How to Change the Oil in a 2019 Honda CRF250L: Step-by-Step Guide
Shop parts for a 2019 Honda CRF250L Dirt Bike.
Keeping your 2019 Honda CRF250L running smoothly means consistent maintenance, and changing the oil is one of the most critical regular tasks. This comprehensive MotoSport.com guide gives you everything you need to know, from bolts to best practices, with model-specific tips to get the job done right the first time.
Tools and Materials Needed
- 8mm and 12mm sockets (deep well preferred)
- Ratchet
- Allen key (to remove the skid plate, if equipped)
- Torque wrench (recommended but optional for drain bolt and filter cover reinstallation)
- Oil filter (OEM or equivalent)
- New crush washer for drain bolt
- Oil filter gasket (recommended, though many re-use it a few times)
- 1.6 quarts of 10W-30 motorcycle oil (JASO MA rated, as specified by Honda)
- Oil drain pan
- Paper towels or rags
- Rubber gloves and safety glasses (for safety and cleanup)
- Contact cleaner (optional, for cleaning surfaces before reassembly)
- Funnel
Maintenance Intervals and Recommendations
- First oil change: At 600 miles
- Subsequent oil changes: Every 8,000 miles or annually (– whichever comes first)
- Oil filter replacement: At the first 600 miles, then every 16,000 miles
Honda’s recommended intervals may seem long, but visual inspection after several rides has shown oil quality holds up well. If you ride hard, off-road, or in dusty conditions, changing oil more often is always a smart choice for engine longevity.
Always consult your owner’s manual for updates to maintenance intervals and specs.
Step-by-Step Oil Change Process
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Warm Up Your Engine
- Start your Honda CRF250L and let it idle for 3–5 minutes. This heats the oil, helping it drain completely.
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Remove the Skid Plate
- If your bike is fitted with a skid plate, use the Allen key (or appropriate tool) to remove it for easier access. Some aftermarket plates have a drain plug cutout, but oil can still pool on the ‘wings’ when you remove the oil filter, so full removal is often cleaner and easier.
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Place the Oil Drain Pan
- Slide the pan directly beneath the oil drain bolt on the bottom of the engine.
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Remove the Oil Filler Cap
- Twist off the filler cap located on top of the engine. This allows air in and oil out, speeding up draining.
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Remove the Drain Bolt and Washer
- With your 12mm socket and ratchet, loosen and remove the oil drain bolt and its crush washer. Let the oil fully drain. Replace the old washer with a new one if possible—Honda recommends replacing every time, though many riders reuse theirs a few times before changing.
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Remove the Oil Filter
- Locate the oil filter cover (right side of the engine). Use the 8mm socket to remove the cover bolts, carefully take off the cover, and remove the old filter and filter spring. Sometimes the filter may stick—gently pry if needed.
- Remove the old filter gasket from the cover if you’re replacing it (recommended). Clean the filter area and cover with a rag or contact cleaner.
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Install New Oil Filter and Gasket
- Lightly oil the new filter and gasket with fresh oil. Install the new oil filter in the correct orientation (open side out). Place the spring into the center hole if it came out.
- Reinstall the filter cover and tighten bolts evenly. If you use a torque wrench, check your owner’s manual for bolt specs (typically around 9 Nm, but verify for your bike).
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Reinstall the Oil Drain Bolt
- Put the new crush washer on, then reinstall the oil drain bolt. Tighten to spec—generally 24 Nm for the CRF250L, but confirm with the factory manual for peace of mind.
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Refill with Fresh Engine Oil
- Using your funnel, pour in 1.6 quarts (1.5 liters) of 10W-30 motorcycle oil. Check the dipstick or sight glass for proper level, adding a little at a time if you’re near the upper fill line.
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Replace Skid Plate (if applicable)
- Reinstall and fasten the skid plate if it was removed.
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Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
- Start the bike, let it idle for a minute, then shut off and check around the drain plug and filter cover for leaks. Recheck oil level and top off if necessary.
Model-Specific Tips for the 2019 CRF250L
- OEM Magnetic Drain Bolt: Consider installing a magnetic drain bolt as an upgrade to catch metal particles. This is a popular reliability mod but not required for factory maintenance.
- Aftermarket Skid Plates: Oil tends to pool on the ‘wings’ of many aftermarket skid plates when removing the oil filter. Remove the plate for a cleaner change if oil drips onto the skid plate.
- Washer and Gasket Replacement: Honda recommends replacing the crush washer and oil filter cover gasket each time, though many riders reuse these a few changes successfully.
- Oil Type: Always use JASO MA-rated motorcycle oil. Non-motorcycle-specific oils may cause clutch issues over time.
Final Checks
- Wipe any spilled oil from the engine and frame.
- Ride the bike briefly, then recheck the oil level.
- Record the mileage and date—you’re done.
Performing your own oil changes on the Honda CRF250L is straightforward, cost-effective, and helps ensure your engine’s reliability for the adventures ahead.
Related Shopping Categories
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Shop Oil Fillers and Drain Plugs for a 2019 Honda CRF250L 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.