Oil and simple things I am sure

[diablo_ogre]

Hi there as a recent owner of a gs 450L I have a few questions which I know are very simple but I have been trouble finding the answer too. The bike I have sat for a while and I took the carbs off and cleaned them up really good and the bikes runs pretty good now. Here are my questions ....

How do you change the oil? I am assuming like a car you just need to drain it from the bottom them fill from the top.

How much oil and what kind would you say is best for this type of bike?

I have new spark plugs, new air filter is there anything else preventitive maintence I should do?

Debating on replacing the tires and the brakes. Do you usually take a bike someplace to replace tires or do you usually do it yourself?

I know simple questions but I have never even ridden until 2 months ago.

thanks a bunch.

[Mark whiz]

You are correct in how to change oil - there is a drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and a fill hole on top, usually on the clutch cover. Don't forget to change your oil filter as well - you will find it under a bolted-on cover on the front of the crankcase behind the header pipes.

Typically it takes around 4 quarts of oil for a bike, but each is different, so use your sight glass or dipstick to determine the correct level. The usual oil recommendation is for 10W/40 oil. There are TONS of discussions about what specific oil to use on this Forum, but the best advice is to use a good quality oil and one that does not have any special compounds in it to "slicken" the oil up - like Slick 50 or other products, such things will be bad for the clutch.

For preventative maintainence, there is much more of it for a bike than for a car. You'll need to keep your chain lubed and adjusted frequently to get the best life out of the chain & sprockets. Lubing and adjusting the control cables once a year will do wonders for extending their life as well. Let's not forget valve adjustments about every 4000 miles, very important since most GS's valves tend to tighten with use rather than loosen the gap. One of the best things you can do is to keep the bike clean, top to bottom - this makes spotting things that might cause problems SO MUCH easier.

I replace my own tires, but it can be a tough job, especially if you don't have the right tools and an air compressor. Unless you are really "handy" mechanically and enjoy a challenge, it is probably best to have a shop install them.

[Cassius086]

Look at www.jcwhitney.com for a shop manual for your bike! And welcome to the riding world and the GSR!! :-D

[mriddle]

You are correct in how to change oil - there is a drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and a fill hole on top, usually on the clutch cover. Don't forget to change your oil filter as well - you will find it under a bolted-on cover on the front of the crankcase behind the header pipes.

Typically it takes around 4 quarts of oil for a bike, but each is different, so use your sight glass or dipstick to determine the correct level. The usual oil recommendation is for 10W/40 oil. There are TONS of discussions about what specific oil to use on this Forum, but the best advice is to use a good quality oil and one that does not have any special compounds in it to "slicken" the oil up - like Slick 50 or other products, such things will be bad for the clutch.

For preventative maintainence, there is much more of it for a bike than for a car. You'll need to keep your chain lubed and adjusted frequently to get the best life out of the chain & sprockets. Lubing and adjusting the control cables once a year will do wonders for extending their life as well. Let's not forget valve adjustments about every 4000 miles, very important since most GS's valves tend to tighten with use rather than loosen the gap. One of the best things you can do is to keep the bike clean, top to bottom - this makes spotting things that might cause problems SO MUCH easier.

I replace my own tires, but it can be a tough job, especially if you don't have the right tools and an air compressor. Unless you are really "handy" mechanically and enjoy a challenge, it is probably best to have a shop install them.

Welcome to GSR ..

You should also see the volume of oil needed stamped somewhere near the filler hole ... something like 3200cc which would convert to 3.38 quarts

http://www.easysurf.cc/cnver2.htm#mltoq3

Mike

[Mark whiz]

You're right, Mike - I had forgot about that. My filler cap has the fill amount in cc's stamped right on it.

[zuzu]

Welcome diablo,\\/

I am also new to the forum. I haven't been riding in 25+ years and have found this forum to be extremely helpful. There are a great bunch of folks here. The search feature is also a big help.

Tony

[MelodicMetalGod]

Debating on replacing the tires and the brakes. Do you usually take a bike someplace to replace tires or do you usually do it yourself?

Don't debate on the tires or the brakes. Together, they are the only things that stop the bike (in a non-falling down kinda way).

If the bikes been sitting for a while, replace the tires and service the brakes. Remember, the tires are THE most important safety component of any motorcycle. Don't take chances with them and when you get new ones, don't skimp. Same goes for the brakes.

Welcome and enjoy your GS!

[Clone]

I don't know about JC Whitney for a manual, but manualclub.com will probably have one for you.

[mf70]

Get a Clymer's manual (I assume they're still in print). The first chapter is all maintenance.

When changing the oil, don't forget the oil filter and the "O" ring on the cover.

Get new tires. Even if the rubber LOOKS good, it has gotten hard and has dramatically less adhesion. Changing the tires yourself is a royal pain, but if
you've ever changed a bicycle tire that was VERY tight on the rim, you can do it.

[raypen4]

Repair Manual

If you are in need of a manual go to repairmanual.com. I just recently bought one for my 82 GS1000. I paid a little extra for it put it far superior to the other manuals out there. Good Luck