Hearing strange noises from your motorcycle can be stressful, especially if you ride often or depend on your bike for daily commuting. A clicking or knocking sound usually means something needs attention, whether it’s a simple fix or an early warning of a bigger issue.
There are a couple of reasons why your bike can make strange noises. Spark plugs could be a big, often overlooked reason why your engine knocks under acceleration. They can cause the fuel to ignite unevenly within the cylinder. It’s also possible to hear a clicking noise if your chain is loose or if there’s an exhaust leak caused by loose bolts.
Lastly, one of the most common reasons for an engine to have a knocking or clicking sound is low or dirty oil. When oil levels are low, engine parts don’t get enough lubrication, causing metal components to rub against each other and create noise.
How Often Should I Change My Oil and Filter?
You should change both your motorcycle oil and filter roughly every 3,000 miles, or once a year—whichever comes first. Your oil filter should always be replaced along with the oil change. I recommend using synthetic oil; it generally lasts longer than regular oil and can double the number of miles before the next oil change.
If your bike is older, consider doing oil changes more often. If you’re taking your bike out of storage or it hasn’t been used for a long period, make sure to switch it out with fresh oil.
How to Check Your Oil:
- Warm up your bike: Let the engine run for 1–2 minutes. This helps warm up the oil enough to circulate through the engine, then turn off the bike.
- Keep the bike upright when checking: Motorcycles need to be held straight up to accurately read the oil. Put it on your rear stand. Unlike normal dipsticks for cars, there’s usually a sight glass that shows the oil level near the lower engine.
- Check the color: Fresh oil is normally a light gold or copper color. If your oil looks very dark or black, or has a burnt smell, it’s probably time for an oil change.
I suggest checking your oil roughly every 1,000 miles. If the oil is below a safe level, add more to prevent damage to your motorcycle. If you ever break down or need motorcycle towing or transport in NYC, MAD Transpo NYC is available 24/7 to help riders get back on the road safely. Click here to book a tow.