Oil pressure warning light on

Warning: STOP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. If the oil pressure warning light stays on with the engine running, continuing to ride can destroy the engine within minutes (the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings melt without pressurized lubrication). This light (often a red oil-can icon) does NOT indicate oil level, but PRESSURE: it comes on with the ignition (normal) and should go out as soon as the engine starts; if it stays on or comes on while riding, that's a critical alert. The right approach: stop, shut off the engine, then investigate — never keep riding to "see what happens." The most frequent and simplest cause is an oil level that's too low (check the dipstick first). Next come a clogged oil filter restricting circulation, a failed pressure sensor (which lights the warning even though pressure is actually fine — this must be confirmed with a gauge before concluding anything), a major oil leak that has emptied the sump, and, more seriously, a failed oil pump (no pressure at all left). The distinction comes from checks: dipstick level, oil traces on the ground, how long since the last oil change. Urgency threshold: MAXIMUM. Until pressure is restored and confirmed (or a simple sensor fault is proven with a gauge), do not ride. If the level is correct and the light stays on, have the bike towed rather than risk the engine. The golden rule: better a tow truck than a destroyed engine. This symptom only applies to four-stroke engines (two-strokes lubricate via the fuel mixture).