Well I have never had anyone change the oil on my bike for and I don't plan to now. However, I have never owned a bike with fairings before either. I have either had naked sport bikes or cruisers. So, I am without experience on the best method to perform this basic service on my new toy. I have already purchased my oil and filter (my oil choice and filter choice will not be getting discussed here though :laughing6-hehe: )
So, could someone please provide me with a step by step guide on how to do an oil change on my new to me 5th gen. Please address any must know tips on how to remove fairings and clips without damaging any plastics. Also, I love pictures. So, feel free to reply with pics showing the steps. Thanks to any that help me out with this. :biggrin:
Edited by CFLvfr01, 19 February 2011 - 05:58 PM.
Put bike on center stand. Pull drain plug, and set on bench next to new oil, and key. While oil is draining remove L lower fairing. The little push rivets can be a pain sometimes, and old ones often break. The two at the bottom front may be missing if the bike has been worked on before. Simply push the center IN then pull the whole thing out to remove. For reinstallation pull the center OUT, insert into hole then push the center in flush with the outer.
The filter can be a pain without the proper wrench. I just used a big pair of channel-locks to get the original off, and now use K&Ns so i don't need the special wrench.
When reinstalling the lower get all the screws in first, then tighten. Be prepared to fight some of 'em if the bike has been dropped. Also a good idea to have extra well nuts on hand too as they are prone to break with age like the push rivets. You can get both at any decent bike shop.
Edited by MBrane, 19 February 2011 - 06:07 PM.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 06:07 PM, said:
While oil is draining remove L lower fairing.
Thank-you for the detailed description. One point of clarification. When you say the LEFT lower fairing, I assume this is the left side from the rider's orientation, correct?
Whatever you use for a used oil container don't use one of these from Blitz USA, [image: Posted Image]
There are no gaskets and not enough threads in the caps to prevent used oil from leaking out all over your concrete. Posted Image
[image: View Post]CFLvfr01, on 19 February 2011 - 07:17 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 06:07 PM, said:
While oil is draining remove L lower fairing.
Thank-you for the detailed description. One point of clarification. When you say the LEFT lower fairing, I assume this is the left side from the rider's orientation, correct?
That's usually correct for vehicles(as we sit in / on them)
Can't say drivers side for a car, due to countries that have right hand steering.
[image: View Post]CFLvfr01, on 19 February 2011 - 07:17 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 06:07 PM, said:
While oil is draining remove L lower fairing.
Thank-you for the detailed description. One point of clarification. When you say the LEFT lower fairing, I assume this is the left side from the rider's orientation, correct?
Yup. Always refer to L/R from the rider's perpective. :fing02:
Ah, Monk was quicker on the draw.
Edited by MBrane, 19 February 2011 - 07:51 PM.
[image: View Post]dendron, on 19 February 2011 - 07:27 PM, said:
Whatever you use for a used oil container don't use one of these from Blitz USA, [image: Posted Image]
There are no gaskets and not enough threads in the caps to prevent used oil from leaking out all over your concrete. Posted Image
I had the same problem, then I screwed it on so tight the cap broke.... But I like the concept.
I'm thinking make a gasket, so it won't have to be so tight.....
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
- tip on the plastic clips, grap a punch or a phillips head screwdriver and push the middle of the clip down untill it clicks. Then fish it out with a knifeblade or putty knife.
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
- tip on the plastic clips, grap a punch or a phillips head screwdriver and push the middle of the clip down untill it clicks. Then fish it out with a knifeblade or putty knife.
Sound good?
Thank-you very much for the additional details. Depending on how quick I get the LH fairing off will determine whether or not I pull the other off as well. If I can get one side off in under 10 minutes then I will have no problem pulling off both sides just in case.
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
Hmmm your 5th gens must be different than mine. :biggrin:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
Hmmm your 5th gens must be different than mine. :biggrin:
Alright you got me, by habit I pull the fairing off anyhoo - so a quick march out to the garage - oops you can do that first if you want to. :ohmy:
I've had the fairings off/on so many times, 10 minutes and their on the floor. I usually inspect a few other things while I'm at it.
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 08:32 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
Hmmm your 5th gens must be different than mine. :biggrin:
Alright you got me, by habit I pull the fairing off anyhoo - so a quick march out to the garage - oops you can do that first if you want to. :ohmy:
I've had the fairings off/on so many times, 10 minutes and their on the floor. I usually inspect a few other things while I'm at it.
LOL no big I'm just in the habit of getting these things done quickly so I have more time for other things. :fing02:
Yeah I usually pull both fairing too. Gives a chance to clean her out.
Some other tips.
I drain cold, centre stand first up, then (sometimes) overnight on the side stand.
