1st oil/filter change: what were they thinking?

[Campaa]

I have read about what a PITA filter changes are, but today I popped my cherry. I recently bought an '08 1100 custom with 23k miles. I am totally new to motorcycles, But from what I can tell it has cobra exhaust, the Baron Big Air Kit and an aftermarket seat (not sure on brand, but it is perforated).

At first, I thought I was lucking out with cobra pipes... I thought I would have less exhaust to take off; but the bolts holding on the lower pipe at the rear were very difficult to get to. I also didn't think I would have to loosen my brake bracket to get the pipe off, but I did.

Good times. I can certainly understand the appeal of a relocation kit. At least next time I know exactly what I am in for!

I still have some work to do, I only got 30mpg my last tank. She seems to run good but is very cold-blooded. I just put seafoam I'm the tank to see if it will help out and I ordered new plugs to throw in. I haven't pulled the old ones yet, just figured I would pull them and replace them at the same time.

Brian

[jmck]

ha.ha.ha I only managed one oil change before I ordered a relocation kit.

[zag]

Hehe.. I can understand that totally. It's a giant pain in the butt. I haven't installed relo kit as do once a year oil change with Amsoil. Takes me 1.5 hr to do the job but helps to clean a lot of hidden areas behind pipes which otherwise are ignored. :D

[rudyjoe]

Not a problem on a 650. I was so glad it was a simple task!
I feel for ya!

[fred]

Hey Guys, I have a 2002 custom with after market pipes and I have to pull the lower pipe to change the filter. I do this in the winter time in the basement and also dont mind,get a chance to clean back there.

[Matt]

@fred thanks for chiming in.

Also, how do you get your bike in the basement ;-)

[fred]

I have a walk -in basement with sliding doors and a 18' carport that covers the entrance to them.

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I have a walk -in basement with sliding doors and a 18' carport that covers the entrance to them.

the pic of my bike tank was taken in the basement over the winter

[SnaykByte]

What the heck is a relocation kit, and what are you wanting to relocate?

[jmck]

What the heck is a relocation kit, and what are you wanting to relocate?

on the 1100 the oil filter is nicely placed directly behind the front exhaust pipe header (the front bit), meaning to change the oil filter you have to remove the exhaust
on ORK or Oilfilter Relocation Kit moves the filter around to the front of the engine where it can be just spun off.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/baron-...BA-2640-00

not to be confused with a BAK Big Air Kit

[Gibbo]

@SnaykByte we don't have that drama with our 1300's.

Gibbo

[jmck]

@SnaykByte we don't have that drama with our 1300's.

Gibbo

see there it is again your bike is just a bit newer, better, faster than mine. lol
but mine is mine and would trade her for the world

[commonground]

What the heck is a relocation kit, and what are you wanting to relocate?

It's what the husband gets in a divorce, toothbrush, razor and comb.

[zag]

Lol.. I didn't even get them.

[Agspace]

Hey Guys, I have a 2002 custom with after market pipes and I have to pull the lower pipe to change the filter. I do this in the winter time in the basement and also dont mind,get a chance to clean back there.

@fred you read my mind. I was fooling around with installation of a helmet lock and within 5 mins I'm drenched in sweat. Something like the oil filter change, I will save for the winter.

[fred]

Yes,in the dead of winter it's nice to still be able to go down stairs and tinker with the bike,ether it's cleaning it or just thinking of things to do to it.