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

@@NWO_tv it was a while ago so I don't remember exactly what I did, but I'm sure I washed small pieces or screws in water, hopefully I dried them well enough lol, but definitely won't do it again now, thankyou :)

[@79brumley]

Do not spray contact cleaner in the fucking oil filter cavity, Love of fucking god! If there's any cleaner left in there when the bike is refilled and closed off the cleaner will breakdown the oil!

[@rtharmon454]

KTM's are messy bikes

[@mindfulnessinpeace]

not really