
- Prepare the workshop (motorcycle lift, containers for parts, receptacles for all associated fluids, etc.)
- Locate the motorcycle on lift allowing for weight shift as the engine is removed
- Drain all associated fluids into appropriate containers
- Disconnect the battery (ground lead first)
- Turn off the fuel supply and remove the fuel tank
- Remove muffler and header pipe/s
- Remove the airbox and carburetors
- Remove drive chain or disconnect the drive shaft as appropriate
- Remove all items necessary to gain access to the engine and auxiliaries
- Wrap the frame rails where the engine is likely to come into contact with it during removal
- Remove external cases ( clutch cover, alternator cover, etc.). It may be helpful to remove the oil filter canister on some engines
- Using special tools as necessary, remove the clutch, crankshaft drive gear, alternator, stator, ignition plate, gear change lever, and associated components, as appropriate
- Disconnect all oil lines
- Disconnect all electrical connections
- Loosen all engine mounting bolts
How much does it cost to rebuild a motorcycle engine?
The exact cost of a motorcycle engine rebuild will depend on many different factors. Some of these include: Broadly speaking, your engine rebuild could cost anywhere between $500-$8,000 when all is said and done. However, the average national cost is typically around $3,000-$7,000.
How do you overhaul motorcycle engine?
- Prepare the workshop (motorcycle lift, containers for parts, receptacles for all associated fluids, etc.)
- Locate the motorcycle on lift allowing for weight shift as the engine is removed
- Drain all associated fluids into appropriate containers
- Disconnect the battery (ground lead first)
- Turn off the fuel supply and remove the fuel tank
What can damage my motorcycle engine?
- Use of non stand engine Oil: Change of Engine oil with specified intervals or KM run. Use Oil grade as per manufacturer guide line. ...
- Cleaning or change of Air filter and oil filter as per manufacturer guide line.
- Always maintain proper air pressure (Say weekly ). ...
- Do not accelerate suddenly to avoid engine damage.
- Do not overweight the bike
How hard is it to repair a motorcycle?
What you’ll need:
- Your motorcycle’s repair manual
- Basic hand tools (including sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tools)
- Torque wrench
- A Tool pouch to keep your tools organized and within easy reach
- Catch containers
- Lubricants

Can you fix a motorcycle engine?
Whether you want to rebuild an old motorcycle engine, install an upgrade for improved performance, or repair worn or broken parts, understanding the basic rules of the engine rebuilding process is critical. Regardless of the engine size or type, you want to be sure you're doing everything right.
Is it easy to rebuild a motorcycle engine?
Rebuilding a motorcycle engine can be very easy whether you have a single cylinder (2-stroke) or a multi-cylinder (4-stroke) engine. The same basic rules and procedures apply, regardless of the type or size. Engines have to be rebuilt for a variety of reasons.
How much does motorcycle engine rebuild cost?
While the exact price depends on many different factors, a motorcycle engine rebuild typically costs somewhere between $3,000-$7,000. The overall price will include all the parts, upgrades, and finishing touches, as well as the mechanic's labor.
How do you fix a seized motorcycle engine?
0:206:43How-To: Unseize a Motorcycle Engine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we need to do is pull the spark plugs. And just put some kind of penetrating. Oil into theMoreSo what we need to do is pull the spark plugs. And just put some kind of penetrating. Oil into the cylinders and let it soak. So what I like to use is Marvel Mystery Oil.
What is the easiest motorcycle to rebuild?
The easiest motorcycles to restore are generally Japanese brand motorcycles made between the late 60's to late 80's. They are easy to find, easy to work on, and cost very little compared to other motorcycles.
When should a motorcycle engine be rebuilt?
9 Signs You Need An Engine RebuildAverage Range To See If Engines Need Reconditioning.Motorcycle Engine is Blowing Smoke.Valve Not Seating Or Bad Seals.Piston And Ring Issues.Noisy Top End On Your Motorcycle.Noisey Bottom End Of Your Motorcycle Engine.Clutch Issues.Gearbox Issues.More items...•
Is it cheaper to rebuild or buy a new engine?
Rebuilding to repair is usually cheaper than buying a new engine, too. You may save up to half of the cost of a new engine by rebuilding. However, sometimes rebuilding is not a good option. In cases where rebuilding will cost as much as a new engine, your mechanic should be upfront about those costs.
How long does a motorcycle engine last?
If we're looking for exact figures, the average motorcycle engine can last a good 10 to 15 years, any major breakdowns or accidents notwithstanding. In terms of mileage, those figures translate to roughly 100,000 to 160,000 km.
Is it worth rebuilding an engine?
Frequently, rebuilt engines are superior to even new car engines because better parts are used, or design changes in parts correct problems with the original engine. Rebuilt engines are dependable, reliable and are backed by the engine manufacturers warranty program.
