blurebel

I would like to learn how to change the oil on the bikes and I keep saying I'm going to learn and I think I will, I think it would make me feel good knowing I could. Has anyone taken one of the maintenance classes that are offered usually where the MSF is offered?

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Maryjo
2009 Rebel
2009 Suzuzi Savage
2003 Suzuki Intruder
Life is a journey, enjoy!

JunkyardDog

On the Rebel, an oil change is the easiest thing there is to do. Put an oil drain pan (you can get the cheap plastic ones at Walmart for about $3) Remove the drain bolt (wear latex gloves if oil on your hands bothers you), let the oil drain into the pan, till it barely drips, clean off the drain plug and put it back, then remove the filler plug and pour in some new 20w50 oil. I believe the procedure is covered in the owners manual, but I can describe it in a lot more detail if you want to try it. Once you've done it the first time, the second time will be easy. I change mine every 1000 miles. Jerry.

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blurebel

Thanks - it does sound easy but I paid for 3 years of oil changes on the Rebel so I am covered until Nov 11 then after that I'll do it -I'd like to be able to take care of it myself -that's gotta be a good feeling

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Maryjo
2009 Rebel
2009 Suzuzi Savage
2003 Suzuki Intruder
Life is a journey, enjoy!

Fridgitator

When you do it yourself, don't forget the crush washer. It's just an aluminum washer around the plug. Stealerships sell them for about fifty cents. The owner's manual calls for them to be replaced every second oil change. At fifty cents, I change it every time, rather than keep track.

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JunkyardDog

It's actually easier than it sounds. The hardest maintenance to do on a Rebel is the valve adjustment. You might have to redo your adjustment 3 or 4 times the first time, but once you get the hang of it and understand how it works it's a piece of cake. Almost anybody can do it, it's not one of those highly technical things that's hard to learn. Once you are able to do all the maintenance you are free of the dealer forever. A properly maintained Rebel shouldn't need any repairs for at least 20-30 years, other than chain, tires, battery, light bulbs, etc. And I consider all that maintenance too. Jerry.

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