Newbie Question about oil change

[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?

The manual recommends Honda GN4 or HP4 oil. Is it ok to use another oil? If so, any recommendations on what to look for in an oil and anything to avoid? Also,what about the oil filter, Ok to get another brand filter other than Honda?

[afsigma21]

Read the Oilology thread. Rotella T6 is the best bang for buck oil. Bosch oil filters are readily available and inexpensive.

My 1100 has a drain plug

[JetDriver480]

I love Mobile 1 Full Synthetic on all of my vehicles and am a big fan...

Usually there is a drain plug that you simply remove and let drain.

The main thing to remember on the oil filter is to make sure the old gasket came off with the old one and when you screw on the new oil filter be sure to put a little bit of oil on the filter gasket to keep it from ripping when you screw it on. Hand tight only or you may hate trying to get it off next time.

Biggest problem I had is getting a drain pan small enough to fit under my bike... had to drive the front wheel on a curb to get my drain pan under the bike. I would guess there is a youtube video that shows the entire change process but not sure.

[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

[John Hopkins]

We all use different oils Rotella T6 seems to be the favourite on this forum and nobody seems to think there is anything bad about it..

I use 15/40 mineral oil..

It used to be cheap but with all the synthetics and semi-synthetics around now it is getting hard to find and expensive in Britain.

John.

[ButchA]

I agree with the "Oilology" thread in the forum. It's packed with excellent information.

Shell's Rotella T6 is amazing synthetic oil that has a huge following (myself included) It's amazing for the money, and is readily available at Wal-Mart.

There are a small variety of oil filters to choose from. Purolator L14612, SuperTech 6607 (if you can still find them), and Bosch 3300.

I would advise buying a 64mm metric oil filter wrench that won't slip, and has the 3/8th socket adapter on the end. It costs about 8 bucks at Advance Auto, Auto Zone, Pep Boys, Napa, etc... The Honda "Stealerships" must put on oil filters with a freakin wrench and you'll go through total hell trying to get it off!

["Captain D"]

I do my own work...
The local NAPA store has everything I need fer the oil change job...
DO NOT START THE BIKE WITH THE DIPSTICK LOOSE!!!
Good Luck,"D"

[MudholeMike]

Originally Posted by ButchA

There are a small variety of oil filters to choose from. Purolator L14612, SuperTech 6607 (if you can still find them), and Bosch 3300.

Actually there are a great number of filters to choose from, but it would really help if the OP would specify the year and model of the bike.

[freedomrik]

Thanks for all the great replies. MY Bike is a 2001 VLX600 CD

[landon]

I use Shell Rotella T 15w40 in my 84 VT700c.