As an avid dirt bike rider, I understand the importance of routine maintenance like oil changes. Fresh oil is essential for keeping your bike's engine running smoothly and preventing unnecessary wear and tear over time.

In this article, I'll be demonstrating step-by-step how I change the engine oil on my KTM 250 SXF. Before we dive into the process, let's go over exactly what you'll need to change the oil yourself

For this oil change, we'll be using A9 Racing Oil's 10W-50 fully synthetic oil made specifically for KTMs. You'll also need:

• An oil filter

• Drain pan

• Funnel

• Measuring jug

• Oil drain

• Bolt

• Socket

• Wrench

• Gloves

And a stand to easily access the drain bolt and lean the bike on its side. Having all the right tools and products ahead of time makes the oil change quicker and cleaner.

Now let's get started on draining out the old fluid!

Draining Old Oil

To start the messy oil draining process, I leaned the bike onto the side stand. This allowed the bike to tilt enough for the old oil to fully drain out of the engine. I then went ahead and removed the 13mm drain bolt, which let the old dirty oil start freely flowing out into the drain pan I had positioned below. It's critical during this step to not lose the rubber o-ring inside the bolt, as that seals everything properly.

Now release the filler cap on the other side to release all the remaining oil. Make sure to give it a couple of minutes so it's really empty. Lean the bike some time over (flatter to the ground while holding yourself) to really get the last bits of oil also out.

Now put the drain bolt back in after cleaning the filter. Make sure the rubber o-ring is still there. Otherwise you will lose oil over time while riding.

Changing Oil Filter

Changing the oil filter requires leaning the bike onto a special stand to access the filter without any oil spillage. See the video for the proworks lay over stand that i use for this. With the bike securely leaned sideways, use an 8mm socket to remove the two bolts holding on the oil filter cover. Then employ a set of pliers to grip and twist out the old oil filter, which will likely be very dirty and oily after use. Pop in the new replacement filter, making sure it sits flush in place just like the old one did. Wipe any excess oil or dirt off the cover and reinstall it along with the two 8mm bolts, tightening them back up firmly. This full process replaces the crucial oil filter, which serves to capture contaminants and prevent them from circulating back through the engine. So it's important to swap in a fresh filter each time the engine oil is drained.

Refilling With New Oil

After draining the old oil and replacing the filter, it's time to refill the engine with fresh oil. First, return the bike to an upright position so it is level again. For most four-stroke dirt bikes, you'll need around 1.1 liters of new oil. Use a measuring jug to pour just over 1000 ml of new oil. I'm using A9 Racing Oils 10W-50 synthetic oil, which is specifically formulated for KTMs.

Now comes the messy but satisfying part - carefully pouring the clean, golden oil into the filler hole using a funnel. Be patient here rather than rushing. Let the oil drip into place rather than shaking the funnel to avoid spills. Once the new oil is topped up, put the filler cap back on tightly.

Finalizing

Then start the bike and let it idle for about 5 minutes. This circulates the new oil throughout the engine, completing the oil change. Just be sure not to rev it too high until the oil has a chance to properly lubricate all the internal parts. And there you have it - fresh, high-performance oil ready to keep your KTM running in tip-top shape!

Author information

My name is Charlie Frost, and I'm no stranger to the adrenaline-fueled world of extreme enduros. Starting my journey at 19, I seamlessly blended trials and enduro racing, honing my skills through youth events and extreme races like the Tough One and Erzberg. When I'm not tearing through rugged terrain, you can often find me in front of the 24MX camera, sharing my passion and insights with fellow riders, as we delve into the exhilarating world of off-road racing.