Oil Change

[Reborn_02]

Hi All,
New to this forum and starting out with a ,hopefully, basic question.
I want to do an oil change but don't have the owners manual (2002 VTX 1800R).
On my old bike (02 800 Marauder) it was easy. Im not sure if I heard this correct, but...
Does the VTX have a seperate oil chamber for the clutch and thus require oil to be changed in 2 spots or is it all combined in one like my old bike?

What oil do you use? I heard alot of people are using Mobile 1 Gold Cap.

Anyone have a manual they may have copied to say a .pdf file?

Thanks all....

David

[Wyandotte Kid]

There are two drain holes. The one coming straight out of the bottom will get almost all of it.The one to the front of the engine will drain just a tiny bit of oil that gets dammed up in the crank case. Be sure and get the honda filter. There is nothing better. It is worth the extra money.

[Reborn_02]

Thanks for the reply (2 oil drain plugs)

Is there just one filler plug?

How much oil does it take?

thanks...
David

[ROSHOLT1]

Just 1 filler plug and the manual says 3.9 quarts of 10w40

[Reborn_02]

Thanks alot...

Grace and Peace

David

[FL_VTX_GA]

At my second oil change I also changed the gear oil to synthetic. The last time I looked, (10,000 miles or so later), the oil back there still looked almost new.
With full synthetic in the engine and rear end, Metzler tires @40psi, I average about 35mpg riding hard aroud town and over 40 on the highway.

[Reborn_02]

"At my second oil change I also changed the gear oil to synthetic."

Your talking about the shaft drive, correct?


What oil are you using in your engine? I hear lots of people talking about Mobile One Gold CAP..Thats synthetic isn't it?

[H-wood]

There are two drain holes. The one coming straight out of the bottom will get almost all of it.The one to the front of the engine will drain just a tiny bit of oil that gets dammed up in the crank case. Be sure and get the honda filter. There is nothing better. It is worth the extra money.

checkout www.bareasschoppers.com
He has a step by step approach to changing oils as well as doing other stuff.

[Drywallman]

I use AMSOIL motorcycle 10-40 in my X and also use AMSOIL 85-90 in my rear drive both are full synthetic oils. I also use the OEM filter but have been known to also use the Bosch oil filter which is handy at the local auto parts store (Auto Zone or Checker Auto) for about $4.00 or so.
Yes, two plugs on the bottom, pull them and drain it. Install the front plug and slide pan back pull the filter and let her drain. Install the rear plug after drained and then get a new filter put a little oil on the oil seal and scew her on tight. Put in 4 Quarts (3.9 Quarts) of your choice of oil. Move back to your Final Drive (rear end) and remove the lower plug and drain. Also remove the upper plug. After it drains, reinstall the lower plug. Now this is how I do mine.. I set my bike level and put the oil in the top plug until it just starts to come out, then I install my plug. Oh yes, use your choice of rear gear oil 85-90 weight.
You should drain all your oils on the kick stand and fill them up on the jack stand to avoid a mess.
My .02 worth
Opinions vary

[FL_VTX_GA]

"At my second oil change I also changed the gear oil to synthetic."

Your talking about the shaft drive, correct?


What oil are you using in your engine? I hear lots of people talking about Mobile One Gold CAP..Thats synthetic isn't it?


Gear Oil in the rear end of the Shaft Drive.

I usually use Mobil MX4T but I've also used Mobil Green Cap, (Automotive), and Amsoil. Sometimes on the road it's hard to find MX4T. The Green Cap works just fine and costs a lot less, and I notice no clutch slipping.
By the way, Mobil V Twin oil works great in my emergency generator, (air cooled).

[cybrhick]

One thing that makes the oil change easier, is to use a PepsX Stand. This sets your bike up high enough to get a good drip pan under it, and is much more stable than a jack.

[hijulian]

I have used Mobil 1 V Twin on my Honda 1100C2 Shadow and it is great. I plan on buying the 2006 VTX 1800 Neo when they come out and plan on using the same. I use local auto parts Fran oil filter, change plugs as well as they are minimal, kept my bike running great. But one thing that has helped me out this last year is joining the Honda Riders Association. It is reasonable, has service manuals for your bike plus the main reason I joined has towing to the nearest Honda dealer.

