This may sound stupid, but I can't find the oil drain plug on my 89 FLHTCU. I've had the bike for a short time, but have almost 3000 miles on it and will be changing the oil soon (if I can ever find the damn drain plug). The seller had changed the oil immediately prior to my buying it, and used conventional oil, so I think 3000 miles is about the limit on it. I was under there last night with a work light and a flashlight, and can clearly see the oil filter and the transmission drain plug, but for the life of me couldn't find the oil tank drain plug. I have both a factory and a Clymer manual; neither has pictures that show the exact location of the plug. They just say remove it. Anybody got better directions?

 

It is under the cover on the side of the bike. the cover that has the oil dipstick on it and covers your battery. remove saddlebag, remove the side cover and you will see the oil tank and the drain plug.

 

That's where it is alright

Here's a tip for your first change......get an old section of newspaper and some masking tape.

Roll the paper around the exhaust under the plug a few times and tape it in place.
Pull oil plug, lean bike over a bit to fully drain while holding front brake on. Re-insert plug, wipe off tank, remove and discard newspaper.
There you go, clean oil free pipes.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the help. Amazing how quickly I found it once I knew where to look.

 

That's not a bad idea, notlost, but what I do is cut a piece of cardboard, fold it and jam it up in there so the oil flows down the cardboard over the pipe into my drain pan.

 

I just bought a small funnel with a long neck, it fits right up under the drain. The funnel goes right into a jug,....tada,.....no messy oil all over the pipes and everything else. Whatever works, right?