Changing your own motorcycle oil can save you time and money by doing it yourself. I believe it will take you longer to ride it to the shop then to actually perform the work yourself. Plan ahead and order the oil, filter, and any tools you may need from Amazon.

Year, Make, Model

The motorcycle in this video is a 2002 Honda Shadow VT750. This video will cover a wide range of other Honda models, since most have a spin on oil filter.

Service Manual

Coming soon!

Symptoms

None. The bike sat for 2 years and I recently cleaned the carburetors, so changing the oil was part of getting it road worthy again.

Tools

Here are links to tools used in this video:

Custom Accessories 31118 Oil Drain Pan

TEKTON 5866 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers

Hopkins FloTool 05034 Super Funnel

100% Cotton Auto Shop Towels

Parts

Here are links to parts used in the video:

10w-40 Motorcycle Oil

WIX WL10000 Oil Filter

Drain washer – It’s always good practice to replace the drain plug crush washer. In many cases, I’m able to reuse them for a few oil changes. If yours is in good shape, go ahead and reuse it.

Procedure

1. Take the bike for a 10 minute ride to warm up the engine oil.
2. Place the bike on a lift or side stand.
3. Remove the drain plug with a 17mm box wrench or socket.
4. Let the oil drain for 5-10 minutes.
5. If needed, install new crush washer and reinstall drain plug. Torque to service manual specification.
6. Loosen oil filter with wrench 1-2 turns. Let some of the oil drain before removing the filter completely.
7. Make sure the gasket is on the oil filter.
8. Wipe the filter sealing surface clean with a rag
9. Prelube filter by pouring some oil into the filter.
10. Take a few drops of oil and smear it on the new filter gasket
11. Install new filter and torque to specification outlined in service manual.
12. Pour in new oil.
13. Start engine for 30 sec.
14. Check oil 5 min after shutting engine off. Add oil if necessary. Most Hondas do not require to screw dipstick in.
15. Check for leaks.
16. Make note of date and mileage and write it in your maintenance log.
17. Go ride!

Other Helpful Videos

Here is a carburetor clean/rebuild video on this same motorcycle.

Comments

Has this video or blog post helped you out? Please comment below!