Oil change on 1981 Yamaha 650 xs

keith_dude · L Plate Warrior Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Karma :

Hi. I'm new to the forum. I rode an 1986 Honda Shadow for a number of years, and sold it with 85k on it. I loved that bike.

With gas being $2.00/gallon +, the wife finally agreed I need to get a bike again. I picked up an old Yamaha.

Can anyone tell me how I'd go about draining the oil on a Yamaha 650 xs?

Also, it seems to shift poorly. I understand that's one of the "quirks" of this bike....but today I had problems backing it up. The clutch was engaged, but it would not back up.

Any ideas? Do I need to get the tranny/clutch rebuilt?

Thanks in advance.

Guest · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

keith_dude · L Plate Warrior Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Karma :

Thanks for responding.

Yah, yah.... Smile

I've talked to folks on other forums that tell me to stop whining about the price of gas. Smile

I know we're spoiled...but geez. We're just not used to spending much on gas.

Anyway, I've already been suckered into spending about $4/qt for some oil...we'll see if it does any good. I still can't find that darn oil plug though. On the old Honda Shadow, it was right underneath. Easy to find.

I do believe I'll order a manual. I already told the wife I needed to get one.

Guest · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

I think the oil filter is under a round cover on the right hand side engine cover, where the points would be on an old Triumph.

It's not dry sump is it? i.e. seperate oil tank?

keith_dude · L Plate Warrior Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Karma :

The guy at the mechanics that I had it in to for another issue (it wasn't charging the batter--brake light switch was broken) said that there is no "filter" -- just a screen to remove and clean off.

He seemed to indicate that I'd need to add 4 quarts of oil, then proceeded to sell me a gallon of motorcycle oil.