Simple, Safe way to change the oil.


As many of you know, there are several different methods used to change the oil in the Road Star. The method that I prefer was actually introduced by Dave M (Thor).
It works well and doesn't involve starting the engine during the refilling process.
Place the bike on a sturdy stand before you begin.  You want the bike level and it is too easy to knock it over if it is just on the side stand.
The procedure is outlined below.

1) Remove the seat. Locate the dipstick cover.  Remove the dipstick from the tank.
2) Place drain pans under both the crankcase drain plug and the oil tank drain plug.
3) Remove both of the drain plugs using a 17mm “Monkey Wrench” on the crankcase drain plug and a 17mm socket with a 6” extension on the oil tank drain plug. Remember        that the distance between the drain plug and the crankcase housing is very tight.  Most people have the best luck with a “Craftsman” combination wrench, as the profile of        the closed end is thin enough to fit into tight spaces.  Stubby wrenches, although too short to give you any leverage are generally easier to use as the clearance between          the bike and the floor is also tight.  Your best bet is to break loose the drain plug with a standard length wrench and complete the process with the stubby wrench.
4) Remove the oil filter with a cap-style filter wrench.

Give the oil plenty of time to drain.  10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient.  Reinstall the drain plugs and the new filter. 
Hand-tighten (as tight as you can, by hand...) the filter and torque the drain plugs to ~35 ft/lbs.

Next, remove the hex-key plug, located behind the rear cylinder.  Refill the crankcase with 3.2 US qt of oil directly.  Add the remainder, approximately 2.1 US qt (*) into the oil tank (where you removed the dipstick).  Replace the hex key plug. Tighten to approximately 10 ft/lbs.

Start the bike and let it run for a few minutes, checking for leaks.  Shut the bike off and check the oil.  It should be at the top of the hash marks.

Assuming that you didn't find any leaks, You are finished!  (*) Update:  Dave has informed me that the amount above is for a totally dry bike.  Subtract 8/10ths for a standard oil change!

The oil tank drain.  Found almost directly under the dipstick...

...The crankcase drain...

Remove the dipstick.  This is where you fill the oil tank as well...

Home

Refill the crankcase through the opening found just behind the rear cylinder.

Hand tightening the filter will usually do.  Do not over-tighten!