Newbie Question about oil change

[ButchA]

Originally Posted by egold54

I switched to T6 5w/40 last year and use kn filter. I'm very happy with T6, the bike shifts smoother and just runs better.

I will 3rd that!

Rotella T6 is amazing oil. My Aero 750 loves it and shifts so smooth and runs so quiet!

[Motrcyclr]

Originally Posted by damanning71

I just changed the oil on my bike today. I used Valvoline 4 stroke synthetic 10W-40 Motorcycle oil. You wanna use an API Classification that is SG or higher for the 600. Do not use anything that says "Energy Conserving", It does not work well at all on a wet clutch.

The drain plug is on the left side of the bike right behind the lower radiator hose.

The drain bolt is a 17 mm. I don't have a oil filter wrench for my bike yet so I got "old school" with it and drove a screw driver through the old filter. Just don't go to far through the other end or you'll hit your coolant reservoir.

If you don't have a manual I can send you a link where you can download a free one.

Dave.

This does work, however, I found that screwing a couple hex head sheet metal screws into the filter (I used 2, about an inch apart, each about 1/2 inch from the end of the filter) gave something for the conventional filter strap wrench to grab, when I had to remove a way-to-tight filter. no leaks of oil while unscrewing, no danger to puncture other stuff. food for thought.

[callmeal]

Originally Posted by freedomrik

This is my first motorcycle I am wanting to change the oil. Is there an oil drain or do I just drain it by removing the oil filter?

If you are that new to oil changes, you may want to ask someone to help you or watch someone else change their oil. A mistake here could be expensive.
Search for you tube videos.

2009 Honda Shadow Aero 750 oil change - YouTube

2009 Honda Shadow Aero 750 oil change - YouTube

["Captain D"]

I don`t normally shop WalMart, but when I do ~ I buy my oil from them IF I need some...
NAPA Pro series is my filter... My Bike is worth it...
"D"

[rjdaines]

Based on the video, does one manipulate the oil filter through that side panel (when removed) or from underneath?

[ButchA]

Originally Posted by rjdaines

Based on the video, does one manipulate the oil filter through that side panel (when removed) or from underneath?

I did mine from underneath. It was tight, but I was able to get in there with a 64mm metric oil filter wrench (i.e. the type that looks like a tiny cup w/ a socket wrench hole on the end of it).

[weracerc]

on my suzuki 650 i used aluminum cake pans from the grocery store for the catch basin - having an external oil filter like a car will be new to me - the suzi OF was insode a small cover easy to get to - Wondering if this bike has only ever seen 4T non synthetic oil during it's 14K mile life span and unklnown number of oil changes is it ok to switch to the rotella 6T synthetic at this point?...and how often are folks changing the oil & filter with the synthetic or the std 4T non synth oils?....I was a tad anal i guess with the suzi (being my first bike) i changed oil&filter every 1500 miles.....Castrol 4T 10/40 was noticeably better in that bike than the Valvoline 4t 10/40........new bike learning curves.

[cl65ame]

Originally Posted by marcham

Nothing wrong with GN4 ... it's not like we're riding 10000 rpm sport bikes. GN4 was designed by Honda specifically for wet clutches and has a very high resistance to shearing. SJ rating is what you're looking for. Make sure it does NOT say energy conserving.

There is an oil drain bolt. Refer to your owner's manual for location and torque settings.

Honda actually makes a very good filter, you can sometimes get them online for cheaper. I use PowerSportsPlus.com

OIL FILTERS EXPOSED! - Introduction

GN4 was NOT designed by honda. honda does not make or refine oil. honda BUYS oil from another manufacturer and that manufacturer puts a HONDA label on it.

[damanning71]

Originally Posted by Motrcyclr

This does work, however, I found that screwing a couple hex head sheet metal screws into the filter (I used 2, about an inch apart, each about 1/2 inch from the end of the filter) gave something for the conventional filter strap wrench to grab, when I had to remove a way-to-tight filter. no leaks of oil while unscrewing, no danger to puncture other stuff. food for thought.

I'll have to give that a try next time. I have a conventional filter wrench for my car, it adjusts to fit most regular sized filters. I looked for something in my garage to maybe "shim" it out like a piece of thick rubber, but, I just did what I know.......

By the way the old paint roller pan is perfect for draining the oil. It's low profile, holds 3 quarts, give or take. Just dump it into your regular drain pan when your done!