Noob here with oil questions

Hey guys I'm pretty new to the bike world and even newer to the XJ world. Changing oil on other bikes was easier than this. I have a 1982 Seca 650 and have no idea how to change the oil. The oil window looks completely empty so I wanna get this done pretty quickly because she's my daily driver. So all help would be appreciated. Sorry I'm ignorant. And BTW I love this bike so far.

 

Oil changes are more messy than hard on these bikes. Pull the plug in the front of the engine between the 2 and 3 exhaust pipe also the filter is above that in a finned cup make sure you put the filter in the correct direction. Does your bike have the stock exhaust? My aftermarket added difficulty in replacing the filter, you have to put the assembly together between the pipes and motor.

 

The Engine Oil Drain Plug is right on the Front Center of the Sump just above where the two middle Pipes enter the Collector.

19mm Hex Drain Plug ... Use a 19mm (6-Point Socket) to remove it.
Some of the Plugs have Slotted Screw Head right in the center.

At the front of the Engine is the Oil Filter Dome.
Undo the Shouldered Bolt using a 6-Point Socket.
The Bolt will make the Dome Spin with it. Thats OK

Collect the Oil that will drain from the Dome.
Inside the Dome are the Filter and Spring.

Note the way the Filter is on the Bolt. Which side.
The Filter comes off the Bolt.
A Large Flat Washer ... If its still there.
Spring after the Washer.

Once all the Oil has drained ... replace the Drain Plug.
Drain Plug ... 31 Foot Pounds

Clean-out Dome.
Replace BOTH O-rings if supplied with the Filter Kit.
Oil Bolt
Insert Bolt into Dome.
Add ... Spring ... Washer ... New Filter.
Wipe threads.
Apply AntiSeize Compound to first 20mm of Bolt Threads.

Reinstall Filter Dome by threading and tightening Bolt.
Hold Dome with Cooling Vanes Vertical as it snugs-up to Case.
Tighten Filter Bolt ... 11 Foot Pounds.

Some Literature recommends draining the Middle Gear Cavity.
Disregard that procedure.
The risk of damage causing a hard to repair leak is great.

 

Centerstand or sidestand?

I ask because on the sidestand, you won't see any oil. The bike has to be on the centerstand (or held vertically if not so equipped) for an accurate reading.

Oil capacity is the number cast into the clutch housing+about 200ccs or so "overfill" to keep your low oil level sensor happy.

The proper oil level is just above the marks, with a "bubble" still visible at the top.

20W50 or 20W40 Motorcycle oil; automotive oils have begun to contain additives that are unfriendly to our wet clutches.

 

OOPS, almost forgot: You HAVE checked your rear brake for delamination, right?

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

If not, do that while you're changing the oil. SERIOUS BUSINESS. Read the whole thread I linked; then check yours before you wreck.

 

Buy yourself a Workshop Manual.

You can get Factory Books which have the Owners Manual in Front.
Or, a Haynes Manual which covers more information than you need.

Either one will be a valuable resource to you.