An important job, the core of any service schedule and relatively easy to do.
First things first, ensure you have enough new oil, of the correct grade, and a new oil filter. It’s also best to have a new washer for the sump bolt. You’ll also need a draining tray with more than enough capacity for the old oil and a container for it that you can take to a recycle station.
Warm the bike up with a short run before starting the oil change (you want the oil warm but not hot).
Place the drain tray under the engine and locate the sump plug. Wearing some disposable rubber gloves, undo the sump bolt with a ring spanner and try to grab the bolt and washer before it falls in the oil. Loosen the oil filler plug and let the oil drain while you have a cup of tea.
Next, remove the oil filter, ensuring its oil will spill into the drain tray. You may need a filter wrench to remove it or you can improvise with a strap or rolled up rag that you tighten using a screwdriver, then twist counter-clockwise to loosen the filter. Don’t be tempted to hammer a screwdriver through it to use as a lever - you risk damaging the mounting and introducing metal swarf into the oil system.
Wipe the sump and filter threads using a clean rag. Put a thin smear of multi-purpose grease on the surface of the new filter’s rubber washer, screw the filter onto the mounting and tighten up by hand - firm but not over tight.
Replace the sump bolt, with a new washer if you have one, and tighten to the specified torque setting with a torque wrench.
Measure out the exact amount of oil for the bike’s oil capacity and set about 10% aside. Pour the new oil in through the filler opening. Stop occasionally and check the level with the dipstick on the filler plug or in the view glass. You should get to ‘full’ without the 10% you set aside. When you do, screw in the filler plug and start the engine briefly to ensure the filter is primed.
Let the oil settle for a minute then check the level again. You should have room to pour in the rest of the new oil. Don’t over fill - just below maximum is fine. Do up the filler plug and it’s job done - just check the oil level again after your first ride and top up if necessary.
Keep an eye on the sump plug and around the filter for leaks - you may need to retighten or get a new sump plug washer.
