How to change oil.(Demonstrated on a 2001 Yamaha R1)

[rexmitchell]

This is a how to for changing oil on a yamaha R1, other sportbikes will be similar, non-fairing bikes will be easier...so here we go!

First you will need an oil drain pan, filter wrench, new filter, and new oil.
Also make sure your bike is good and warmed up as warm oil will get more of the crude out of your engine.

Next you will need to take your fairing(s) off(if applicable).
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300729-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300730-1.jpg


After you take your fairings off, then you will need to align your oil drain pan and then take out the oil plug. This can be achieved by using a socket.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300731.jpg


Once removed the oil will flow out pretty quick so have the pan already underneath the bike before you start loosening it.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300732.jpg


Next remove the filter and let all the oil drain out. You should probly let the bike sit for a little bit to make sure it all drains out. Also if you drain it on a kickstand instead of a centerstand or swingarm stand, more oil will drain out.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300733.jpg


Once your ready to put the new filter on, go ahead and put your drain plug back in snuggly but do not overtighten. Then fill up your oil filter with some oil so you don't have a dry start. Rub a little oil around the o ring of your filter so you will be able to get it off next time.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300734.jpg


Next start filling the bike with oil. If your not sure on the amount start with too little as opposed to too much, its easier to add more than to drain some out. You will need to turn the bike on and let it run for a few minutes before checking the level. After it is warmed up again, cut it off and let it sit for a few and check the level, add more as needed! Hopes this helps, if anyone wants to add anything feel free!


http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq73/rexmitchell/P1300735.jpg

[Archangel]

Only problem with this how to is change it on on what kind of bike. ya I know you put it in the post but the topic should have contained that info
I'm just saying.

It is a good how to, great pics so good work Rex:)

[rexmitchell]

Edited! Although I think changing a motorcycle's oil is pretty universal except for fairings and filter covers...I don't see why this wouldn't apply to other bikes.:confused:

[Archangel]

Not close on my bike you have to remove a fin covered alum cover to even see the filter and it has a screw running through the filter with a spring on the end only thing that applys is the screw to drain and to oil.

[Oil Doc]

Edited! Although I think changing a motorcycle's oil is pretty universal except for fairings and filter covers...I don't see why this wouldn't apply to other bikes.:confused:


Great How To Rex !!!!

Not close on my bike you have to remove a fin covered alum cover to even see the filter and it has a screw running through the filter with a spring on the end only thing that applys is the screw to drain and to oil.


Most of us have sold our Antiques... LOL

I understand what you are saying, my Old GoldWing had a cartridge filter like yours. But today, the majority of engines have Spin-On filters. There are filter adapters available to put a Spin-On on your bike. There are a couple out there, and just know if you want SAE or Metric thread, both were available two years ago.

Doc

[rexmitchell]

Not close on my bike you have to remove a fin covered alum cover to even see the filter and it has a screw running through the filter with a spring on the end only thing that applys is the screw to drain and to oil.

Thats why I mentioned a "filter cover"

[Archangel]

ya but my cover looks like it is part of the motor.
But it is a good post.

[Oil Doc]

SSDD..... Spin-On Filter or pull the bolt...

Doc

[Dodsfall]

Spray-style brake cleaner works great for getting the spilled oil from removing the filter cleaned up.

[Oil Doc]

Spray-style brake cleaner works great for getting the spilled oil from removing the filter cleaned up.


That works or a little Dawn soap, some water and a bruch is what I use.

Something that many people don't do is Oil Analysis. I use it on my bike, which is how I found just how poor a K&N Air Filter is... But...

I use an open top drain pan, funnel and end cap wrench. I usually forget to have an Analysis Kit on hand when I am ready to change, so I keep a 16 oz water bottle that has been dried out to save my sample in and label it with the pertinent info.

I completely wash and dry the pan and funnel and store them inside of a plastic bag so when I fill the bottle with the oil, there is no contamination.

May sound Extreme or Anal, but a little goes a long way and the $22.55 for the Analysis Kit and the Peace of mind it gives me is a lot better than $8000.00 for a new engine...

Doc

[rexmitchell]

I will be investing in an oil analysis kit for the next change.

[kevhead75]

Hey Oil Doc, Do you have a particular company that you can recommend for an oil analysis or do you sell the kits? Just curious as I would like to get have it done on my jeep and eventually on the bike.

Thanks,
Kev

[rexmitchell]

Hey Oil Doc, Do you have a particular company that you can recommend for an oil analysis or do you sell the kits? Just curious as I would like to get have it done on my jeep and eventually on the bike.

Thanks,
Kev

PM sent!

[super32]

That works or a little Dawn soap, some water and a bruch is what I use.

Something that many people don't do is Oil Analysis. I use it on my bike, which is how I found just how poor a K&N Air Filter is... But...

