QuestionGood afternoon. I just inherited a 450 '82 honda nighthawk and I was told that the oil needs to be changed soon. I don't know how to change oil on bikes so I was wondering if you could give me a brief walkthrough. Also, would it be necessary to change the filter as well?
Thank you for your time.
Jose
AnswerJose, it is better to do it when the engine is hot, as it drains more completely and quickly.
You have a dipstick on the right side cover, when removed becomes the oil filler hole..
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb450t-hawk-usa_model1014/partslist/E++06.html#result
You have an oil filter and the cover/bolt in the bottom front of the case.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb450t-hawk-usa_model1014/partslist/E++12.html#result
You have a drain bolt on the bottom case to let the oil out on the bottom of the right side of the lower crankcase.
see 4th photo at:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/78-HONDA-CB400T-II-HAWK-LOWER-ENGINE-MOTOR-CRANK-CASE-CA
Item number 40029728142 in case the message hacks the full URL.
Drain the oil from the drain plug first into a big 6 quart oil drain pan first. When it stops dripping, then loosen the bottom oil filter through bolt (over the drain pan) and remove the bolt/cover and filter assembly. Observe the stack of the spring/washer/filter assembly as shown in the above filter drawing. Replace the o-rings on the bolt and the filter cover. Install the bolt through the cover, install the spring, washer, then filter and then gently push it all back up into the case. Tighten the bolt gently as the o-rings will make the seal for oil control. If the bolt doesn't come loose easily, use a 6 pt socket on the bolt head with a large ratchet or breaker bar.
http://www.iadesign.ca/hawk/specs.html
Buy 3 qts of quality motorcycle grade oil and put in two and a half. Start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes. Shut the engine off and let it sit for a minute. DIP the oil stick into the hole and see if the level is between the two bottom marks, usually shown with IXXXXXI marks. Top off as necessary, then do the rest of the maintenance needed to ensure a safe ride.... lube and adjust drive chain, check tires for cracks and under-inflation, check battery level, check fuel tank for signs of rust/corrosion, check cables for cracks or sticky function, look for oil leaks at the front fork seals, if disc brakes, the look at the brake fluid level and color/quality. If you put on the front brake and the bike starts to become sluggish and the brake gets hot, stop and call for help. The brake calipers often need to be overhauled along with the brake master cylinder.
Your life depends on all systems being safe and secure..... Use appropriate metric tools on all bolts.
Ride safely,
Bill Silver