Can a seized motorcycle engine be repaired?
If you're comfortable maintaining your own bike, here's how you can free your seized motorcycle engine: Lubricate Your Pistons and Engine Combustion Chamber - Do this by taking out all the spark plugs then pouring a quality lubricant down the spark plug holes that lead to the top of each piston.
Can a seized engine be fixed?
If a mechanic has diagnosed your engine as seized, unfortunately, there are few options readily available to you. Depending on the severity of the damage, most mechanics will suggest a complete replacement rather than attempt a repair.
Can bike engine be repaired?
It is always better to have regular bike servicing and engine check-ups to decrease the chances of getting engine problems in the future. Remember, sometimes repairing the engine can be a better option than replacing it with a new one. Also, it is affordable as you don't need to invest in a brand-new engine.
Is it hard to restore a motorcycle?
Restoring a motorcycle can be difficult. If you have no experience, you'll certainly encounter a learning curve. However, if you're determined, there are millions of resources out there to help you learn for free. Everything I learned about motorcycles and restoring them was from the internet and Youtube.
Is it worth rebuilding an engine?
Frequently, rebuilt engines are superior to even new car engines because better parts are used, or design changes in parts correct problems with the original engine. Rebuilt engines are dependable, reliable and are backed by the engine manufacturers warranty program.
Where do you start when restoring a motorcycle?
Step 1: Find the Motorcycle to Save. ... Step 2: Restart the Engine. ... Step 3: Restore the Suspension & Wheels. ... Step 4: Restore the Braking System. ... Step 5: Check and Restore the Clutch & Transmission. ... Step 6: Restore the Electrical System. ... Step 7: Make It Look Great Again (cosmetics) ... Step 8: Enjoy Your New (old) Bike!More items...
What is the easiest motorcycle to work on?
Yamaha XS 650 The design of this bike is what makes it easy and inexpensive to repair. The gearbox and engine are housed underneath the same casing, making them easily accessible. Its crankcases also come with a horizontally split design that is very simple to work on.
Do you need to remove the engine from the frame?
If you’re doing a full rebuild or major engine work, chances are you’ll need to remove the engine from the frame. Before you start remove stuff blindly, get familiar with the process and find some tips to help make it easier.
Can you remove old gaskets from a motorcycle?
Surprisingly, removing old gasket material from your motorcycle’s engine can be some of the difficult and time consuming work! Find some tips on making gasket removal easier and how to avoid damaging the matting surfaces.
Why does my motorcycle run so poorly?
Collection of Dirt and Debris: Dirt and debris can collect in the interior of a motorcycle, causing the machine to run poorly. The buildup of dirt and debris is one of the most common motorcycle problems but can be prevented by checking your motorcycle’s maintenance manual and following its instructions on what to clean and how often they should be cleaned. Even if you do not ride your motorcycle every day, dirt and debris can collect in the bike’s interior from simply sitting in dusty or debris-filled environments, like under a tree or near roads. Dirty spark plugs are often the cause of a poorly running engine and can even prevent the motorcycle from starting.
What causes a motorcycle fuel system to clog?
Fuel system problems can also include a punctured gas tank or a dirty carburetor. Motorcycle engines almost always require gasoline that has a high octane level and is ethanol free. Other gasoline types can wind up clogging the motorcycle’s carburetor.
How much does a motorcycle tire set cost?
The average motorcycle tire set costs between $200 and $500. Poorly Lubricated Chains: Poorly lubricated chains can lead to catastrophic failure including snapped chains or binding and locking of the drive chain. Such failures can lead to engine damage or cause the rider to have a major accident.
How much pressure should a motorcycle tire be?
Generally, car and street motorcycle tires should be inflated in the 28 to 40 psi range, but it is important to consult your owner’s manual for proper tire pressure and check your tires’ pressure before you ride. Also, proper tire pressure ranges are often included on a sticker on a tire.
How many cylinders does a motorcycle have?
Motorcycles are usually powered by petrol-powered engines typically with one to four cylinders (though sometimes up to eight cylinders). The engine is connected to manual transmissions, which drive the rear wheel of the motorcycle by a belt, driveshaft, or chain. Repair on motorcycles is often performed with a motorcycle lift.
Why do you wipe down a motorcycle battery?
Wiping down the battery is especially important if the motorcycle is ridden under dusty conditions. It is also important to keep the battery’s terminals clean, dry, and tight. You can coat the terminals in a light layer of Vaseline or Di-electric grease to protect the terminals from the elements.
How long should a motorcycle chain last?
Batteries: Motorcycle battery manufacturers generally agree that a motorcycle should last, on average, around 48 months. Premature battery death can generally be blamed on a lack of maintenance.