While on the side stand, back out the filter alittle bit and it will nicely drain past the headers.
I add the usual (left over bit of) oil to to the filler to flush out the sump. Don't use too much.
Drain bolt on, filter on.
I normally fill between top of glass and top line.
Start bike
Check for leaks.
Shut down, grab a beer (or coffee), wash ya plastics, and eventually come back and check the sightglass, fill to top line, ride.
Check it again the next day and top up as required.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:40 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 08:32 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
Hmmm your 5th gens must be different than mine. :biggrin:
Alright you got me, by habit I pull the fairing off anyhoo - so a quick march out to the garage - oops you can do that first if you want to. :ohmy:
I've had the fairings off/on so many times, 10 minutes and their on the floor. I usually inspect a few other things while I'm at it.
LOL no big I'm just in the habit of getting these things done quickly so I have more time for other things. :fing02:
I tend to take my time changing the oil on my '99, because that is the 'other thing' I'd prefer to be doing.
[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 19 February 2011 - 08:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:40 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 08:32 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 19 February 2011 - 08:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 19 February 2011 - 07:58 PM, said:
^^^^ Um, on the 5th gen, before you can even lay your grubby hands on the drain plug you have to pull at least the left fairing. Most of the time, I just take off both sides as they come off quickly anyway. Then to get at the oil filter you have to pull the lower front cowl thingy too. No lower body work just makes access to everything easier. Once the body work is off, I assume you know what else to do.
Hmmm your 5th gens must be different than mine. :biggrin:
Alright you got me, by habit I pull the fairing off anyhoo - so a quick march out to the garage - oops you can do that first if you want to. :ohmy:
I've had the fairings off/on so many times, 10 minutes and their on the floor. I usually inspect a few other things while I'm at it.
LOL no big I'm just in the habit of getting these things done quickly so I have more time for other things. :fing02:
I tend to take my time changing the oil on my '99, because that is the 'other thing' I'd prefer to be doing.
:cool:
Yeah I enjoy wrenchin' too for the most part, but I'd rather be ridin'. :biggrin:
Man that quote box is getting big! :laughing6-hehe:
I'll add a couple things to what has already been said. It is recommended to change the crush washer each time you change the oil. They are cheap so you might as well pick up a half dozen or so to keep on hand (remember dull side of the washer should be facing up toward the engine) I also like to put a piece of aluminum foil over the headers so that when I remove the filter oil doesn't drip all over them. Most important DON"T OVERTIGHTEN THE FILTER!!! Hand tight and then a quarter turn past with a filter wrench.
Quick question...I have heard one person state thus far that they change while engine is cold. However, I have read others that will run the bike around the neighborhood or a short little down and back to warm 'er up. Does it really matter? I understand the concept of if the oil is warm it should drain faster BUT if I am not in a real rush what's the big deal? :wacko: Will I get more out because of it being warmed versus cold? Final question and I will be undertaking this task tomorrow. Thanks again to all the responses. Really didn't think my thread would generate this much conversation.
Granted if I get bored I could share what oil and filter I will be using and see where that conversation will go. :biggrin: Even though I feel that the oil and filter conversation is nothing more than :beatdeadhorse: it is amusing to read the intensity of some people's oil conviction.
I let the engine warm up while removing the lower left fairing and getting all my stuff together. Bike is on center stand.
After shutting off engine:
Place drain pan
remove oil filler cap and cover hole loosely with rag
remove drain bolt, drain oil (goes quicker with warm oil)
place foil over header pipe
using ratchet with long extension and correct filter removal tool (cap type) I remove filter
replace used crush washer with new one
install drain bolt (I torque it) after oil has completely drained
wipe off filter mating surface with clean rag
apply oil to new filter gasket
install new filter
fill engine with new oil
replace filler cap
wipe off all oil from drain bolt and filter area
start engine, run for a few minutes, checking for leaks
re-install lower left fairing
shut off engine, pour used oil into container for transport to recycler
check oil level window, top up as required to upper line
clean up mess (tools, drain pan, etc...) lug everything back to apartment.
drink beer (this can be concurrent with above activities)
While oil is draining I often adjust, clean and lube chain. And since coolant reservoir is accessible, I top up if necessary.
The preceding description has been censored to delete all the cursing about the fairing fasteners. And there was MUCH cursing.
Not only does warm oil drain out faster, but more of it actually drains out as opposed to clinging to the sides of the crankcase/sump. The difference is probably marginal, but there is a difference.
[image: View Post]Monk, on 19 February 2011 - 07:52 PM, said:
[image: View Post]dendron, on 19 February 2011 - 07:27 PM, said:
Whatever you use for a used oil container don't use one of these from Blitz USA, [image: Posted Image]
There are no gaskets and not enough threads in the caps to prevent used oil from leaking out all over your concrete. Posted Image
I had the same problem, then I screwed it on so tight the cap broke.... But I like the concept.
