Oil Change Info

[mushupork]

I recently got a 2000 B12 but the previous owner couldn't find the manual so I don't have it.  He did provide a half bottle of synthetic he'd been using so I know what to buy.  I should get the oil changed.  I want to do this myself but I don't know how much the 1st generation Bandits hold and I know overfilling is very bad from the other posts I found here.  [Searching for "Oil Change" produced 1900+ hits]  

Any tips or links to online resources appreciated.  Sorry for such a newbie question.

[mwheat308]

Look on the right side of the engine case, it tells you how much oil, it also has a handy little sight gauge.
It holds about 3 3/4 quarts with the filter.
Don't get in a rush, take your time and watch the gauge.

[txbanditrydr]

+1 to the above... Also, when you change the filter and refill the crankcase I recommend you fill to the center of the oil window - DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE DRAIN PLUG AND FILLER CAP BACK ON - (and don't ask me why I say that.. )

Start the engine and let it warm up - the lower case should be warm to the touch - and shut things off.  After about 10 minutes recheck the oil level... you'll likely need to add some.  I bring the oil level on the centerstand to the middle of the window.  The manual sez to check it on both wheels whilst sitting on the bike - a real chore for me.  I have found the oil level will read slightly higher in the window on both wheels compared to on the centerstand so this makes it easy and reduces your chance of overfilling.

It's a lot easier to add oil than to reduce the level so once again.. take your time and enjoy the fact you know it was done properly.

[mushupork]

You guys are the best - and fast - thanks much for the help!

[Red01]

It holds about 3 3/4 quarts with the filter.

3 3/4 US quarts or ~3 1/4 Imperial Quarts.

Remember, this is an international board.  

[txbanditrydr]

Okay then... how about 3,300 milliliters??  Will that do??  

[Red01]

NO! 3300ml is without the filter. That's the number cast in the clutch cover.

3 3/4 US Qts = 3548.824ml - but I would've accepted anything in the 3500-3550 ml as a "right" answer for the purpose of an oil & filter change.  

My point was many of us Americans forget there are people here who do not use out measuring system. Other English speaking countries are familiar with pints, quarts & gallons, but the bigger Imperial ones. Not even our neighbors to the north use(d) the US system of liquid measure.

[mademiriam]

thank you red for remembering us folks with different measuring systems.
Quite a few accidents, and a famous canadian airline forced landing caused by just such errors.

[mwheat308]

My deepest apoligies for the failure to specify US quarts.
See guys I'm a hillbilly, so I just watch the sight glass, since where I'm at there is only US quarts.

[Red01]

Quite a few accidents, and a famous canadian airline forced landing caused by just such errors.

Ah, yes! The famous Gimli Glider. Back when Canada was changing from Imperial measure to metric, compounded by a faulty fuel quantity indicating system.