Why do engines need to be rebuilt?
Engines have to be rebuilt for a variety of reasons. Some are redone to replace worn or damaged parts , others are part of planned maintenance, and others simply need to be tuned or upgraded. Carrying out a planned engine rebuild is not beyond the experienced owner/mechanic with good quality tools, a workshop and a manual.
Why is it important to remove the case on a motorcycle?
On motorcycles with multiple retaining screws on cases (most Japanese machines), it is important to loosen the screws a small amount before removal so as not to warp the cases.
What should be loosened on a muffler?
The hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, springs, etc.) associated with mufflers and header pipes should be loosened evenly so as not to put excessive pressure on adjacent parts. For example, all of the header pipe bolts screwed into the cylinder head should be backed off slightly rather than anyone bolt removed before moving onto the next.
Do mechanics have to exercise caution when removing bolts?
However, the mechanic must exercise caution during this process as the engine will at some point drop under its own weight. Before the final bolts are removed, prepare a suitable space on a nearby bench. In addition, the mechanic should enlist the help of another person at this point for safety reasons.
Do motorcycles have color coded wires?
The vast majority of motorcycle electrical systems have color-coded wires that ensure the correct wires will be reattached upon assembly. However, if there is any doubt, the mechanic should label the wires as required. Multi-pin plugs typically have a locating groove which only allows the plug to be reattached to its appropriate opposite receptacle (male to female).
Do you need to use a clutch cage holding tool when backing off the nut?
However, it is very important to use a special clutch cage holding tool when backing off the nut. Due to the vulnerability of oil lines and their fittings, it is good practice to remove them (where fitted) before attempting to remove the engine. Note: The lines will often have a small amount of oil in them. 10. of 11.
Do it yourself motorcycle engine?
Do-It-Yourself: Rebuild a Motorcycle Engine. John Glimmerveen is a former competitive motorcycle racer. He later worked as a race technician for several international race teams. Rebuilding a motorcycle engine can be very easy whether you have a single cylinder ( 2-stroke) or a multi-cylinder ( 4-stroke) engine.

Step 1 – Clean Your Bike
Step 2 – Ensure Your Bike Is Secure
- As previously mentioned, safety is thenumber one focus when working with engines. To ensure the safety ofyourself and your bike, use a wheel clamp or another stabilizingdevice to keep your bike secure. Most parts are not easily removedand may take some elbow grease to effectively loosen.
Step 3 – Drain All The Fluids
- Once your motorcycle is safely secure,you can drain your fluids into separate catch containers. On a sidenote, it’s important to research the proper fluid recycle or wasteprocess for your state or region. For a list of fluids that require adedicated waste management system, visit this helpful list that willwalk you through dangerous chemicals and methods of disposal. You canalso contact y…
Step 5 – Remove Battery, Header Pipes, and Muffler
- For added safety measures, remove yourbattery. To perform this step accurately, refer to your owner’smanual. If you’re unsure how to remove theheader pipes and muffler, refer to this video by Eric Grass, arecognized Honda mechanic. However, watch carefully, because he goesthrough the process quickly. This video also provides a helpfultutorial in the other necessary steps for engin…
Step 6 – Remove Gas Tank
- For most models, removing the fuel tankwill give you better access to your engine. To make this step easier,consider ciphering out the gasoline before removing the tank. Thisstep will make the tank lighter and easier to control. Also, you mayhave to remove any side paneling that prohibits your direct access tothe fuel tank. Another safety precaution: make sureyou perform this step in …
Step 7 – Take Out The Carburetors and Air Box
- If your carburetors are removed fromthe top, then disconnect the cables first. However, if they come outthrough the sides, it’ll likely be easier to remove the cables after.For more visual information on this step, consult this tutorial. Also, while you have your carbsremoved, you may want to consider cleaning them.
Step 8 – Take Out The Final Drive
- The final drive on your motorcyclecould include the following drive types: • Chain drive • Belt drive • Shaft drive Depending on which drive your bikecontains, you may or may not have to remove it to access your engine.
Step 10 – Remove The Clutch
- Your first step in disassemblingthe clutchis to remove the clutch cover. Keep a raghandy in case any lingering fluid remained inside. It’s alsoimportant to keep your clutch plates in the order of removal. Thatway, when you are reinstalling them, you place them back in theappropriate sequence. Also, you may consider inspecting the conditionof your plates and updating them if th…
Step 11 – Remove The Mounting Bolts For The Engine
- Removing the engine mounting bolts isthe final step involving parts. When completing this step, be carefulnot to drop and damage the engine. It’s recommended that you findan extra set of hands to stabilize the engine as you remove thebolts. Before removing your engine, do avisual inspection to make sure all plugs and wires are disconnected.