How to Change the Oil in a 2013 Honda CRF150R

Shop parts for a 2013 Honda CRF150R Dirt Bike.

Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2013 Honda CRF150R. This how-to blog, proprietary to MotoSport.com, provides a step-by-step guide to changing both the engine oil and transmission oil on this specific model, including all the tools, supplies needed, and key model-specific callouts.

Tools and Supplies Needed

  • 10mm and 12mm socket or wrench
  • Oil drain pan
  • Rag or shop towels
  • Funnel
  • Replacement engine oil (SAE 10W-30 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher, NOT “energy conserving”)
  • Replacement transmission oil
  • New oil filter (recommended with every oil change, every 6000 km – approx. 4000 miles)
  • New O-ring for oil filter cover
  • Torque wrench
  • Nitrile gloves (optional but recommended)

Important Model-Specific Callouts

  • Engine and transmission use separate oils and each has its own drain bolt.
  • Avoid “energy conserving” oil additives and API SH or higher 4-stroke oils that display a circular API “energy conserving” service label—they can negatively affect component lubrication

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  • Replace the oil filter every 4,000 miles (6,000 kilometers) or every oil change if riding under extreme conditions

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  • SAE 10W-30 viscosity motorcycle oil is recommended, such as Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada)

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  • Check the O-ring on the oil filter cover for any pinching or damage; replace with a new O-ring if necessary to prevent leaks

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  • Do not over-tighten drain bolts—use a torque wrench to avoid stripping the threads

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Step-by-Step Oil Change Instructions

  1. Warm Up the Engine
    • Start the motorcycle and let it idle for a few minutes. This warms the oil, helping it drain out of the engine more thoroughly.
  2. Turn Off and Secure the Bike
    • Shut off the engine and place the bike upright on a stand or level surface.
  3. Locate the Drain Bolts
    • The CRF150R has two separate drain bolts:
      • One for the engine oil (underneath the engine)
      • One for the transmission (on the opposite side of the engine)
    • Refer to your owner's manual or Honda's diagram to confirm both locations

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  4. Drain the Engine Oil
    • Place the oil pan beneath the engine drain bolt.
    • Carefully loosen and remove the engine oil drain bolt with the correct socket or wrench.
    • Allow the oil to drain completely. Tilt the bike gently, if needed, to help oil flow out.
    • Inspect the crush washer; replace if damaged or excessively compressed.
  5. Replace the Oil Filter
    • Remove the oil filter cover using the correct socket. Be careful—oil may still be present here.
    • Take out the old oil filter and the O-ring from the cover.
    • Inspect the O-ring for swelling, pinching, or damage; replace if necessary to prevent leaks

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    • Install the new oil filter and lubricate the O-ring with a little engine oil.
    • Carefully re-install the cover and tighten it to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.
  6. Fill the Engine with Oil
    • Install and tighten the engine drain bolt (use a torque wrench to specification).
    • Remove the engine oil fill cap/dipstick.
    • Insert a funnel into the fill hole and pour in the recommended amount and type of oil (Pro Honda GN4, SAE 10W-30, API SG or higher but NOT “energy conserving”)

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    • Common oil fill amount is around 0.90 liter (0.95 US qt.)—check the owner's manual for your specific capacity

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    • Do not overfill; use the dipstick to check the oil level—wipe it clean, insert it (without threading), then withdraw to read oil level.
  7. Drain and Refill the Transmission Oil (if needed)
    • Place the pan under the transmission drain bolt.
    • Remove the bolt, let all the old oil drain, then reinstall and torque to proper specification.
    • Remove the transmission fill cap and pour in the correct amount/spec of transmission oil as outlined in your manual.
  8. Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
    • Replace the engine oil fill cap/dipstick.
    • Start the engine and let it idle for a minute. Check for leaks at the drain bolts and oil filter cover.
    • Turn off the engine, let it sit for a moment, then re-check oil level and top off if necessary.
  9. Clean Up and Dispose of Oil Properly
    • Dispose of used oil and the old filter at an authorized recycling facility. Never dump oil in drains or the environment.
    • Wipe down the motorcycle and clean up any spills.
  10. Record the Oil Change
    • Note the mileage/hours and date of your oil change in a maintenance log for reference.

Specific Notes for the 2013 Honda CRF150R

  • Change the oil and oil filter every 4,000 miles (6,000 km) or more often under harsh riding conditions

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  • Use only motorcycle-specific oils as recommended above—automotive oils labeled “energy conserving” can cause clutch slippage

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  • The CRF150R features separate engine and transmission oil circuits—each must be serviced individually

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  • Always double check that the O-ring on the oil filter cover is correctly seated to prevent leaks

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  • If you experience difficulty locating drain bolts or fill caps, refer to your factory service manual for diagrams and torque specs

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Conclusion

With the right tools, a little patience, and the correct oil, changing the oil on your 2013 Honda CRF150R is a rewarding DIY task that protects your bike's engine and keeps you riding safely. For more expert dirt bike maintenance guides, visit MotoSport.com regularly.

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.