Motorcycle Repair: 81 Yamaha 850 Special, yamaha 850, tranny oil

Question
Hi Christopher, I was wondering, I was going to do a tranny oil change, is it a basic drain and fill, and is there anything in the old oil I should be looking for? Also, where exactly is the drain plug and the filling area?  I have and idea but I want to be sure.  Thanx.

Answer
Hi Johnny.
 Yes, it is a basic drain and fill.  The drain is at the lowest point on the engine (this is for the engine oil and not transaxle, correct?).  With the exception of the FX and FL series Harlys, all motorcycles have the transmission lubed by the engine oil and therefore only needs the engine oil changed every X# of miles.  If it is for a driveshaft transaxle, then the fill point is at the top of the transaxle at the rear wheel and the drain is at the bottom.  What you really want is the repair manual to show you exactly what grades and quantities for each type of lubricant that you will need for the bike.  It will also show exactly where all access points for maintainence and repair are located as well as any pertinent tightening specs and test specs for the bike.

Good luck.
FALCON