My First Oil Change - HOLY CRAP!

I have been doing my own oil changes on my bikes for decades. This is my first sport - sport/touring bike and first such experience in doing oil change.

I liken the experience to doing your own prostate exam with a dental mirror. The mirror is the right size but once you get it in position - YOU CAN'T SEE IT! :doh:

Those STUPID plastic plugs! Broke one taking it out, broke the other one trying to replace it! :crazy: Is that the best thing Honda can come up with? :mmph:

Well, it is over now and I think I will have a better run on the next one.

 

well congrats are in order cause you did not shoot yourself or the bike..
Hope you never have to change the T stat... LOL

 

Those plastic clips can be tricky at first, but they're easy once you figure them out, which you've probably figured out now. I use a small flat screwdriver to press in on the middle of the clip. The center should depress in some. Then use the blade to get underneath the head of the clip and then lightly pry it out. You can usually use your fingernails too to grab them and pull them out. Once out, you'll want to press the shaft of the pin back out a little so that the center is now raised up above the head of the clip. When you're ready for reinstallation, you'll insert them back into the bodywork and once the head is flush with the bodywork, press the middle part until it is flush with the bodywork. This will force the bottom part of the clip outward. I've removed my side cowls many times using the original cilps. I ruined a couple too on the first try.

Also, when changing the oil, you only need to remove the left lower cowl and the plastic piece in front of the exhaust header. Don't forget about the 2 clips on the underneath side where the left and right side cowls meet. Hope this helps.

 

a big +1 :doh: I'm still working on this.....

 

first oil change I did on my 06 was the last. I take it somewhere, pay the man, ride off. Took mme about 2 hrs, cracked the plastics as well. Never again. I changed it again at the 1000 mile mark after the dealer did the 600 mile change, just because I feel better. Over tightened the screws, and crack. Luckily the dealer covered it under warranty. The right, the L by the guage cluster, and the front piece had to be all swapped.

 

Honda has better plastic plug thingies available now that replace the old "push up on the middle" type, and theyre pretty cheap. I bought some last yr.

 

I did the oil change with this trick which was posted on another forum. Saved having the take the whole left side off.

VFR Discussion -> 1st Home Oil Change 2006 Vfr800

 

I really don't know what the problem is guys. I have never had any issues with those little plstic tabs at all. They are simple enough for me.

 

I had some issues with them when I first got the bike. I'd never seen em before and didn't know how to get em off. After I got the first one off I was able to figure it out how they worked and I haven't had a problem since. I've replaced the ones that were broken when I got the bike and they all work just fine now. Just push in the center of them till you feel the click and they slide out. Once out, gently pry the end of it open just enough to push the center part of the clip out. When you put em back on, just push em in till the outside part is flush with whatever piece it goes in then push the center in till it is flush with the rest of the clip.

 

I actually really like the plastic clips... they're quick and secure and easy (once you know how they work). I broke two when i first got the bike, then read the manual which has a detailed description of how to remove them.

 

I guess once a person completely understands how they work, they are okay. But why on earth do they use those, while every other fastener on the faring and belly pans are the metal hex head screws? I like consistency.

 

I miss the 1/4 turns from my CBR. I don't know how many of theose plastic clips I went thru between my F3, RR and the VFR.

 

Must be one hell of a job requiring tremendous skill. My dealer is wanting $30 labor plus parts. I brought the parts home thinking I could handle it and looking at it,it seems like such a cluster f**k of hex bolts and mystery plastic fastners. This is the type of BS had I really looked at the fairing hard on the dealer showroom might have convinced me to go Green or try for a used Ducati. I have made no secret about the fact that I'M not in love with this bike.

 

LOL another reason to have a 4th gen. no fuss no mess 1/2 hour and you're ready to roll, it's a snap!!

 

I have heard that this clips are very similar to GM's plastic clips use I believe on their interiors except rather than a push in center, they have a Phillips screw head that you turn a 1/4 turn. The thin is, the GM clips are about 1/4 the price as well. I think my dealer actually uses these as well cause I have found a couple on the bike after going in for service. Personally I like the push in center ones best. No tools

 

I just stopped at a friends garage and he showed me how a tricky clip works. I came home and broke the first one I tried to get loose. How many need to come loose on each side?



Frustrated, I called and made a dealer appointment though I reckon I'll just try a little every day since the apointment is not till the 21st of the month. While not a mechanic I always prided myself on being able to do all my own maintainence.


2008 VFR 800 with transferrable extended warranty,purchased new December 2008 with 20 miles on odometer,now showing 60- FOR SALE- $8,580.14

 

I don't even take the fairing off when I change oil unless I am changing the filter too. Takes about 15 minutes.

Rollin

 

I have considered this but since it's the very first oil change I think a new filter is in order.

 

Update - busted clip # 2. How many are there per side? 4 ? $6 @ $7.50 each I guess $30 for the oil change is a bargain.