CharlesW

There's certainly nothing wrong with what you did. In my case, I'm a regular customer and I make an appointment a day or two ahead so when I go in, I don't have to wait for them to get to it. Since I know everyone at the shop, the oil/filter change is probably finished before I make my rounds BSing. FWIW, I still do my own oil changes on my old Nighthawk. Just pull the plug, let the oil drain,replace the plug. change the filter, fill it with oil. Naked UJMs are easy.

And that is one reason I have mine done by my dealer. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think the filter, oil, and crush washer came to something like $48+. Having it done came to about $54. I didn't think I wanted to mess with it, possibly bust some plastic, maybe screw up a few fairing clips and still have to dispose of the old oil and filter for $6.

Two ways to handle the drain plug....... #1 ; a drain pan with a catcher over the opening. .... #2 ; A magnet on a long arm to pull it out of the oil.......... Thanks for the suggestions. My drain pan is an old plastic dishpan so the catcher probably isn't going to be the answer. :smile: The magnet could work and I already have one. Actually, by putting a shop rag close to the drain pan, I can usually drop the drain bolt on the shop rag almost as soon as it comes out of the engine. The magnet would come in handy for the times when I'm not successful with my juggling act. :biggrin:

While I haven't changed the oil in my VFR yet, I have always drained the engine oil hot but left the filter change until later when things were cooled down. You can even go ahead and add the fresh oil since it won't be circulated with the old oil in the filter unless you start the engine. This has worked for cars, motorcycles, and boats for me. Now if I could just figure out a way to hang onto the oil drain bolt so I don't burn my fingers or drop it in the drain pan. Charles