[sdsting]

I did an oil change last weekend (first one I’ve personally done on this bike) and had a bit of a hard time getting access. Looking for any advice or suggestions that might make it easier next time.

First of all I tried doing it with the bike leaning over on the kickstand and there was not enough clearance for my oil drain pan bucket to slide under the drain plug.

This is the stand/lift that I use

I’ve circled the oil drain bold in red and as you can see it is very difficult to get the drain pan under the bold because of the stand that is in the way. My access to the bolt & filter is fine, it’s the draining that is the problem. Any suggestions? I’m thinking of some kind of large hose that can guide the oil down to the pan.. anyone done anything like that before? I’m open to ideas..

 

[11Stryker]

I've got a pan that fits under bike. Then I just straddle bike and hold straight up till oil is all drained.

 

[11Stryker]

Looks like you have room enough to move that jack back 6 or 7 inches to help you get to drain. Better that angle any way to get all oil out.

 

[sdsting]

I supose I could move the lift back towards the rear tire, it won’t be ballanced and the front tire will remain on the ground. That might work ok, I’ll check into it.

 

[Skwerlee]

I have a lift but for oil changes I just put a piece of wood under the kick stand so the bike doesn't lean so much...this allows me to slide a shallow plastic drain pan I got from Autozone under the bike to drain the oil. I think the pan was like $2. It works even with my bike lowered 2.25"

 

[sdsting]

I actually thought of this! and looked around my garage for a piece of wood. This sounds like the best option to me, I’ll probably go pick up a chunk of 4x4. Good call, thanks.

 

[Raven]

I have a front wheel choke that i drive into the garage and put the bike in. Don't even use the kickstand at home anymore. Works great for the oil change too. Just did one the other day.

 

[UrbanRage]

I have a lift but for oil changes I just put a piece of wood under the kick stand so the bike doesn't lean so much...this allows me to slide a shallow plastic drain pan I got from Autozone under the bike to drain the oil. I think the pan was like $2. It works even with my bike lowered 2.25"

lol... yeah what he said.. ;D

 

[stroguy]

I get the 2 for $1 foil turkey roast pans from the supermarket. Slide right under, then they crumple to make a spout for pouring in the 5 gallon jug I collect oil in. 2 pans should be good for a years worth of oil changes.

 

[toby]

2 by 4 under the kickstand. 4 by 4 is too big with 2.25 lowered. leave in gear. Cut a 4 gal plastic cat litter container in half the long way. one half smaller than the other. The smaller one being the one that fits under the Stryker. There is a crush washer on the drain plug but I have changed my oil 4 times now without putting a new crush washer on it and no leaks.

 

[schimbo stryker]

When if the second oil change due ? about how many miles between oil changes ?

 

[sdsting]

That’s a good question and I’d be interested to hear what other riders are doing. But I’m changing my oil/filter every 2k

 

[schimbo stryker]

how many qts ?

 

[sdsting]

just under 4qts

 

[11Stryker]

every 4000 miles after 1st change.

 

[Ben-Rod]

Every 4k for me...


Ben

 

[jester624]

Well doing my 1st oil change since the PCS lowering links, and I barely got more than a quart of oil out.

Anyone else have this problem because of the lowering links? Did I eat a bunch of oil somehow?

 

[Skwerlee]

Well doing my 1st oil change since the PCS lowering links, and I barely got more than a quart of oil out.

Anyone else have this problem because of the lowering links? Did I eat a bunch of oil somehow?

you pulled the wrong plug. Read here...

http://www.yamahastarstryker.com/index.php/topic,2687.0.html

 

[jester624]

You sir are 100% correct. Thank you. You'd think I've done it before I would remember what plug it was. Although in my defense that's the only plug underneath that I couldn't see the copper washer on.

 

[Skwerlee]

You sir are 100% correct. Thank you. You'd think I've done it before I would remember what plug it was. Although in my defense that's the only plug underneath that I couldn't see the copper washer on.

ha ha glad I could help. I couldn't believe I did that either. While I was wrenching that plug out I remember thinking to myself “man I remember this bolt being larger than this”… DUH