How Do I Change Oil on a Yamaha 225?
by Chris GillilandUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Socket wrench
12 and 14 mm sockets
Motorcycle stand or lift
Oil pan
Shop towels
6 mm Allen key
Oil filter
Oil filter cover O-ring
Funnel
10W30 SE/F type oil, 1 qt.
Since its introduction in 1994, Yamaha's XT225 dual-sport motorcycle has proven itself as a capable all-around bike. Providing its rider with a competent on- and off-road performance and a hassle-free 223 cc single-cylinder motor, the XT225 has garnered a loyal following. As reliable as they may be, keeping a XT225 road- or dirt-worthy requires regular maintenance, starting with routine oil and filter changes to ensure a clean supply of oil at all times. Luckily, oil changes are a simple task that can normally be completed in less than an hour with basic hand tools.
Remove the front skid plate from the bottom of the motor. Using a 12 mm socket, remove the bolts that secure the skid plate to the frame.
Start the motorcycle and allow it to idle for three to five minutes to warm the oil supply. Stop the motor and place the motorcycle on a stand or lift to hold it in an upright position.
Unscrew the oil filler cap from the right side of the motor. Remove the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the motor using a 14 mm socket. Allow the motor's oil to drain into an oil pan. Remove the drain bolt's spring, oil screen and washer from the motor and wipe clean with a shop towel. Reinsert the oil screen spring, washer and drain bolt into the motor. Tighten the drain bolt with a 14 mm socket.
Locate the oil filter cover on the right side of the motor. Remove the bottom screw from the cover using a 6 mm Allen key and allow any remaining oil to drain. Remove the remaining two screws from the cover with a 6 mm Allen key and pull the cover away from the motor.
Pull the oil filter out of the motor and replace it with a fresh oil filter. Inspect the oil filter cover's O-ring. Replace the O-ring if it is damaged in any way. Place the oil filter cover over the motor and tighten the cover's screws with a 6 mm Allen key. Wipe away any spilled oil with a shop towel.
Insert a funnel into the oil filler neck on the right side of the motor. Pour up to 1 qt. of fresh 10W30 SE/F type motor oil into the motor. Remove the funnel and wipe away any spilled oil before screwing the oil filler cap back into place.
Reinstall the skid plate onto the frame, using a 12 mm socket to insert and tighten the plate's bolts.
Tips
Dispose of your motorcycle's used oil responsibly. Have the oil recycled at your local auto-parts store.
Warnings
Wear gloves to prevent burning yourself on the hot motor or oil.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "Yamaha XT225-C-D-G Service Manual"; Yamaha Motor Corp.; 1994
- "Yamaha XT225-T Service Manual"; Yamaha Motor Corp.; 2005
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
