Things You'll Need:
- Motorcycle owner's manual
- Shop rags
- Oil
- Oil filter
- Drain plug crush washer
- Wrench
- Old leather belt
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Torque wrench
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Step 1
Prepare the area where you will do the job. Gather all of your tools and your shop rags so they are ready when you begin. Set up your motorcycle on its stand.
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Step 2
Place the drain pan under the drain plug, but try to anticipate the trajectory of the oil when you start draining it. Use the wrench to remove the drain plug, which may be hot. The oil will begin flowing into the drain pan. Monitor the flow and change the position of the pan if needed.
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Step 3
Unscrew the filter by wrapping the old belt around it and turning. Sometimes the filters are installed tightly and cannot be loosened this way. If this happens, poke a screwdriver through the side of the filter and use that to turn the filter.
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Step 4
Remove the crush washer from the drain plug. Install the new one. Clean the drain plug thoroughly and put it back in place, but do not over-tighten it. Use the owner's manual on your motorcycle to learn the torque specifications for your drain plug.
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Step 5
Put new oil in the new filter. Fill it about a quarter of the way full. Swirl the filter around to spread the oil on all of the filter material.
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Step 6
Use your finger to spread oil on the rubber seal on the oil filter. Clean the filter chamber thoroughly and use your finger to spread oil all over it. Then, install the new filter. Motorcycle oil filters do not take much tightening, so do not over-tighten it. Also do not use a tool unless required by the owner's manual.
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Step 7
Remove the dirty oil from the area. Then, look in the owner's manual to learn the oil capacity of the motorcycle. Use the funnel to add the oil. To avoid over-filling, start by adding about 1/2 quart less than the capacity. You can always add more if needed. Make sure that the oil comes up between the "Add" and "Full" lines, but does not come to the "Full" line.
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Step 8
Check to make sure all bolts and caps are tight and are not leaking. Clean the area, and then dispose of the oil properly. You can probably take the dirty oil to an auto mechanic in your area to dispose of it.
