I finally did it, I changed my motorcycle oil by myself (well, with some supervision and helpful instructions)! After riding for 3 years on 3 different motorcycles, I finally learned how to change my oil. Previously my boyfriend, a Ducati mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, would fix my bikes up and I would help along the way. However, this time I was in the driver's seat and learned so much about the bike and the multiple parts along the way.
For anyone intimated to do it yourself, take the plunge! It's much simpler than I expected and only took about 2 hours on my first attempt. Once you are well-versed in an oil change, I bet it would only take about half an hour.
Materials needed:
3-4 Quarts Engine Oil. I used 20W-50 but check your manual for your particular bike.
Oil Filter. Do your research or call up your local dealer and they will have a good suggestion.
Socket Wrench. You'll use this to remove the drain plug under the bike.
Oil Filter Removal Tool. I used an end cap oil filter wrench but it was a little big, so it wasn't the best tool. A handled band-style oil filter wrench or filter pliers are good options.
Oil Pan. Any shallow pan will work, but buying a proper oil pan with a spout makes clean up much easier.
Funnel. This will come in handy when topping off the bike with new oil.
Gloves. You'll be handling oil, potentially hot oil, so protect yourself.
Motorcycle Stand or blocks to prop up the bike.
Foil (optional). I place foil over the pipes close to the drain plug, it makes clean up easier.
How-to Steps:
Step 1: Remove fearings. After making room for your bike and placing it on a stand to stabilize and level it, take off any fearings that might be in the way. Do so carefully and place them somewhere safe to prevent damage. Keep your bolts together as well, so not to lose anything. You can also place foil around the pipes under your drain plug at this point. When the oil drains, it sometimes get on the pipes and the foil will make cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Run bike. Start your bike up for a minute or so to heat up the fluids. This will cause the oil to be more viscous and result in a better drain.
Step 3: Remove the drain plug. After placing the oil tray under the bike and putting on your gloves, use your socket wrench to unscrew the drain plug. I used a 3/8" socket for my drain plug. You might have to put some elbow grease into it, people get overzealous when tightening their drain plug making it a pain to open later.
While the oil drains, check to see if there are any metal shavings on the drain plug, this could indicate that something in the motor is coming apart and you might have a real problem. If you do see shavings, take a look at your motor ASAP!
Step 4: Remove Oil Filter. With the oil tray under the oil filter, use your oil filter removal tool of choice to remove the old filter. Leave the old filter in the oil pan and let the bike drain while you prep the new filter.
Step 5: Fill the new oil filter with fresh oil. Open your new filter and fill it about 1/2 way with fresh oil. Use your finger to smear some onto the sealing ring of the filter as well.
Step 6: Install new oil filter. Once all the oil has drained from the filter and plug drains, screw in the new filter with your hands and then tighten with the wrench or your filter removal tool.
Step 7: Refit your drain plug. If you are so inclined (and you should be), add a new washer ring to the plug before screwing it back into the sump. Tighten it up using the socket wrench, not too much, not too little, just enough that you comfortably seal it but can open it without excessive force in the future.
Step 8: Add fresh oil. Open the plug on the engine fill hole, insert your funnel and pour your fresh oil into the bike. A bike generally holds about 3 quarts, but check your manual for your oil capacity. Be mindful as you fill it up, add your first 2 quarts and then slowly pour in the remainder, checking the oil level in the sight gauge as you go. When the level is at the max mark, stop. Place your plug back in and check your handy work!
Step 9: Run bike. Now that everything is replaced and sealed, start the bike and let it idle for a few minutes, making sure the oil pressure light disappears and there's no leaks. Turn off the engine, get the bike on a level surface again and check the oil level, adding more if need be.
Step 10: Once it's all checked out, put the fearing back, remove the foil from the pipes, and clean her up!