Oil Change

[Wu-Viffer]

Hey VFR World,

Up until now I have let the local motorcycle mechanic do my oil changes, but it seemed like a waste of money to have someone else do it. So... I am thinking of trying to change the oil myself, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about the best way to go about doing it. It seems pretty straight forward, but nothing is that easy once you start. Could people give me some helpful suggestions if they have changed their own oil?

Thanks, Mel

2001 VFR

[WhiteKnight]

On my 93 it is pretty straight forward. remove the lower left side cowl, no need to remover the lower right side, which makes access to the filter relatively easy, drain the oil and replace the filter. I let the dealer change mine the first time since I wanted to be sure it was done right (not that I would not have) and that if something got broken (say, threads on the drain bolt stripped) it would be somewhere it could be fixed properly. My next oil change I am going to switch to synthetic oil. Amsoil has been recommended to me and I feeel it is a good product, but more expensive than other brands. According to thier website it's nearly $9 for a quart bottle. I don't know about others, but the Honda brand oil filter should do the job well. Other than that it is a pretty straight forward job an dshould be jsut as easy or easier than changing the oil on a car. And you don't have to have ramps to do it either. ;-)

[reg71]

I think my 98 is the same as your bike and it's just the same as vman said. it's very straightforward. you shouldn't have any trouble. about the only thin that you may run into is the filter may be on tight so you might want to go ahead and buy a filter wrench. i think i used a semi sythetic oil when i changed mine but most of what i've read says sythentics are not necessary for the vfr, but i don't guess they hurt either. if you do a forum search I'm sure you can find the great oil debate.

[hatzyian]

Just as said, pretty easy job.

You'll need to remove L/H side cowl. Warm the bike up to normal opperating temp, clean any dirt from around filter and drain plug area, remove drain plug, drain the oil (remove fill cap to help drain), and remove the filter. You will need a filter wrench, or just ram a screwdriver through the filter body to give some leverage. Check the drain plug and oil for any metal debris.

To refil, refit the drain plug, do NOT overtighten, and screw on the filter hand tight only (put some clean oil on seal first). Fill up the oil until correct level, refit fill cap. Start up bike to check for leaks, and recheck oil level. Refit fairing.

Maybe too much detail for what you already know, but better too much than too little. Enjoy yourself!

[Wu-Viffer]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I am going to try it out this weekend. There is nothing more empowering than doing your own maintenance!

Mel

[Vee-Ef-Ar]

Might I also add you should place some rags or cover the headers below the oil filter, as oil will run out and soak the headers.

[skidvicious]

No spare rags? Try some kitchen aluminum around the headers (before engine warm thru!).

[klee27x]

Ok, I have a stupid question. How many quarts go in the 90-93 VFR? How do you use the little oil dipstick? I assume level ground, bike vertical.. not on center stand. But do you screw the stick all the way in to take a reading? Or is it supposed to be pushed in and unscrewed? Damn, it's too complicated. My owner's manual should be coming in a week or so... too long to wait.

[masonv45]

Don't forget to ensure the black rubber o-ring is not stuck on the block. Had a neighbor who forgot to do this and when he started up he had a nice stream of oil running up his driveway and then 4 quarts of oil in his garage.