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Question: I'm about to change my motorcycle's oil.. is there anything else i should do that would be good for it?

(Posted by: David L on 2010-03-08 11:13:41)

I'm changing the oil and putting in a new filter. I was wondering if there's anything else I can do that might clean the engine out a little, or really anything that will be good for my bike. It's a '96 CBR900RR Ya I just flushed the radiator.. Need to get some water wetter to add. That's a good idea about the brake fluid, I'll probably do it when I get new pads. Thanks! I have a manual, but I figured there might be some more knowledge out there beside's what the book says.

Posted by: jules_083 on 2010-03-08, 11:17:35

Run the bike and warm it up before you change the oil, it gets all the dirt in suspension in the oil and makes it flow better. Being a 96 I would consider a coolent flush and changing the brake fluid also. I do mine every 3 years. Take the body panels off and clean everything while you're at it, it'll help you see any possible problems. Air filter also.

Posted by: Michael on 2010-03-08, 11:21:37

Look under the bike and find the tube that has a cap on the end of it. Remove the cap and drain the tube into your drip pan. Check the condition of your air filter, while you're at it.

Posted by: Mad Jack on 2010-03-08, 11:29:16

Personally, I would avoid putting any additives into the oil. Most motorcycles, including yours, use what is called a wet clutch. This means that the clutch runs in the engine oil. Additives meant for automobile engines can damage or ruin your clutch. Instead. Make sure you use motorcycle oil. Don't use automotive motor oil. As I said before, your clutch runs in the engine oil. Motorcycle oil will have additives that are clutch friendly. Also, the oil in a motorcycle runs hotter than in an automobile. Motorcycle oil will have additives to better deal with this higher operating temperature. Motorcycle oil will cost you more than automotive oil. However you can save a few bucks by buying it at your local automotive parts store. Most major automotive parts stores will have a motorcycle section. Avoid using synthetic oil unless it is specifically intended for motorcycle use. Many of the major oil manufacturers are now making synthetic motorcycle oil. If you want to use synthetic motor oil, make sure it is made for motorcycle use. The oil filter that you use is also very important. Wix makes the best oil filter. They cost more than a more common Purolator or Fram filter, but less than the cheap made in China oil filter that your motorcycle dealer will sell you. You can find this filter at any major automotive parts store that sells Wix filters. You may need to special order the filter, but it usually only a day or so to get one. Wix part number 51358 fits your bike. Some motorcycles have an oil sump cover that should be removed and cleaned every other oil change. On my bike, a Suzuki, the maintenance manual recommends that you remove this cover and clean the oil pump sump screen. Not sure if your bike has this requirement. My last suggestion is that you get yourself a maintenance manual for your bike. If you had a maintenance manual you would have no need to ask strangers on the Internet questions like this. You would not need to decide if these answers are accurate or just a bunch of B.S. A Clymer manual for your bike only costs about $34 + shipping. This manual will pay for itself the first time you use it. It is the best investment you could make for your ride. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Posted by: Erin on 2010-03-08, 12:12:32

Ya, clean you injection system and change your spark plugs. if you are looking for a higher performance spark go with some ngk iridium spark plugs. they burn cleaner and better than the norm, hardly ever go bad.

Posted by: bluff mike on 2010-03-08, 15:43:10

Mad Jack is blowing smoke. I have a motorcycle that's run for almost 180,000 miles using Mobil 1 synthetic car oil and a Honda VLX with 78,000 miles that has Rotella Full Synthetic 5w40 in it now, as does my wife's Honda Magna. I used either Purolator "Pure One " filters or Walmart's "Super Tech ". Wix: Bypass filter added on, not built in. Filter media in short supply. calsci.com/ motorcycleinfo/ FilterStudy.html