Obviously, one of the most important fluids in your bike is gasoline. However, it is the lubricating fluids that truly protect your bike from the internal wear and tear allowing you to ride trouble free year after year. Good maintenance is a key in making sure these fluids, such as your engine oil and primary oil lubricant, are doing their best to protect your bike. Naturally, changing these fluids at the proper intervals is important. Experts say that after an 8,000 mile new bike break-in period, you should change the engine oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles if you do a lot of in-town riding. If distance riding is your thing, you could probably hold off and change the oil every 6,000 to 8,000 miles unless you use a synthetic, then you can go longer.

When it is time for the oil change, first check your owner's manual to see if it recommends using the side-stand or the center-stand when checking oil levels. Start the bike, and let the engine warm (as warm oil will be easier to drain). After you remove the plug and the oil begins to drain, clean the plug. Then remove and replace the rubber o-ring. This step should be performed each time you change the oil. Next, remove the oil filter. This step may require a special wrench that will loosen the filter, and then you can finish removing it by hand. When getting ready to install a new oil filter you need a little lubrication to go on the oil filter ring to make a good seal. Just dip your finger in the old oil and smooth it on the filter ring to create a thin coat. Next, hand-tighten the filter until it is snug, then give it one-quarter turn more. Now it is time to put new oil in the engine. Buying oil can be overwhelming because there are so many brands and weights that are available. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend that you use the grade of oil that is recommended in your service manual. If you don't have a manual, call your local motorcycle dealer. Also remember that when putting the oil in the engine, over-filling or under-filling can cause serious engine damage!

Now that the oil is changed, there is something else that also requires lubrication-the drive train. For belt and chain-driven bikes, you need to change the primary chain oil. We recommend this procedure once a year, and a good time to do it is right before winter storage. First, locate and remove the primary oil plug. Inspect the plug for shavings and debris if it is magnetic. Most mechanics recommend a new plug and seal to replace the old one. Remember, you'll need to install it with a torque wrench! After removing and replacing the plug, you should remove the primary cover using a cross pattern. With a long thin funnel replace the oil with the recommended type found in your owner's manual. Also check your manual for the correct fill mark. Next, pop the old rubber seal out of the primary cover and replace it with a new one. Then replace the primary cover. By the way, if the seal doesn't want to stay in, you can hold it in place with a little bit of grease. Install the top screw first, and then tighten them using a cross pattern. Eventually torque the screws to the recommended settings.

Finally, it is time to tend to the transmission. First, locate, remove, and inspect the transmission fluid plug. It is not uncommon to have more metal shavings on transmission fluid plug because of the clutch plates and other metal parts making contact. However, it there is excessive shavings, get your bike to an authorized dealer. Clean the plug and give it a new o-ring and torque it back to specs. Next remove the dipstick, insert a funnel, and then fill with the transmission fluid recommended for your bike. Finally, take a reading to see if you have it filled to the proper mark.

So, that's about it! Now your bike is ready for another ride. However, here is a quick review!

• Change the oil every 3,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on your riding style, unless you use a synthetic oil.
• Warm up the engine before draining the oil.
• Make sure to lubricate the oil filter's rubber seal.
• Check magnetic drain plugs for excessive metal debris-it means the engine is wearing badly.
• Always replace the o-rings and gaskets.
• Make sure the bike is upright and level when checking the transmission fluid.
• When it comes to questions such as which fluids to use, or how much torque should be used, consult your owner's manual or call your dealer

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