[Rebelscout]

Be sure and get the honda filter. There is nothing better. It is worth the extra money.

I am just curious as to why the honda filter is so much better? From working with automobiles and race cars, and selling auto parts for a number of years, Ive been under the influence that WIX filters are generaly the best filters.. Let me know where Im going wrong..:hmm2:

I just changed the oil in my 1800C with Mobil 1 MX4T 10/40 and a WIX 51358 oil filter..

http://www.wixconnect.com/images/filters/3706_1.gif
zoom (javascript:ShowImage('http://www.wixconnect.com/images/filters/3706_1.gif')) Part Number:51358UPC Number:765809513587Principal Application:Honda Motorcycles + Industrial Engines, I-R, Komatsu, Kubota, Kia (95-05), Subaru (06), Yamaha Marine</B>All Applications (javascript:var w=window.open('PartApplications.asp?Part=51358','P artApplications','left=300,top=300,width=530,heigh t=300,toolbar=no,location=no,directories=no,status =no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes');w.fo cus();)Style:Spin-On Lube FilterService:LubeType:Full FlowMedia:PaperHeight:2.782Outer Diameter Top:2.685 Outer Diameter Bottom:Closed Thread Size:20X1.5 MMBy-Pass Valve Setting-PSI:8Anti-Drain Back Valve:YesBeta Ratio:2/20=13/52Burst Pressure-PSI:265Max Flow Rate:8-10 GPMNominal Micro Rating:14

[edlorentz@gmail.com]

Just make sure the oil isn't that enrgy effecient or what ever that energy warning that's on the bottle to slippery for the clutch Ed

[Buda_jim]

Thanks for the great information Rebel.
Buda

[SeaRider]

I am just curious as to why the honda filter is so much better? From working with automobiles and race cars, and selling auto parts for a number of years, Ive been under the influence that WIX filters are generaly the best filters.. Let me know where Im going wrong..:hmm2:

I just changed the oil in my 1800C with Mobil 1 MX4T 10/40 and a WIX 51358 oil filter..

http://www.wixconnect.com/images/filters/3706_1.gif
zoom (http://javascript<b></b>:ShowImage('http://www.wixconnect.com/images/filters/3706_1.gif')) Part Number:51358UPC Number:765809513587Principal Application:Honda Motorcycles + Industrial Engines, I-R, Komatsu, Kubota, Kia (95-05), Subaru (06), Yamaha Marine</B>All Applications (http://javascript<b></b>:var w=window.open('PartApplications.asp?Part=51358','P artApplications','left=300,top=300,width=530,heigh t=300,toolbar=no,location=no,directories=no,status =no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes');w.fo cus();)Style:Spin-On Lube FilterService:LubeType:Full FlowMedia:PaperHeight:2.782Outer Diameter Top:2.685 Outer Diameter Bottom:Closed Thread Size:20X1.5 MMBy-Pass Valve Setting-PSI:8Anti-Drain Back Valve:YesBeta Ratio:2/20=13/52Burst Pressure-PSI:265Max Flow Rate:8-10 GPMNominal Micro Rating:14


In the July / August 2005 Red Rider (HRCA) magazine, they had a short tech article on the Honda filters. I quote below:

"Honda oil filters contain a paper filter material and a spring-loaded bypass valve.
Under normal conditions the valve is held shut by spring pressure. When the oil is cold and resists flowing through the filter, the valve opens to allow a sufficient volume of oil to supply the engine. As the oil warms to normal temperature, the bypass valve closes and all of the oil is filtered. The bypass valve also opens if the filter paper is contaminated and does not allow sufficient oil flow."

I don't know if this makes it a better filter, but the Honda filters are designed for the Honda M/C's. I don't doubt for a moment that other filters work just as well for filtering the oil. However, uUnless there is significant evidence of a better performing filter for engine protection, I plan on sticking with the Honda filters. Just my honest opinion.

