How to Change the Oil on a Honda XR 200, 250, 400, or 650 (Engine & Transmission)

If you’ve got 20-30 minutes, you’ll be able to change the oil on a Honda XR dirt bike. It’s surprisingly easy and there are only a handful of tools that you’ll need.

There are a couple of things you need to look out for, but I’ll cover that in the outlined steps below.

Change Engine Oil on a Honda XR

#1 – Warmup the Engine Oil

• Start your dirt bike and let idle for 3 minutes, then shut off
• Turn off and stand bike up, making sure it is level

#2 – Drain the Oil

• Remove the engine oil fill cap/dipstick
• Place an oil pan under the engine
• Remove drain bolt and sealing washer
• Holding the kill-switch: kick the bike over 5 times (or so) to completely drain oil
• Apply a bit of oil to the drain bolt  threads and sealing washer and reapply using a torque wrench

NOTE: We’re not filling it up just yet, so don’t worry about it now.

NOTE 2: Don’t be dork and just empty your motor oil on the ground. The oil pan below is a great way to dispose of oil responsibly.

#3 – Replace the Honda XR Oil Filter

• Remove the oil filter
  • You probably have an engine guard covering the filter cover – remove both
• Carefully remove the filter, O-ring and spring
• Apply a little grease to the end of the spring on the filter side and then put the spring in the new filter
• Place the spring against the engine and install the new filter with the rubber seal facing out
  • Should be a side marked “OUT-SIDE”
• Add oil to the O-ring (might need a new one if worn or damaged) and install the filter cover and engine guard (again, using a torque wrench)

#4 – Fill Honda XR With Engine Oil

• Fill the crank case with the appropriate amount
• Install the fill cap/dipstick

How to Check Engine Oil on a Honda XR Dirt Bike

• Start your bike and let idle for 3 minutes
• Turn off and let sit/cool off for 3 minutes
• While letting it cool off, make sure your bike is standing straight up (level)
• Remove the fill cap (it’s also the dipstick) and wipe the dipstick clean with clean rag or shop towel
• Insert the dipstick back in WITHOUT screwing it in and then remove and check level
  • If the oil is at or above the upper level, do not add oil
  • If the oil is at or below the lower level, add oil (do not overfill)
• Reinstall the fill cap/dipstick

How to Dispose of Used Dirt Bike Oil

Here’s a quick video that’s worth watching. It’s very easy to get rid of used oil.