How to Drain the Oil From a 1981 Yamaha XS1100

by Chris Gilliland

The 1981 XS1100 was the largest motorcycle produced by Yamaha at the time, producing enough power and comfort to become a popular touring motorcycle. A steady supply of motor oil was required to keep the 1,100 cubic centimeter motor in top running order, which meant that regular oil changes were necessary. But, before the motor could be filled with fresh oil, the old oil must be drained. The most specialized tool required--a center stand--is built into the motorcycle itself.

Step 1

Lift the motorcycle onto its center stand to hold it in a secure, level position.

Step 2

Start the motorcycle and lit it idle in place for three to five minutes. Stop the motor and unscrew the oil cap from the right side of the motor to vent the oil system.

Step 3

Place an oil pan below the oil filter cover on the bottom of the motor, positioned at the junction point between the mufflers and the header pipes. The oil drain bolt is positioned on the motor's oil sump, just behind and to the left of the oil filter cover.

Step 4

Clean the oil filter cover, oil drain bolt and the surrounding area with brake cleaner to remove any dirt and dust buildup and prevent contaminating the oil system. Wipe clean with a lint-free shop towel.

Step 5

Unscrew the oil drain bolt from the oil sump using a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Drain the motor oil into the oil pan.

Step 6

Screw the oil drain bolt onto the oil sump using a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Tighten the drain bolt to 18 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

Step 7

Unscrew the bolt from the center of the oil filter cover using a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Lower the oil filter cover away from the motor. Allow any oil remaining in the oil pump to drain into the oil pan.

Step 8

Pull the oil filter element and its sealing O-ring out of the oil filter cover. Spray the inside of the oil filter cover with brake cleaner to loosen any debris and wipe clean with a lint-free shop towel.

Step 9

Insert a new oil filter element into the oil filter cover. Press a new sealing O-ring over the edge of the filter element. Coat the O-ring lightly with 20W40 motor oil.

Step 10

Place the oil filter cover against the motor and screw the oil filter cover bolt into place using a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Tighten the oil filter cover bolt to 18 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

References

Things You'll Need

Writer Bio