oil change in '88 R100GS

[randlyn]

I am relatively new to computers and forums and the like. Also don't know very much about the '88 R100GS that I bought. Do I really have to remove the exhaust and crash bars just to change the oil filter? Where can I find the best value in said filters? randlyn@intergate.com

[TZOLK]

You need to purchase a exhaust flange tool to take the finned flange off, dont try it with pliers, the fins can break easily with uneven pressure applied and the threaded part on the cylinder could become out of round$$$$$. Besides it requires a butt load of torque to reinstall it properly. ALWAYS use anti-sieze on the flange threads upon reinstall. You can leave the engine guards on but the pipe should come off. Dont half step with this. any shortcuts you could run the risk of damaging the filter white o-ring= big problems. Its not hard and the flange tool is not expensive-at the right store. Just purchase a new filter from the dealer WITH the gasket kit. maybe $14 or so. There are other manufacturers of filters. Im sure some say there is no risk to these and some say there might be. Lessen the factor for failure, just buy a genuine product. The old saying goes... Oil and Filters are cheap, Engines arent!
And buy a manual!!
Good luck and use anti sieze on all bolts in the exhaust system family. Dont hesitate to post any future problems. Good luck!! ;)

[Rbike]

I see the exhaust nut wrench advertised for around $20, so don't let your local dealer gouge you. I put the filter in my PD without removing the pipe or crash bar using a long allen socket. If you don't have any mechanical skills, then I recommend following the above instructions and removing the pipe to make it easier.

I like to use a rubber mallet to hit the exhaust nut wrench, this seems to free the nut the best. I'm not a big fan of anti-sieze in high heat areas like the exhaust. Instead, I just loosen the nuts each time I change the oil which ends up being about 4 times a year. If you want to use anti-sieze be sure to get some that is recommended for high temperature use.

Also if you're not already in the AIrheads club, you should consider it and read up on all the tech info published on the oil filter o-ring...otherwise called the $2K o-ring. Installed wrong it can cost you an engine.

[BMWRich58]

Also if you're not already in the AIrheads club, you should consider it and read up on all the tech info published on the oil filter o-ring...otherwise called the $2K o-ring. Installed wrong it can cost you an engine.

Yea,I read it and am now more confused than ever!!!!

[TZOLK]

Confusion, yes , me too. My bike has gone a few thousand miles with and without the oilfilter cover gasket on. Still running. These machines sure have their idiosyncrasies golly gee. Ive never been so intrigued about one machine, ever. Its the confusion that sparks curiosity ,that soon leads to; "Oh, THATS why my bike quit in the rain storm, THAT silly ingnition coil!!" or " THOSE crazy valeo starters, Hello?, um Parts Department?..." and last but certainly not, uh, last " Hmmm, updated circlip, shim ,on the output shaft, at HOW MANY MILES, REBUILD?!. crap. Hello? Honda dealer?..." Sometimes I wonder if they have a certain SPEC on looking at it (bike)the wrong way. At least they can be easily rebuilt I guess. Ill never sell it though.



"SELL YOUR CLEVERNESS AND PURCHASE BEWILDERMENT"

[BMWRich58]

I do like the ease of being able to work on the GS.

.....Ill never sell it though......

Well,I have to sell one or the other of the two bikes I own.

I really like my '92 GS100, but the '02RT will probably sell faster cuz it's newer...