How to Change the Oil in a 2013 Honda CRF450R: A Complete MotoSport.com Guide

Shop parts for a 2013 Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike.

Regular oil changes are crucial for the longevity and performance of your 2013 Honda CRF450R. Honda recommends changing the oil and oil filter after every six races or 15 hours of use. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, highlighting specific details unique to your bike.

Tools and Parts Needed

  • 8mm and 10mm sockets and matching ratchet
  • 10mm drain bolt socket
  • Oil drain pan
  • Honda oil filter (model-specific)
  • Honda 20W-50 motorcycle oil or high-quality equivalent
  • Crush washer (for drain bolt)
  • O-ring (for filter cover, if needed)
  • Torque wrench
  • Measuring cup or graduated cylinder (for precise oil measurement)
  • Clean rags or paper towels
  • Gloves (for protection)
  • Stand or lift (to keep bike upright and stable)

Preparation and Safety

  • Warm the engine for a few minutes to thin the oil, making it easier and more complete to drain

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  • Turn off the engine and ensure the bike is secure and upright, preferably on a stand.

Step-by-Step: Changing the Oil in Your 2013 CRF450R

  1. Remove the engine guard.
    • Use an 8mm or 10mm socket to remove the bolts on the left side engine guard for easy access to the oil filter cover

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  2. Remove the oil filler cap.
    • This allows air in, which helps the oil drain faster and more completely

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  3. Position your oil drain pan.
    • Make sure it's directly beneath the engine's oil drain bolt.
  4. Remove the oil drain bolt.
    • Use a 10mm socket to unscrew the drain bolt and crush washer from the lower rear of the crankcase.
    • Allow all the old oil to drain fully into your pan. Inspect and replace the crush washer if necessary

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  5. Remove and replace the oil filter.
    • Use an 8mm socket to remove the oil filter cover. Be aware that one of the filter bolts is shorter than the others–return each bolt to its original position on reinstallation

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    • Gently pull out the old oil filter. Clean the area, being careful not to drop debris into the oil passage.
    • Install the new oil filter and a new O-ring if needed

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  6. Reinstall the oil drain bolt.
    • Tighten the bolt with its new or inspected crush washer to the manufacturer's recommended torque spec (generally around 9 foot-pounds)

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  7. Reinstall the oil filter cover.
    • Torque the cover bolts evenly to 9 foot-pounds. Replace the left engine guard once finished

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  8. Add fresh oil.
    • For the 2013 Honda CRF450R, add 650–700 milliliters of Honda 20W-50 engine oil or high-quality equivalent. The recommended amount may vary slightly—always check your owner's manual for exact specs

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    • Pour the oil into the filler opening. Add slowly and use a measuring tool for accuracy.
  9. Check the oil level.
    • Inspect the oil level via the sight glass located just below the oil filter cover. Add oil as needed until the proper level is reached

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    • If the sight glass is hard to read, make sure the bike is upright (not on a side stand). On the transmission side, check oil level by removing the level check bolt and filling until oil just starts to come out

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  10. Replace the oil filler cap.
    • Screw the cap back on securely.
  11. Clean up.
    • Wipe away any spills or drips, dispose of used oil and filter in accordance with local environmental regulations.

2013 Honda CRF450R-Specific Callouts

  • This model uses a shared engine and transmission oil (no separate compartments). Always use the oil grade and quantity recommended for your year and version—2013 generally calls for 20W-50 or, depending on climate, 10W-40 if operating in moderate temperatures

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  • Be mindful of the short oil filter bolt; reinstall all bolts exactly as removed

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  • The crush washer for the drain bolt should be inspected and replaced if deformed or damaged at every oil change

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  • The convenient sight glass below the filter cover makes checking oil level straightforward, but ensure the bike is perfectly upright for an accurate reading

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  • If your bike has an aftermarket skid plate or engine guard, you may need to remove it for easier access to the drain bolt.

Best Practices and Tips

  • Never over-tighten the drain bolt or filter cover bolts. Always use a torque wrench to avoid stripping threads.
  • Warm up your engine before draining oil, but never change the oil on a hot engine to avoid burns.
  • Keep a log of service dates and oil types to optimize maintenance intervals.

Stay ahead of your bike's maintenance and enjoy peppy, reliable engine performance on your next ride.

All steps and recommendations are proprietary to MotoSport.com and tailored for the 2013 Honda CRF450R. Always follow your service manual for any situation-specific procedures or torque specifications.

Related Shopping Categories

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Shop Oil Fillers and Drain Plugs for a 2013 Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike.

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.