Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 11:56:39 GMT -8
I feel like oil changes are something that needs to be done by the rider, not only because its cheaper, but because its the first step a rider can take to learn the way things operate and how maintaining their bike isn't as intimidating as they thought, hopefully encouraging the rider to do more of their own maintenance and even start to upgrade their bikes as learn more about them.
Most bikes are usually pretty straight forward on draining and filling oil, there are a couple out there that are more finicky in this process but we aren't going to cover those yet, lets just assume for now that your riding a fairly modern Japanese sport bike.
without further ado...
Parts, tools, materials:
Oil 4qt Min.
Filter
Wrench for filter ( all filters use a different wrench, please check filter specs for wrench needed)
Metric wrenches ( check bike or owners manual for sizes needed)
Metric Allen wrenches ( check bike or owners manual for sizes needed)
Oil drain pan
motorcycle lift or stand
Step 1.
Take your bike for an easy stroll around the block, bringing up to operating temp. ( this makes the oil thinner and therefor drains easier.)
Step 2.
Put bike on lift or stand in a clean secure area. ( if putting on a lift see Step 3.)
Step 3.
Remove fairings on both sides of bike ( do this before step 2 if using a lift)
Step 4.
Place drain pan under bike with drain plug centered in pan.
Loosen oil fill cap.
Step 5.
Using the proper sized metric wrench (or Allen wrench) remove drain plug. Warning: motor, oil, and exhaust will be hot!
While allowing oil to drain, inspect drain plug, clean off magnet if equipped. If bike uses a metal (steel or alum) crush washer, replace it now. If drain plug has an O-ring clean and inspect, replace if needed.
Step 6.
Using proper filter wrench for the type of filter you have on the bike, remove filter with drain pan still under the bike, adj. as needed to catch oil.
Properly dispose of used filter.
Step 7.
Open filter, if filter fits bike with filter opening facing up fill with oil now (using filter box to hold filter upright) if your filter goes on in ANY other direction do not fill with oil.
Using a bit of oil on your finger, smear oil on the O-ring or gasket on the oil filter (this will allow the O-ring to seal without a dry surface that may be damaged by abrasion wile tightening)
Slowly line up the threads by turning filter backwards on threads (counter-clockwise) until you feel the threads set then turn clockwise to tighten.
Hand tighten, then use the proper wrench for the new filter and turn clockwise 1/4 turn.
Step 8.
Replace drain plug and using proper size wrench (a socket on a torque wrench is ideal) torque to manufacturers specification.
Step 9.
Remove oil fill plug and pour 3qts of oil in (watching sightglass if available) then slowly fill to full line. (if no sightglass, check owners manual for amount of oil to use)
Step 9.
Replace fill plug and start motor, allow engine to run for 1-2 minutes while checking for leaks.
Step 10.
Shut off bike and let oil settle for a few minutes then check level once more. add oil as needed.
Step 11.
Carefully remove bike from lift or stand.
Step 12.
Go ride! you did it, you changed your own oil! Don't forget to properly and legally dispose of your oil.
Most bikes are usually pretty straight forward on draining and filling oil, there are a couple out there that are more finicky in this process but we aren't going to cover those yet, lets just assume for now that your riding a fairly modern Japanese sport bike.
without further ado...
Parts, tools, materials:
Oil 4qt Min.
Filter
Wrench for filter ( all filters use a different wrench, please check filter specs for wrench needed)
Metric wrenches ( check bike or owners manual for sizes needed)
Metric Allen wrenches ( check bike or owners manual for sizes needed)
Oil drain pan
motorcycle lift or stand
Step 1.
Take your bike for an easy stroll around the block, bringing up to operating temp. ( this makes the oil thinner and therefor drains easier.)
Step 2.
Put bike on lift or stand in a clean secure area. ( if putting on a lift see Step 3.)
Step 3.
Remove fairings on both sides of bike ( do this before step 2 if using a lift)
Step 4.
Place drain pan under bike with drain plug centered in pan.
Loosen oil fill cap.
Step 5.
Using the proper sized metric wrench (or Allen wrench) remove drain plug. Warning: motor, oil, and exhaust will be hot!
While allowing oil to drain, inspect drain plug, clean off magnet if equipped. If bike uses a metal (steel or alum) crush washer, replace it now. If drain plug has an O-ring clean and inspect, replace if needed.
Step 6.
Using proper filter wrench for the type of filter you have on the bike, remove filter with drain pan still under the bike, adj. as needed to catch oil.
Properly dispose of used filter.
Step 7.
Open filter, if filter fits bike with filter opening facing up fill with oil now (using filter box to hold filter upright) if your filter goes on in ANY other direction do not fill with oil.
Using a bit of oil on your finger, smear oil on the O-ring or gasket on the oil filter (this will allow the O-ring to seal without a dry surface that may be damaged by abrasion wile tightening)
Slowly line up the threads by turning filter backwards on threads (counter-clockwise) until you feel the threads set then turn clockwise to tighten.
Hand tighten, then use the proper wrench for the new filter and turn clockwise 1/4 turn.
Step 8.
Replace drain plug and using proper size wrench (a socket on a torque wrench is ideal) torque to manufacturers specification.
Step 9.
Remove oil fill plug and pour 3qts of oil in (watching sightglass if available) then slowly fill to full line. (if no sightglass, check owners manual for amount of oil to use)
Step 9.
Replace fill plug and start motor, allow engine to run for 1-2 minutes while checking for leaks.
Step 10.
Shut off bike and let oil settle for a few minutes then check level once more. add oil as needed.
Step 11.
Carefully remove bike from lift or stand.
Step 12.
Go ride! you did it, you changed your own oil! Don't forget to properly and legally dispose of your oil.