1st Oil Change...Any Advice???
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 14
From: Right where I belong!
1st Oil Change...Any Advice???
So I am getting ready to do my first oil change (1K service) on my bike, and am looking for any pointers that you experienced folks may have. I went with Redline for all three holes and the K&N filter (not looking for a debate on this one, just informative). I still need to swing by the dealership and pick up the primary gasket (unless you suggest a better place). So far, what I have learned from reading posts on the forum is:
1. Do it yourself
2. Dealerships suck
3. Go with K&N oil filter since it has the bolt-on feature
4. Start with 2.5 quarts of motor oil, do a hot check and add as necessary.
It looks like to me that I will have to disconnect the shifter linkage in order to be able to remove and install the oil filter.
Also I do not have a spoke torque wrench, I plan on getting one. But do I need to take the tires off the ground in order to check them properly? I do not have a jack either, but plan on getting one of those eventually too.
I have seen too that a couple of people posted that they stabbed the stock oil filter in order to get it off? Is there an easier (cleaner) way?
Thanks in advance for your inputs and advice!
1. Do it yourself
2. Dealerships suck
3. Go with K&N oil filter since it has the bolt-on feature
4. Start with 2.5 quarts of motor oil, do a hot check and add as necessary.
It looks like to me that I will have to disconnect the shifter linkage in order to be able to remove and install the oil filter.
Also I do not have a spoke torque wrench, I plan on getting one. But do I need to take the tires off the ground in order to check them properly? I do not have a jack either, but plan on getting one of those eventually too.
I have seen too that a couple of people posted that they stabbed the stock oil filter in order to get it off? Is there an easier (cleaner) way?
Thanks in advance for your inputs and advice!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
you may as well take apart the shifter linkage it makes life easier, i always do. I use a standard size oil filterwrench to break the filter loose, just be really carefull not to catch the little rubber nide there to the right of the oil filter it is the crank position sensor. You will notice the oil drain plugs are nt very tight, no worries they don't need to be. I use amsoil filters. Tthe rubber primary gasket will need to be changed after3 to 6 changes. You will be able to tell because it will no longer stay in place when you re-assemble. I just bought one, 6$ and it comes with three little o-rings for the plugs. ( which also do not necessarily need to be changed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
I like the Redline products but IMHO you should have done the first oil change 800 miles ago. And then the second one 500 miles ago. Get all the break in metals out of the oil as soon as you can.
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 87
Likes: 6
From: Canada
Two weeks back I changed my oil (went with Lucas Synthetic) for the first time after having helped my brother change his out on his Night Train last summer.....it's pretty straight forward. Spin your favorite music mix, your tools ready and have a good time. Cheers mate !!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
You can pick up an oil filter wrench at most any auto parts store and IF you plan on maintaining your ride, I would get one. I wouldn't opt for the "stabbing" method as it will make a mess. You also can purchase (or make) a catch tray for the oil that leaks when you pull the filter. I don't like to let that oil run down the front of the engine area. I always replace the o-rings on all the drain plugs and don't forget to put a drop or two of oil on them before you install. It also is a good idea to apply a small amount of white locktite 565 paste on the threads of the plug.
As for the spoke wrench and the need for a jack, Again, IF you are going to be wrenching, maintaining, or just plain effing around with your bike, You're gonna want a jack...just bite the bullet and get one.
It may not be required to adjust the spokes, but it will make it a helluva lot easier...
Good Luck!
As for the spoke wrench and the need for a jack, Again, IF you are going to be wrenching, maintaining, or just plain effing around with your bike, You're gonna want a jack...just bite the bullet and get one.
It may not be required to adjust the spokes, but it will make it a helluva lot easier...
Good Luck!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
i changed my oil at 800 miles. I didnt have to remove the forward controls at all. Easily got to the oil filter. No need to add any extra work if you dont have to. And like eric said, replace the o rings on the bolts for draining.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 14
From: Right where I belong!
You can pick up an oil filter wrench at most any auto parts store and IF you plan on maintaining your ride, I would get one. I wouldn't opt for the "stabbing" method as it will make a mess. You also can purchase (or make) a catch tray for the oil that leaks when you pull the filter. I don't like to let that oil run down the front of the engine area. I always replace the o-rings on all the drain plugs and don't forget to put a drop or two of oil on them before you install. It also is a good idea to apply a small amount of white locktite 565 paste on the threads of the plug.
As for the spoke wrench and the need for a jack, Again, IF you are going to be wrenching, maintaining, or just plain effing around with your bike, You're gonna want a jack...just bite the bullet and get one.
It may not be required to adjust the spokes, but it will make it a helluva lot easier...
Good Luck!
As for the spoke wrench and the need for a jack, Again, IF you are going to be wrenching, maintaining, or just plain effing around with your bike, You're gonna want a jack...just bite the bullet and get one.
It may not be required to adjust the spokes, but it will make it a helluva lot easier...
Good Luck!
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