Forum

[Johno0_0]

Hi,
I own a 2012 Bullet EFI, a lovely machine that I used for pleasure and long distance (120 mile each way) commutes.
I am going to do my first home oil change, I have the service kit.
I am a bit confused over refilling the oil, there are two oil filler caps one on the right above the oil window and one on the left.
The handbook says add 2.75ltr into the right cover
I have also read somewhere that it should be 2.5ltr in the right cover and 0.25 ltr in the left cover.
Which is correct?
many thanks
johno0_0

[Michael]

Firstly, ignore the book - it wont take that much oil!!! Only refill the amount that comes out, and then top up slowly until oil show in the middle of the window. It will probably be between 1.5 and 2 litres in the end. Secondly, the right hand side is the main oil filler, 90% of what you put in goes in the right. The left hand side is only to 'prime' the primary chain, clutch and sprag. Half a coke cans worth of oil in there at the most. Thirdly, dont over tighten the left hand oil cap - easyto do since you will be using a socket to get it off. Finally, get ready to catch the oil filter gubbins unless you have the newer style oil filter cover Easy job with the newer style oil filter cover, 15 mins once you knowwhat you are doing... much trickier with older filter cover cos you have to try and hokd things together in places where your fingers dont fit...

[Johno0_0]

great thanks for the information. Exactly what I needed to know.
So, my 4ltr can of Rock oil should be enough for 2 oil changes, that's a bonus I wasn't expecting!

[sofiaspin]

Your two litre Silkolene - which of course you bought from our hosts, Hitchcocks, didnt you, will precisely suffice for two engine oil replacements, precisely.

[Michael]

You will probably sneak 3 changes out of 4 litres unless you tilt the bike over when draining

[Rich]

I found out to my cost that 2.75 litres, as it says in the book - is the total capacity from empty. There is a YouTube clip which states 1.75 litres is the required amount for an oil change.
After my mistake I was advised by our chums on this site to measure what came out and put the same amount(plus a bit) back in. Which leads me to conclude that an oil change always leaves a fair amount (1 litre) of old oil in the engine????

[Johno0_0]

That is a bit strange to have 1ltr-ish of old oil left in the engine. having cleaned out a few sumps on older vehicles and seeing the sludge that gets left behind, I can't imagine what kind of state an EFI engine will be in after few oil changes and 20-30,000 miles!
Unless the total capacity of the oil tank/sump is a lot less than is actually stated in all the manuals and books.
This could be the reason why the oil levels I have seen on new RE's dealers road test bikes always seem to be at the top or higher than the sight glass........
Tackling my first self service on Friday or Saturday (depends on the weather)
Thanks for the help, wish me luck
Johno0_0

[Michael]

A fair amount of oil lies in the right and left engine outer cases and the drain holes dont allow it to drain out by gravity... unless you tip the bike - but only tip with an extra pair of hands!! If you want a complete change of oil you have to remove left and right hand cases. I did this once when I fitted an new oil pump gear. Not a regular service job, but actually doesnt take long if you need to. Also, there are TWO drain plugs... one under the crank and one a bit further back. The front one has a gauze... remove both to get most old oil out

[Les]

On my EFI the height of the oil level in the glass is near the top when it is cold, when you check it when it is hot and been standing for a minute or two as you should the level is ok the oil must drain back into the sump when it has been standing and cooled off