How to Change the Fluids in a Yamaha Stratoliner

by Chris Gilliland

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As the largest model in Yamaha's Star series of cruiser motorcycles, the Stratoliner is capable of traveling long distances in style and comfort. But to maintain its edge on the road, the Stratoliner depends on you to change the oil in its crankcase and oil tank on a regular basis, ensuring that the moving parts within its 1854cc V-twin motor are properly lubricated. While the sheer size of the Stratoliner may seem intimidating, changing its oil and oil filter is a simple task that can be done in less than an hour.

Step 1

Start the motorcycle and let it idle for five minutes to allow the oil to warm up. Stop the motor and turn off the ignition. Place the motorcycle on a stand or lift to support it in a vertical position to allow the motor oil to drain completely.

Step 2

Insert the ignition key into the seat lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock the seat. Remove the rider's saddle from the motorcycle to access the oil filler cap near the right frame rail. Unscrew the oil filler cap and set it aside.

Step 3

Place an oil pan under the oil tank's drain plug, located directly under the right side of the frame near the rear shock absorber. Remove the drain plug with a 17 mm socket and allow the oil tank to drain. Remove the crush washer from the drain plug and replace it. Wipe the drain plug with a shop rag before reinserting it into the oil tank. Tighten the drain plug to 31 foot-pounds with a 17 mm socket and a torque wrench.

Step 4

Reposition the oil pan on the left side of the motor, under the front and rear drain plugs on the motor's crankcase. Both plugs are along the lower left frame rail, one on each side of the cross-member that connects the left and right lower frame rails. Remove the drain plugs with a 17 mm socket and allow the crankcase oil to drain. Replace the drain plugs' crush washers and wipe the plugs clean before reinserting them into the crankcase. Tighten the drain plugs to 31 foot-pounds with a 17 mm socket and a torque wrench.

Step 5

Move the oil pan to the front of the motor, directly beneath the oil filter. Using a cap-style oil filter wrench and a socket wrench, unscrew the oil filter and allow any remaining oil to drain into the oil pan. Discard the oil filter.

Step 6

Apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter and screw it into place by hand. Tighten the oil filter to 12 foot-pounds with an oil filter wrench and a torque wrench.

Step 7

Insert a funnel into the oil tank's filler neck. Add up to 2.5 quarts of fresh SAE 20W40 engine oil. Remove the funnel and wipe away any spilled oil with a shop rag. Replace the oil filler cap and tighten it. Start the motor and let it idle for 10 seconds. Twist the throttle grip to rev the motor two to three times then stop the motor.

Step 8

Remove the oil filler cap and reinsert a funnel into the filler neck. Slowly add up to an additional 2.5 quarts of oil into the oil tank, periodically checking the oil level with the filler cap's dipstick until the oil level is near the dipstick's full mark. Once filled, remove the funnel and replace the filler cap.

Step 9

Remount the rider's seat, inserting the tab on the rear of the seat into the bracket on the rear fender. Press the lock tab on the front of the seat into the seat lock mechanism until it clicks into place.

References

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