1. Run the motorcycle for a few minutes to warm the oil and make it easier to drain.
2. Engage the transmission into first gear or use a chock to secure the motorcycle and prevent it from rolling.
3. Place an oil pan underneath the motorcycle to catch any dripping oil.
4. Locate the oil drain plug, which is usually a 17mm bolt located at the bottom of the left crankcase. Clean the area around the oil drain plug before removing the bolt.
5. Use the appropriate size wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain plug, allowing the oil to drain into the oil pan. Let all the oil drain completely.
6. Once the oil has completely drained, replace the oil drain plug and wipe away any excess oil from the area around the oil drain.
7. Locate the oil filter. On the XV1100 Virago, the oil filter is located on the front side of the engine, in between the two front downtubes.
8. Unscrew the oil filter using the appropriate tool or a suitable oil filter wrench. Be careful not to spill any oil as the oil filter is removed.
9. Inspect the oil filter for any metal shavings or other debris that could indicate engine wear or contamination. If necessary, clean or replace the oil filter screen according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Apply a thin coat of clean oil to the gasket of the new oil filter before screwing it onto the engine. Hand-tighten the oil filter until it makes contact with the filter mount, then tighten it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Do not overtighten the oil filter, as this could cause damage to the oil filter gasket or the engine threads.
11. Refill the motorcycle with the recommended amount and type of engine oil as per the owner’s manual.
12. Check the oil level using the sight glass or dipstick to make sure it is at the proper level.
13. Start the motorcycle and let it run for a few minutes, checking for any oil leaks around the oil filter and drain plug.
14. Regularly change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Remember to always follow the instructions provided in the owner’s manual of the vehicle for accurate and specific information regarding oil filter location, oil change procedures, and oil specifications for your 1995 Virago 1100.**
