Oil-pressure warning
If the oil-pressure light stays on with the engine running or appears while riding, stop safely and switch off the engine.
Last reviewed: 23 July 2026 · Exact behaviour varies by make, model and year
Normal behaviour
The oil-pressure light may illuminate when the ignition is switched on but the engine is not running. The engine has not yet produced oil pressure. It should normally go out promptly after the engine starts; check your handbook for the exact sequence.
Possible fault
If the warning remains on with the engine running or appears while riding, oil pressure may be below the level needed to protect bearings and other moving parts. Oil level and oil pressure are not the same thing: a motorcycle can show a normal level and still have a pressure fault.
What to do
Close the throttle, stop somewhere safe and switch off the engine. Check the oil level using the exact handbook method. If it is low, do not assume topping it up has solved the cause of the loss. If the warning remains, the level is correct, oil is leaking or the engine sounds abnormal, do not restart it; arrange recovery and professional diagnosis.
Possible causes
- •Low oil level caused by consumption, leakage or incorrect filling
- •Oil-pump, pickup or pressure-relief fault
- •Incorrect, contaminated or severely degraded oil
- •Blocked oil passage or filter problem
- •Wiring, sender or instrument fault
- •Internal engine wear or damage
When not to ride
Do not continue with an oil-pressure warning illuminated while the engine is running. Continuing for "just a few miles" can turn a repairable fault into major engine damage.
Sources
- The Highway Code, warning displays and vehicle maintenancehttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security
- Honda motorcycle owner's manualshttps://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/my-bike/honda-motorcycles-owners-manuals/
- Yamaha motorcycle owner's manualshttps://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/service-support/owner-manuals/