Oil change question

TBVulcan · 05-27-2005

Alright, another rookie question! My neighbor let me borrow his bike jack which I'll use to make adjusting the rear shock easier, but can I do the oil change with the bike on the jack as long as it does not interfere with access or does the bike need to be on the side stand? I know your supposed to check the oil while on the side stand. Just figured I'd better check.

Also, as far as adjusting the suspension, Instead of a bar and and a hammer, can I just use a spanner wrench with a long handle? I think I could make a long handle to fit the spanner wrench, since every one I've seen has had a real short handle.

bobvc · 05-27-2005

TBV,

Might want to refer to your owners manual but here is my $0.02. I have the 1600 and the oil is supposed to be checked through the sight glass with the bike vertical, not on the side stand. As far as draining, it can be drained vertical as well, vs on the side stand, should be minimal if any difference.

Adjusting with a wrench is always preferable to adjusting with a hammer. Do it Yourself'ing can be fun!

tcobar · 05-27-2005

TBV,

I used the jack to riase the bike. Then I place some 2x4's, 2 side by side and two more on top of those, under the front and rear tire. I lowered the bike onto the wood, just enough so that it is still verticle. Then used tie downs to secure the bike from side to side. I tied the left side of the top of the front forks to the left wall of the garage, then the right side of the top of the front forks to the right wall. Make sure they are nice and secure. Then lowered the bike completely down and took the jack off. This gives you more room to work on. It may seem like a lot of prep work, but it is worth it and bike is very secure. You may not have the same set up, but you can improvise with what you have. For me, keeping the jack under the bike did not give me access to drain the oil and place my oil pan under the bike. I used the same oil pan I use for my truck.

Very, Very important here. Make sure you tie your right hand brake to the throttle. I used an old shoelace here. Make sure this is tied well. This keeps the front brakes locked so that the bike does not move around.

Hope this helps.

**2WheelFun** · 05-27-2005

I have a 1500 Classic and to change the oil I roll it onto 3/4" pieces of plywood just big enough to fit under the tires...one front...and one back...to help raise it enough so I can slide the oil container under the bike to catch the oil. I then use 2x4's under the kickstand to get the bike in a near vertical positin once the drain plug has been removed to help the oil drain. Once the oil is drained I then remove the oil filter and again keep the container underneath to catch any oil. I never use the jack to drain the oil...just slightly elevate the bike by the method described and it stay's on the ground with no possibility of tipping over or falling off of the jack. I use the jack to work on the front or rear of the bike when needed.

**Spok** · 05-27-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by whistle clean

I have a 1500 Classic and to change the oil I roll it onto 3/4" pieces of plywood just big enough to fit under the tires...one front...and one back...to help raise it enough so I can slide the oil container under the bike to catch the oil. I then use 2x4's under the kickstand to get the bike in a near vertical positin once the drain plug has been removed to help the oil drain. Once the oil is drained I then remove the oil filter and again keep the container underneath to catch any oil. I never use the jack to drain the oil...just slightly elevate the bike by the method described and it stay's on the ground with no possibility of tipping over or falling off of the jack. I use the jack to work on the front or rear of the bike when needed.

do you check your oil pump screen each time as well cary? I do, haven't seen too much upsetting on my changes but it also lets out more of the old oil.

**2WheelFun** · 05-27-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by spok

do you check your oil pump screen each time as well cary? I do, haven't seen too much upsetting on my changes but it also lets out more of the old oil.

I use to...but now I check it every other oil change.

grunt · 05-27-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by spok

do you check your oil pump screen each time as well cary? I do, haven't seen too much upsetting on my changes but it also lets out more of the old oil.

It gives me something to do while the oil is draining.

TBVulcan · 05-27-2005

Well, I got her done tonight, kind of used the a combination of the hjack and just the side stand. I drained the oil and took off the filter while she was on her sidestand, while she was draining, I took out the screen, and yes, a lot of oil came with that as well, enough to make me think about checking it every time. Now, the screen was a pain, because the only wrench I had was much to long. To re-install the screen plug, I put the bike up on the jack to give me a bit more clearance, and to see if any more oil would come out. Aparantly, draining the pan when it's on her sidestand worked just fine, but that extra clearance for tighting the screen bolt was welcome. Filled her till it showed full, let it run for a couple of minutes then checked for leaks and topped her off to full. Just ran to my office for a moment and she ran stronger than she has ever ran before. I know, it's probably mental, but the bike did not hesitate once, and warmed up much faster.
I think I will put some of these ideas to use though on my next change.

As for that shock, can't get it to budge, not even when the rear tire was off the ground. I'll have to work on that!

Thanks for all the ideas and advice!

*pitchinguy* · 05-28-2005

Check my oil with one of those mechanic's mirrors on a telescopis rod. About $5 at Advance Auto. Sit on bike , hold her straight up and check oil with mirror. Really quick & even easier!

tdaugharty · 05-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBVulcan

Well, I got her done tonight, kind of used the a combination of the hjack and just the side stand. I drained the oil and took off the filter while she was on her sidestand, while she was draining, I took out the screen, and yes, a lot of oil came with that as well, enough to make me think about checking it every time. Now, the screen was a pain, because the only wrench I had was much to long. To re-install the screen plug, I put the bike up on the jack to give me a bit more clearance, and to see if any more oil would come out. Aparantly, draining the pan when it's on her sidestand worked just fine, but that extra clearance for tighting the screen bolt was welcome. Filled her till it showed full, let it run for a couple of minutes then checked for leaks and topped her off to full. Just ran to my office for a moment and she ran stronger than she has ever ran before. I know, it's probably mental, but the bike did not hesitate once, and warmed up much faster.
I think I will put some of these ideas to use though on my next change.

