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As a full time tech for over 25 years...I've done literally thousands of oil changes, and seen plenty of other's work as well. Here's my two cents...
I use the Honda OE cap wrench but it's not cheap...there are some decent aftermarket units available. It won't fit most aftermarket filters, for that I have a strap type wrench. I agree with derstuka...I like the Honda OE filters the best. The worst filter I've seen is the Fram...I don't often see one on a bike that hasn't been "weeping" oil around that chincy square style sealing oring they use.
Don't forget to replace the aluminum sealing washer on the drain plug. The "squish" on it protects the drain plug threads in the engine when you torque it down, as well as assuring a perfect oil seal...and I'm tired of repairing stripped threads, so if you don't know how tight it should be by feel...use a torque wrench.
Oil type? Who knows? There's not much empirical unbiased information on this. I just stick with the manufactures recommendations listed in every owner's manual. I've found that most people aren't comfortable with Honda's recommended 8K mile intervals though (neither am I actually). I think intervals of 2500 (daily commute) to 5000 (touring or trip) miles are reasonable.
Break in? I say break 'em in the way your gonna ride 'em. One stipulation though...Your bike should be fully heat soaked (up to operating temperature) before you investigate the upper reaches of the RPM band. Engines tolerances are not correct when your bike is cold...or luke warm for that matter.
Oil level...don't assume the procedure...check the manual. The VFR's are pretty straightforward, but other models may not be. On the VTX's for example, Honda uses a dry sump crankcase with the storage tank being internal...So there's a special procedure for checking and filling oil.
Changing oil is simple, and there's no reason an owner of reasonable intelligence and motivation can't do it themselves. But it's of utmost importance, so do it right.
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