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First oil change questions

R

RZR6-4

Just got it firing!
Joined
Sep 22, 2023
Messages
5
Location
Nebraska
'92 California 1100 V-twin

Since getting my bike I haven't changed the oil, and I'm sure my dad (previous owner) never did it either. My questions:

1) From what I've seen, I need to use 10w-40, is this correct? And if so is there anything specific to motorcycles or will any work?

2) I don't have the manual and the ones I've been able to find online have been in Italian so I have no idea what filter I need. Any idea what filter might fit?

3) It is also my understanding that I will have to drop the oil pan to get to the filter. Any tips or tricks for that?
 
If you make a donation to help fund the site you can then get a manual from the downloads section.
Someone else will be along soon to answer your other questions.
 
Now I just saw your other post. I'd get 10/50 or 15/50. Honestly, any brand is fine. 3 quarts plus maybe 1/4-1/3 for the filter. Run it 1/2 way up the cross hatch on the dipstick. If you search here for an oil filter cross reference I bet you will find one. You will need a new pan gasket. I put a thin coating of grease on them and use 2-3 times, but I always keep and extra on hand. I never looked, but the store tab might have both otherwise MG cycle is a good choice for all spare parts. Change the rear end and transmission too.
 
RZR6-4 said:
'92 California 1100 V-twin

Since getting my bike I haven't changed the oil, and I'm sure my dad (previous owner) never did it either. My questions:

1) From what I've seen, I need to use 10w-40, is this correct? And if so is there anything specific to motorcycles or will any work?

2) I don't have the manual and the ones I've been able to find online have been in Italian so I have no idea what filter I need. Any idea what filter might fit?

3) It is also my understanding that I will have to drop the oil pan to get to the filter. Any tips or tricks for that?
Click to expand...

Your motorcycle utilizes SEPERATE oils for the engine, and the gearbox. The transmission, is actually at the end of the cardan shaft. It uses a seperate oil as well. So there are 3 oils that you service and change. Given the history of your motorcycle, you need to do all 3 and get a baseline.

I would use 20W50 oil for the engine. Your motorcycle is totally capable of running regular car motor oil in the engine and requires no special motorcycle oil. Do not use “High Mileage” or “Energy conserving” oils. Just regular dinosaur oil or synthetic oils. Any reputable brand is great, Castrol, Pennzoil, Mobile 1, …

The gearbox oil is a heavyweight oil. You will need to look up the viscosity requirements as the gearbox and transmission use different weight oils.

I strongly recommend you make a donation of whatever you feel is warranted and send it electronically in the DONATE tab. Then you will gain access to the DOWNLOADS database, where you can download a digital manual for your motorcycle. I just double checked and the dual Italian/English manual is there. The information you are seeking is there.

IMG 2457

Welcome and good luck!
 
Last edited:
Actually, that vintage uses the same 75W90 in both the gearbox and rear drive. I do recommend Mobil 1 oils. I suggest you just buy one quart, put 250 cc in the rear drive, and the remainder in the gearbox. The 700 cc remaining in the quart is plenty for the gearbox as not all the oil will drain out.
 
Awesome info, thanks guys.

I will try to get everything ordered/bought this week.
 
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