Thanks guys, that's alot of good ideas, I'll probably try them all. Fists in the wind, buds!

 

Mud;

I remember those years...you didn't have to worry about getting oil on the engine during an oil change.
you had to worry about how to keep the oil IN the engine ...AND not on the garage floor. LOL

 

Is that the same time when Harleys came with a mop attachment for the rear fender??

 

Yep, that's right Patch.

Way back when, you park the sickle and when you come back
there is at the very least a small oilpuddle.
Or two, or three.

No oilpuddle meant no oil in the machine.

I think the Trumpets were the worst, the HDs were plenty messy as well.

The fitup and gasketry on these modern machines is very impressive.

I never carry a wrench with me nowadays.
In the 60s 70s we always had tools along, and, a spare masterlink.

Not because we MIGHT need em. We KNEW they would be needed.

As for the engineering of the filter placement I myownself think
it's tucked away nicely as is on my SuperGlide.

Where ya gonna put it??

And, if you are not happy with the current placement, remote it to wherever.

mud

 

I'm in agreement, there. I think where the filter is located nowadays is wonderful.

Keeping the oil off the engine is no big deal. I use a floppy piece of plastic that came off of a notebook my kid had.

 

Did mine today...engine was stone cold and no mess. It takes longer, but no burnt fingers or mess.

 

I use a tool called "The gutter getter or gutter cleaner" I had it laying around the garage and just "dumb luck" it worked. I found it at Lowes a few yrs back. Cost 4-5 bucks. Its a stiff plastic usually red/orange in color with a long scoup and its used to clean out your gutters. It fits perfectly under the oil filter and allows all the oil to drain back into its handle. But, in a pinch, use the 2 liter bottle.

 

Whether it's the bike or my truck, it's as certain as death and taxes that I'll get oil all over creation. All have to try one of the aforementioned methods, but doubt they'll do any good for me.

 

take a plastic gallon milk jug, cut it diagonally from the handle to the bottom - then slip it under the filter and use it so any oil runs back towards the cap...you may have to notch it some so it folds easier but works like a charm...NO mess.

 

You're supposed to change your oil filter?!?[&:]