How to Change the Oil on a Suzuki Motorcycle
- 1). Warm the engine oil by running the motorcycle for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmed oil will flow easier and allow for a complete drain. Stop the motor and turn the ignition switch off once the oil has been warmed sufficiently.
- 2). Remove the motor's oil filler cap and place a drain pan directly beneath the motor. Remove the oil drain plug with a socket wrench. The drain plug is located directly under the motor, but it can also be found near the sides of the motor on some models. Hold the motorcycle upright and allow the oil to drain completely. Wipe the drain plug with a shop towel to remove any debris before reinstalling it onto the motor. Tighten the drain plug until it is seated against the motor, then tighten it an additional half turn. Place the motorcycle back onto its kick stand.
- 3). Move the drain pan directly beneath the oil filter. Most newer Suzuki motorcycles use a spin-on type oil filter that is mounted to the exterior of the motor. These filters are removed with a strap or cap-style filter wrench and can be discarded once removed. Older models, however, may have a filter element that is concealed behind a cover on the motor. Remove the cover's bolts with a socket wrench and pull the filter out of the motor.
- 4). Install a new oil filter onto the motorcycle. Spin-on filters should be screwed on by hand until it is seated against the motor. Tighten the oil filter an additional half turn to secure it. Internal filter elements are installed by sliding the element into the motor and replacing the cover. Be sure to reinstall any o-rings that may be present.
- 5). Add oil into the motor through the oil filler neck using a funnel. Oil capacity will vary between different Suzuki motorcycles, but most models will have the maximum capacity listed on the motor's engine cover. Fill the motor with less oil than the maximum capacity listed. Wipe away any spilled oil and replace the filler cap.
- 6). Start the motor and let the new oil warm for 5 minutes. Once the oil is warm, stop the motor and check the oil level through the sight glass on the motor's crankcase. In most cases, the proper amount of oil will be represented by the oil level being at or near the center of the sight glass. Add oil as necessary to bring the oil level to the center of the sight glass. Remove excess oil through the oil filler neck with a hand pump.