I use an open top drain pan, funnel and end cap wrench. I usually forget to have an Analysis Kit on hand when I am ready to change, so I keep a 16 oz water bottle that has been dried out to save my sample in and label it with the pertinent info.

I completely wash and dry the pan and funnel and store them inside of a plastic bag so when I fill the bottle with the oil, there is no contamination.

May sound Extreme or Anal, but a little goes a long way and the $22.55 for the Analysis Kit and the Peace of mind it gives me is a lot better than $8000.00 for a new engine...

Doc
sorry, what does/can an Oil Analysis tell?

[Oil Doc]

sorry, what does/can an Oil Analysis tell?

It depends how it is used and what company does it.... I prefer Oil Analyzers as they use the Top Facility in the US.

Analysis can tell you if your oil is good. Changing to soon or too late. It gives you the condition of the oil and it's additive packs. It gives you wear metals, Fuel dilution, anti-freeze Etc. If used as a tool, you can tell if there is a pending disaster.

On my bike, I was able to tell that the K&N Air Filter was letting too much dirt through. Analysis showed High Silica and Elevated wear metals. Changed oil and filter and installed an AMSOIL EA Air Filter. Next analysis was right on the money and so was the following one.

I look at it as Cheap Insurance... $22.55 for an Analysis... $8000.00 for an engine.

Doc

[Oil Doc]

Hey Oil Doc, Do you have a particular company that you can recommend for an oil analysis or do you sell the kits? Just curious as I would like to get have it done on my jeep and eventually on the bike.

Thanks,
Kev

See above Kev...

Doc

[SHTF Rat]

Not close on my bike you have to remove a fin covered alum cover to even see the filter and it has a screw running through the filter with a spring on the end only thing that applys is the screw to drain and to oil.

And it's a PITA getting it back on too. :D

[Archangel]

Ya tell me about it!!

[LWRider]

Hey! At least ya'll have filters! I have a little spinning cup. What did you say about riding antiques? ;)

[williestyle25]

nice post....very helpful!

[mintu]

Hai hello,,,,
Im mintu first of all i want to thank this forum and the person who posted the photos ,,, of how ro drain R1ˊs engine oil,,,,,:thumbsup:

[MikeK77]

I've never seen so much discussion and criticism on changing oil...lol

[rexmitchell]

I've never seen so much discussion and criticism on changing oil...lol

Oh come on, it's an internet forum lol

[Oil Doc]

I've never seen so much discussion and criticism on changing oil...lol

I guess you haven't visited too many forums and looked at the subject. Oil and filters are the hottest debated topics.

Oil, is the Lifeblood of your engine. The oil filter, is the Kidney that keeps it clean.

The Best isn’t cheap
Cheap isn’t The Best

Doc

[CHXBEACHRIDER]

Thank you so much! doing first oil change on my new bike tomorrow. I knew how to change the oil before, but the extra tips you threw in to make draining easier on kickstand and getting the filter o ring lubed is something I would have not done if i didn't read this!

[rexmitchell]

Thank you so much! doing first oil change on my new bike tomorrow. I knew how to change the oil before, but the extra tips you threw in to make draining easier on kickstand and getting the filter o ring lubed is something I would have not done if i didn't read this!

Glad I could help. :71baldboy:

[chefonahonda]

Did my first oil change on my Honda Phantom yesterday at 4100 miles since the last one. Manual says do it every 8K, glad I did it yesterday as the oil had the color of Dr Pepper. I was truely surprised at this oil color. There was no sediment in it, I poured it into a large jug for disposal and kept about 8 ounces to take to my Honda dealer to see if #1 do they think this color is normal and #2 did they really do an oil change the last time I took it in to them. Getting the filter off was real bear. I read where shops put them on so you can't turn them off unless you have their kind of tools while reading that hand tightening is enough.
Looking for feedback. Bike ran great for 2 hours this morning at mostly 65-70mph

[Oil Doc]

Chef,

8000 miles is under ideal conditions. The API says that 98% of driving is considered Severe and if a Severe Service Limit by the OEM is not set that you should cut your change Interval by 50%.

You cannot tell if oil is good by looking at it, smelling it or feeling it. It must go in for analysis.

As for the filter: An OEM filter utilizes a different O-Ring and requires it to be torqued where, with an aftermarket filter, hand tightenig is not only OK, it is the proper way or you can blow out the O-Ring by overtightening.

Riding conditions can effect the oil as well as if you have anything such as a K&N air filter which will drastically reduce the life of the oil.

Take a look at the following Motorcycle oil White Pages. Pick one of the Top 3 finishers and you will be assured of a quality oil.

http://bestoil4you.com/files/MC_Oil_Study.pdf

As for oil filters, the top 3: AMSOIL, WIX, Purolator ML Series. Regardless of what anyone says, DO NOT use a Purolator Pure One.

Oil, is the Lifeblood of your engine. The oil filter, is the Kidney that keeps it clean.

The Best isn’t cheap
Cheap isn’t The Best

Doc