I'm thinking make a gasket, so it won't have to be so tight.....
Monk, gasket schmasket, the thing is a universal P.O.S. Why should we have to manufacture our own gaskets for an oil container that should be ready out of the box? I'm really amazed this company continues to market this leaking disaster. I actually contacted Blitz' "customer service," and they sent me two "brand new" caps just like the other caps that don't work. Cycle Gear continues to sell this awful product for some reason, even though the reviews on their Website ALL agreeably pan it. (maybe they don't care?). Ah, I feel better now. Please don't buy this thing for it's intended purpose. Prolly one of those 'car' used oil containers from Wally World would work better.
I have been grabing a plastic trash bag and looping it around the headers since they were cool to the touch. (um guess where this is going....) Yeah the last time I did it. Filter on, oil in, fire it up, go grab a beer. Yup - brain fart. That bag was melting and smoking to high heaven when I walk out of the house. Grrrrr. Sometimes, I amaze myself..... :huh:
[/quote]
hahahaha how many beers did you have before you started? :fing02:
[image: View Post]CFLvfr01, on 19 February 2011 - 10:06 PM, said:
Quick question...I have heard one person state thus far that they change while engine is cold. However, I have read others that will run the bike around the neighborhood or a short little down and back to warm 'er up. Does it really matter? I understand the concept of if the oil is warm it should drain faster BUT if I am not in a real rush what's the big deal? :wacko: Will I get more out because of it being warmed versus cold? Final question and I will be undertaking this task tomorrow. Thanks again to all the responses. Really didn't think my thread would generate this much conversation.
Mine is just a personal preference, I'm sure there a few others on here who do similar, but just don't frequent oil threads.
My opinion is that a cold engine was once hot and as stated hot oil likes to flow. I am happy for it to all flow down to the sump, rather than start the bike and mix it up through the engine, filter and cooler again. That's why I put fresh oil in the filler to flush out whatever sediment has settled.
As for a volume of collection... leave the bike parked for a while and check the sightglass... wtf. Youo will remove more than just after a hot run.
As for the allooominum foil... it's in the kitchen right???
I let the oil drain on the headers on purpose, then take a paper towel and rub down the headers, keeps them looking better, And since I miss the smell of napalm in the mornings, the smell of oil will do. :beer:
As far as making a gasket for my oil drain catch can, it took me about 20 sec.'s.............
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 20 February 2011 - 03:50 AM, said:
hand over keyes
drink a coffee
lust over bikes on the floor
Pay for 1/2 hour labour
donot worry about disposing of oil....
:laughing6-hehe:
Sounds like a night out Dutchy. Must be high class labour with that oil disposal.
[image: View Post]Monk, on 20 February 2011 - 11:01 AM, said:
I let the oil drain on the headers on purpose, then take a paper towel and rub down the headers, keeps them looking better, And since I miss the smell of napalm in the mornings, the smell of oil will do. :beer:
As far as making a gasket for my oil drain catch can, it took me about 20 sec.'s.............
:+1: Monk, I do that crazy shit too... wipe it down with the oil rag (it's special header oil - don't ask). It's the only bit of exhaust that looks kept.
Thank-you to all the replies and tips. I did not tackle this task on Sunday as planned due to it being beautiful weather here in central florida. Instead I did some riding, played with my daughter and enjoyed a couple tall margaritas.
Besides after reading a couple of the posters stating to change the crush washer on the drain plug (which I did not have) I felt I needed to make a trip to the local moto shop.
When I picked it up the guy at the sales counter said the crush washer can be used twice, "just flip it", is what he said. However, he did state that it needs to be replaced after 2 oil changes. Just curious do any of you "just flip it" as it relates to the crush washer to get 2 uses out of it?
[image: View Post]CFLvfr01, on 22 February 2011 - 01:08 PM, said:
Thank-you to all the replies and tips. I did not tackle this task on Sunday as planned due to it being beautiful weather here in central florida. Instead I did some riding, played with my daughter and enjoyed a couple tall margaritas.
Besides after reading a couple of the posters stating to change the crush washer on the drain plug (which I did not have) I felt I needed to make a trip to the local moto shop.
When I picked it up the guy at the sales counter said the crush washer can be used twice, "just flip it", is what he said. However, he did state that it needs to be replaced after 2 oil changes. Just curious do any of you "just flip it" as it relates to the crush washer to get 2 uses out of it?
Yeap. Heck, I've flipped mine 1/2 dozen of times (oh no gasp!!!) before I finally changed it out. I do have a bunch on hand now....
End of thread · 30 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 1 Jul 2012
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