changing oil

[Scotty13]

unfortunetly with my bike I did not recieve an owners manual so I was wondering if some could do a step by step for changing the oil on this bike? I mainly wondering how many quarts does it need? and should it be on the center stand when I do it?  I bought the bike a few weeks ago and recently developed a nasty tick coming from the valves.  I know these are hydraulic  valves so they shouldnt need adjusting but I read that some times the oil passage ways get clogged starving the lifters of oil and henceforth the ticking.  I know most american cars have hydraulic valves and this seems to be a common issue.  so hopefully changing the oil will help.  I also read it might be a good idea to add seafoam to the oil, has any one done this before?

[ExTex]

You need to specify your bike model & year because some have screw-on filters
and others have filter elements that go inside a removable "cup".

You may not even have a Honda or a Nighthawk even 

Basics of an oil change:
 4 qt of motorcycle-grade oil  (I use 15W40)
 Oil Filter & wrench to fit filter assy.
 Wrench to fit oil drain plug  (may require box end or socket)
 Drain pan shallow enough to fit under bike
a 2-cup measuring cup to measure less than a quart.
I also need a funnel so that I don't spill oil everywhere 
 A way to hold the bike vertical for 15 minutes

Basic Procedure:
  Warm the bike (about 5 to 10 minutes )
  Get bike vertical (some bikes can drain oil from side stand)
  place pan under bike & unscrew drain plug
  When most oil has drained out, undo filter and try to catch remaining oil   
 When all has drained out, reinstall drain plug & tighten until sealed but do NOT overtighten.
Lubricate o-ring on oil filter assembly. 
(I pre-fill the filter with oil so that the engine doesn't run without oil on 1st startup.)
Reinstall filter & Tighten according to instructions.

Put in 3 qt of oil (or whatever number of whole qt it takes)
(Remember to include any you used for filter pre-fill)
Start bike and run for 2 minutes to fill oil filter.
Oil light should go OUT and no puddles of oil should appear .

Adjust oil level using 2-cup measure.
Remember to measure the oil level according to the manual
(Old bikes on their center stand; New Shadows on their side stand).
Usually, if you have a center stand, use it.

That is a start. 
Since I don't know your bike, I can't say what filter you need nor where the drain plug is.
A person with the same bike can tell you what wrench to use and how much oil it takes.

Some use synthetic oil, or organic or blends.
Some use regular motor oil and others use motorcycle oil
All use multigrade oil without additives that make the clutch slip.

Hope this helps.  I am sure that more replies will show up.
Some manuals are available on-line.

Ride Safely





 

[happycommuter]

I highly recommend buying the Honda filter socket, P/N 07912-6110001.  Otherwise the filter will be essentially inextractable from between the engine and the exhaust once loosened.

paraphrasing from manual:

remove oil filler cap - Note: get her on the centerstand.  Oil pours out of filler cap if on sidestand.

• remove drain plug (under engine) and frame drain plug (bottom of right frame rail, under brake pedal)
• remove oil filter, wiggle it out the right side
• replace everything

oil capacity: '84: 3.0 quarts, '85-86: 3.5 quarts.

Dipstick is checked by placing (not threading) filler cap while on centerstand. 

[Scotty13]

excellent thanks man,  where about is the drain plug on the bottom of the motor>?  I see the ones on the frame but not underneath?  and the filter socket???? i have one of those wrap wrenches that goes around anything will that work???   

And what about my ticking?   will the sea foam cure it?

[gammer]

the ticking could be caused from the valves. Sometimes changing the oil to a good quality oil will fix that.
Change your oil (to a good motorcycle synthetic or synthetic blend) and see how it goes after that.

p.s. the oil drain plug is on the right side, when sitting on the bike.