Motorcycle Repair: 2003 honda cbr f4i, honda cbr f4i, 2003 honda cbr f4i

Question
Chris,
Thank you so much for being here to help!  I have searched and searched the internet for about 3 hours now and have found nothing, so hopefully you can help.  This is probably the simplest problem you have heard for a long time, but it is very important to me.  I have recently purchased my first motorcycle.  I decided to purchase a 2003 honda cbr f4i.  It has been an excellent bike but I don't know much about motorcycle maintenance.  I am planning on changing my oil this weekend and was wondering what oil to purchase and if brands of oil or filters make much difference.  Also, I was wondering how exactly I go about changing the oil on this motorcycle.  I don't know if I need to remove fairings, which side, or even how much oil to put in.  Also, I don't know hardly anything about chain wear and chain protection, or checking slack.  If you could help with any or all of these problems, it would be much appreciated!
Thank you so much for your time.
Ian S.

Answer
Hi Ian.
 First off;

DON'T PANIC!!!!!!!! (said in large, friendly letters)

The easiest thing for you to do to get the answer to your questions is to tell you to get the repair manual for the bike.

 Which I am telling you to do.

 Get the repair manual for the bike.  Any Honda dealership either has one or can order it for you, as can any decent parts and accessories shop or you can get them online at: www.repairmanuals.com

As far as the oil is concerned, the grade is critical.  Spectro Golden is an excellent product, but you should, whenever possible, get the factory oil for the bike.  Normally, 10W40 is recommended, but I prefer 10W50 or 20W50.  The numbers give you the heat range.  The wider the range between the 1st and 2nd numbers, the broader the heat range.  If you live in the north, then 10W50 or 10W40 is sufficient, but if you live in the south, then 10W50 or 20W50 is a better choice.

 The oil drain is on the bottom of the engine you will find a bolt (just like on a car engine).  With a drain pan underneath, remove the bolt and let the oil drain out.  This should be done with the engine warmed up and the bike on the centerstand (or otherwise supported upright on a proper stand).

 The fill point is usually on the high (right) side, up front.  It is a small cap with a tab across the width of the cap that you should be able to turn by hand.

 Either way, you should get the repair manual.  It will have all of the specifics as well as a wealth of useful information for you that will also help you learn to fix the bike.

Good luck and welcome to motorcycling.
FALCON