Oil drain plug size?

[dale58]

Hi everyone. I'm very new to motorcycles and just purchased a 1987 fj1200. I would like to change my own oil and was wondering what size the oil drain plug is? Also is the oil refill on the right side with the sight port below it? I know to the experienced riders this is a stupid question but I don't want to pour oil in the wrong place lol. And what weight oil should I use? Thanks for helping out this new rider. Dale

[FJmonkey]

Dale, I don't remember the socket size for the drain plug but you will have the correct size if you have a metric socket set. You are correct about where to fill the oil. As far as what oil to use is quite the controversy and has resulted in heated discussions. What brand, what type (Dino, Synthetic etc...), what weight, how often to change it, what filters to use. 

It would help if you know what is in the bike now, regular Dinosaur oil, semi-synthetic, full synthetic? Some have reported clutch slipping issues when switching from Dino to synthetic. If you go too thick you may have some shifting issues and starting issues in the cold. I will be switching to a 10-40 (currently using 20-50) oil on my next change, when cold the starter clutch fails to engage and the starter just spins with out turning the engine. I use a full synthetic, others are happy with Dino oil. Just make sure you change it regularly, keep it topped off and have fun ridding it. 

[Derek Young]

17 mm socket for the drain plug. You may need to remove the exhaust if you have an aftermarket system, depending on the brand. Do some research before you decide on which oil to use. It can be a touchy subject on motorcycle forums. I will say 2 things about the oil choice.
1) Don't use an oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the label. This will have additives that may cause your clutch to slip.
2) Change your oil and filter often.

Derek

[Arnie]

Drain plug has a 17mm head and is on the front bottom of the engine between the #2 & #3 pipes.

Yes, the oil filler is above the sight window in the clutch cover on the right side.

Oil... As Monkey said, cause of much sometimes heated discussion. 
I'm using 15-40 Diesel dino oil.
What you DON'T want to use is any of the "friction modified" oils.

Welcome

[dale58]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the education. So the clutch is wet and uses the motor oil? Thanks, Dale

[racerrad8]

FYI, some of the early drain plugs were 19mm...

Randy - RPM

[dale58]

Does the clutch use the motor oil as it's lubrication?

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, it's a wet clutch sharing the same oil as the engine. That's why we warn you about using automotive oils that have a friction modifier.

You will always be safe using a motorcycle oil which often states on the container "safe for wet clutches".

[dale58]

Thanks again guys....very interesting stuff. Dale

[racerrad8]

And since you are going to change the oil, now is as good of a time as any to get started on the mods.

RPM Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter

Randy - RPM