[Rebelscout]

Thanks for the great information Rebel.
Buda

Thanks for the compliment Buda,
I pretty much use wix filters and NGK spark plugs. Some people have called me "nuttier than a batch of squirrel terds" because I even have NGK plugs in my rotortiller :) ..
Anyway, As for the WIX filter, Im dog gone sure that the same filter is used in your R model motorcycle. The goldwings use this same filter as well. I don't know what you are paying for the honda filter (maybe I should'nt ask:hmm2: ) but, you can get them at one of these three places for sure for around $10.00.
If you decide to go to your local NAPA store, understand that Napa Gold filters ARE WIX filters. Take the WIX part number and drop the the first number which is a "5" and there you have it, the Napa number..

O'Reillys Auto Parts
http://http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/ProductDetail.do?id=21437503&client_ip=69.179.163.227&partNumber=51358

Bumper to Bumper / Auto Value http://http://www.800autotalk.com/index.php?page_id=locations

Napa Auto parts http://http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=1358&Description=Oil+Filter+(Gold) (http://http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=FIL&PartNumber=1358&Description=Oil+Filter+(Gold))

Hope this helps

Take Care

In the July / August 2005 Red Rider (HRCA) magazine, they had a short tech article on the Honda filters. I quote below:

"Honda oil filters contain a paper filter material and a spring-loaded bypass valve.
Under normal conditions the valve is held shut by spring pressure. When the oil is cold and resists flowing through the filter, the valve opens to allow a sufficient volume of oil to supply the engine. As the oil warms to normal temperature, the bypass valve closes and all of the oil is filtered. The bypass valve also opens if the filter paper is contaminated and does not allow sufficient oil flow."

I don't know if this makes it a better filter, but the Honda filters are designed for the Honda M/C's. I don't doubt for a moment that other filters work just as well for filtering the oil. However, uUnless there is significant evidence of a better performing filter for engine protection, I plan on sticking with the Honda filters. Just my honest opinion.

Thats cool, I always stick with what I know best..

Id like to submit the specs for the wix filters which seems to have the same if not better standards as the honda filters (ie. spring loaded bypass etc.)

This isnt a WIX commercial nor am I a WIX salesman so here it goes :D
Attributes:
Features & Benefits:T-03 Glass Enhanced Media - Best Efficiency + Capacity In Industry; Steel Coil Spring; Spiral Wound Center Tube for Industry Leading Strength
Features & Benefits - 2:Holds 45% More Dirt
Last 30% Longer Than Other Leading Brands
Gasket I.D. (Inches):2.23
Gasket I.D. (mm):56.64mm
Gasket O.D. (Inches):2.42
Gasket O.D. (mm):61.47mm
Height (Inches):2.782
Height (mm):70.66mm
O.D. (Inches):2.685
O.D. (mm):68.2mm
Style:Spin-On Lube Filter
Thread Size (mm):20 x 1.50mm
Type of Packaging:Box


In the past: Ive taken apart a few major brand (Fram, AC Delco, Motorcraft, Purolator, WIX, and walmart (el-cheapo)) oil filters with a large pipe wrench and saw for myself the drastic differences between Wix and all the others.. Ive never taken apart a honda filter and Im not willing to buy a new one to do it.. :D . But according to the specs they may be close to the same..
Now whats the cost difference:hmm2:

Take Care

[resiurcdnal]

Here's a list of cross-referenced filters. Ours take type 5. If you click in the link that says 'Buy These Filters' in section 5 where they actually list the filter numbers by brand, you can get to all kinds of research on which filters are best and why they are best. Take it or leave it, it's up to you. I just thought I'd post the info so you can see for yourself what others are saying.

For Oil, just make sure it doesn't have 'Energy Conserving' in the API donut. That's no good for our wet clutch.

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterXRef.html

http://www.chevron.ca/ProductsServices/Retail/MotorOilLabel.htm


Anyone have a manual they may have copied to say a .pdf file?


Honda would frown on that terribly. Besides, if someone did have it as a set of pdf files, the files would be... say... over 400 meg.

[wolfeken]

Found all of this information very helpful..I just bought a 2002 Honda VTX 1800C off of Ebay..and am unable to find the manual..so the vtxcafe
will come in very handy for me..Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[eric101]

what's the best oil for my Honda Performance Parts (http://www.nyxracing.com/honda-c-33.html)? Thanks guys..