Oil Change

[seamax]

Like a car is it better to run the bike 10-15 minutes before changing the oil?

[philward]

Warm the oil by running the bike and it will come out much easier.  I don't know about 15 minutes, though - you don't want to fry your hand when you come to undo the drain bolt and oil (inevitably) gushes out!  I just run mine until it doesn't need choke - then it's warm.

[ohgood]

i like going for a short spin (20 mintues or more) before oil changes. while the oil is draining, i'll clean the chain, check tires, etc.

once the chain is clean i'll lube it up again, and fill the crank case. check my pink paint marker marks on all my important bolts too - makes sure they aren't loosening.



i like HOT oil changes myself. cars/trucks/motorcycles. hotter = more fun for me

[simon79]

In addition, I'd suggest (as I did when I changed oil and filter on my bike, last winter) to unlock, then snug up again, the drain plug and filter cover bolts BEFORE warming the engine; those bolts might be kinda seized after 4000 miles of riding, better IMHO unlocking them with a cold exhaust.
Then, with the bolts snug again, start engine, warm it up as much as needed, switch off and proceed.
Advantage: less time fiddling around near a hot pipe.

[CndnMax]

I would start it up then by the time i got off both fairings off it would be warm enough for me