As for that shock, can't get it to budge, not even when the rear tire was off the ground. I'll have to work on that!

Thanks for all the ideas and advice!

Trust me bro it's not mental ... Mine got an extra boost when I replaced the brake pads. Now where is that VTX? Yeah bring it!

tdaugharty · 05-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitchinguy

Check my oil with one of those mechanic's mirrors on a telescopis rod. About $5 at Advance Auto. Sit on bike , hold her straight up and check oil with mirror. Really quick & even easier!

What a great idea! I should of thought of that.

rbentnail · 05-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBVulcan

As for that shock, can't get it to budge, not even when the rear tire was off the ground. I'll have to work on that!

Not surprising. You may have to go the PITA, 45 minute route. Do this in a carport or garage, somewhere out of the sun b/c the reflections will blind you.

Check out the thread http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...ead.php?t=6767

05-27-2005	#1 (permalink)
TBVulcan Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 211	Oil change question Alright, another rookie question! My neighbor let me borrow his bike jack which I'll use to make adjusting the rear shock easier, but can I do the oil change with the bike on the jack as long as it does not interfere with access or does the bike need to be on the side stand? I know your supposed to check the oil while on the side stand. Just figured I'd better check. Also, as far as adjusting the suspension, Instead of a bar and and a hammer, can I just use a spanner wrench with a long handle? I think I could make a long handle to fit the spanner wrench, since every one I've seen has had a real short handle. __________________ 05 Brute Force 650 Warn 2.5 Winch Warn plow Moose racing receiver hitch

05-27-2005	#2 (permalink)
bobvc Mgr. Mid Life Crisis Dept BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Olive Branch, MS Posts: 493	TBV, Might want to refer to your owners manual but here is my $0.02. I have the 1600 and the oil is supposed to be checked through the sight glass with the bike vertical, not on the side stand. As far as draining, it can be drained vertical as well, vs on the side stand, should be minimal if any difference. Adjusting with a wrench is always preferable to adjusting with a hammer. Do it Yourself'ing can be fun! __________________ Midnight Blue Vulcan Classic 1600 Yamaha YZ 2-Fiddy F Yamaha FJR 1300 Sport Tourer

05-27-2005	#4 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 32,674	I have a 1500 Classic and to change the oil I roll it onto 3/4" pieces of plywood just big enough to fit under the tires...one front...and one back...to help raise it enough so I can slide the oil container under the bike to catch the oil. I then use 2x4's under the kickstand to get the bike in a near vertical positin once the drain plug has been removed to help the oil drain. Once the oil is drained I then remove the oil filter and again keep the container underneath to catch any oil. I never use the jack to drain the oil...just slightly elevate the bike by the method described and it stay's on the ground with no possibility of tipping over or falling off of the jack. I use the jack to work on the front or rear of the bike when needed. __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

05-27-2005	#8 (permalink)
TBVulcan Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 211	Well, I got her done tonight, kind of used the a combination of the hjack and just the side stand. I drained the oil and took off the filter while she was on her sidestand, while she was draining, I took out the screen, and yes, a lot of oil came with that as well, enough to make me think about checking it every time. Now, the screen was a pain, because the only wrench I had was much to long. To re-install the screen plug, I put the bike up on the jack to give me a bit more clearance, and to see if any more oil would come out. Aparantly, draining the pan when it's on her sidestand worked just fine, but that extra clearance for tighting the screen bolt was welcome. Filled her till it showed full, let it run for a couple of minutes then checked for leaks and topped her off to full. Just ran to my office for a moment and she ran stronger than she has ever ran before. I know, it's probably mental, but the bike did not hesitate once, and warmed up much faster. I think I will put some of these ideas to use though on my next change. As for that shock, can't get it to budge, not even when the rear tire was off the ground. I'll have to work on that! Thanks for all the ideas and advice! __________________ 05 Brute Force 650 Warn 2.5 Winch Warn plow Moose racing receiver hitch

05-28-2005	#9 (permalink)
pitchinguy I miss Deron. Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 8,747	Check my oil with one of those mechanic's mirrors on a telescopis rod. About $5 at Advance Auto. Sit on bike , hold her straight up and check oil with mirror. Really quick & even easier! __________________ *LIGHT ENGINEER Todd's Body Paint Team* *Black 1600w/apes* aka Scooter

05-27-2005	#3 (permalink)
tcobar Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 532	TBV, I used the jack to riase the bike. Then I place some 2x4's, 2 side by side and two more on top of those, under the front and rear tire. I lowered the bike onto the wood, just enough so that it is still verticle. Then used tie downs to secure the bike from side to side. I tied the left side of the top of the front forks to the left wall of the garage, then the right side of the top of the front forks to the right wall. Make sure they are nice and secure. Then lowered the bike completely down and took the jack off. This gives you more room to work on. It may seem like a lot of prep work, but it is worth it and bike is very secure. You may not have the same set up, but you can improvise with what you have. For me, keeping the jack under the bike did not give me access to drain the oil and place my oil pan under the bike. I used the same oil pan I use for my truck. Very, Very important here. Make sure you tie your right hand brake to the throttle. I used an old shoelace here. Make sure this is tied well. This keeps the front brakes locked so that the bike does not move around. Hope this helps.

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