Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech oil change...

Hey guys,

what is the best way to change oil, if you dont have motorcycle jack/lift...

And what kind do you use...please just name it...how often do I need to change oil...

thank you for quick respond...

T.A.T.W.

actually, I didn't use mye lift at all when I changed my oil, it was more in the way anyhow. just lay down on the ground on the left side and you have pretty much the room you need....

to get my filter loose, I used one of these clicky
(norwegian site)

as far as oil go, I use motul oil, same oil as Brent sells on newspeedmaster.com 'cause that's what a shop near me sells. I buy original oilfilters from my dealer though...

Buddy, are you asking for it! I use the reccomended Mobil synthetic. (bottome line, use synthetic) Lots of folks here use other kinds of synthetic, which cost less. Ok guys, PILE ON!

The lift just gets in the way.
Put a piece of a 2 x 4 under the kickstand to level the bike out and be careful you don't knock it over during the process.
Get a drain pan ready and be prepared to move it forward and back as the oil comes out - it shoots out about a foot at first.

The service intervals and oil recommendations are in your owners manual and there is also info here in the tech vault.

no need for a jack, i change mine every 3000 and use synthetic

Frank

Once most of the oil is out, I get on and rock the bike side to side some to remove as much old oil as I can, rather than leaving her on the sidestand.

I use a small block of wood to get my bike as close to vertical as I can to allow as much oil as possible to drain out. Then once it is as drained as possible I hold it up right for a minute or 2 by hand to try and let anything left out. I use Amsoil Motorcycle Oil 20-50 full synthetic, that or the Mobile 4T are the 2 best in friction tests. I also fill the new oil filter before putting it on to be sure there is no lack of lubrication at start up after the change. Not sure that is a must but makes me feel better.

I use the $20.00 Bike jack, (theres a thread w/ a link on here somewhere) is not in the way, and gives enough room for the drain pan, and for my hand to get to the bolt. Plus it is vertical, and slightly leaned forward.