I am still semi new to the motorcycle seen but I am used to changing my car's oil. I have driven 3 thousand miles on my 97' sporty and want to do an oil change. My question is this....what is involved with a motorcycle oil change??? I am used to opening up a plug on my car, letting the oil drain, changing the oil filter, filler up and go but I heard from a couple people its more involved. Something about a 2 oil tank and about having to change the tranny fluid too?? can anyone shine any light on this?? Are there any how-to's for it? Thanks in advance
Henk

 

I used to have a 97 Sporty. Changing the motor oil is unique. There is no drain plug. Rather there is a drain hose that is attached to a stud on the inside of the frame below the oil tank. Remove the clamp, pull the hose off, and it will drain.

Yes, the transmission/ primary is separate and needs separate servicing. You will probably get more responses if you put this in the Sportster forum.

 

Do yourself a favor and buy a service manual.

 

There is a 2005 XL service manual on .pdf here
http://www.sendspace.com/file/h952ae

Your bike will be somewhat different than this but the pictures should give you the general idea of what to look for. Look on ebay for a used service manual for your year bike. They usually sell for $30 used. A new one is about $60 at the dealer.