Get your supplies ready, and expose your engine

Oil changes are of the easiest and most effective ways to prolong the life of your bike, and should be performed every six months or 3,000 miles-- whichever comes first. Carbureted bikes are more susceptible to the ravages of storage since fuel can easily contaminate the engine oil, so be extra vigilant with non-fuel injected bikes.

Before you start, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

An allen wrench or screwdriver (for fairing removal, if necessary.)
An oil filter wrench (for removing the oil filter.)
The appropriate crush washer for your oil drain plug-- this can be purchased from a hardware store or motorcycle service shop.
A pair of needle-nose pliers, in case the oil filler cap is hard to reach or tightly screwed on.
An adjustable socket wrench.
Clean rags.
The proper amount of manufacturer-recommended engine oil.
A new, manufacturer-approved oil filter.
A funnel.
If necessary, remove fairing or bodywork blocking access to the engine
If bodywork surrounds the engine that needs an oil change, you'll have to remove it.

Don't worry- this is easier than it sounds.

Bikes often come equipped with small toolkits under their seats; if you can't find yours, use the appropriate Phillips screwdriver and/or Allen wrench in order to unscrew the bolts holding your fairing to the frame.

Be sure to keep all fasteners, brackets and bolts together in a safe place until it's time to put everything back together again.

Get your supplies ready, and expose your engine
Unscrew the Oil Filler Cap
Remove the Oil Drain Plug
Remove and Replace the Crush Washer
Clean the Oil Drain Plug
Remove the Oil Filter
Remove and Clean Plastic Mesh Filter
Lubricate the O-ring of the New Filter and Attach it to the Engine
Motorcycle Oil Change - Replace Oil Drain Plug & Plastic Mesh Filter, Pour Oil
Check the Oil Level

Unscrew the Oil Filler Cap
Before draining the engine oil, you'll want to unscrew the oil filler cap (it's usually made of black plastic, with a raised twist tab.) Doing so will allow the oil to drain more quickly.

If the cap is hard to reach or tightly screwed on, you might want to use needle-nose pliers.

Remove the Oil Drain Plug
Place a pan or bucket under the engine and use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug, which is located on the underside of the oil pan.

Be careful during the last few turns, as the oil-- which might be hot-- will start to spill out.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to properly dispose of used oil at a qualified hazardous waste disposal facility. Dumping used oil is both illegal and harmful to the environment.

Remove and Replace the Crush Washer
The crush washer is an aluminum or copper disc designed to deform under pressure, which helps seal the oil drain plug. This part must be replaced after each oil change, and is seen here being separated from the drain plug.

Remove the Oil Filter
While the oil continues to drain, unscrew the oil filter using a filter removal tool, which reaches around what might be a tightly screwed in filter.

Once the filter is off, make sure the filter's O-ring (a band of rubber that fits on the tip to ensure a secure seal) came off with the filter.