2000 Suzuki Bandit 1200S Oil Change

About a year ago I did a post about breaking off the oil filter cover mounts on my GS500 when doing an oil change. Since then I've received email from people who think I actually know what I'm doing when it comes to motorcycle maintenance.

I don't know what I'm doing.

That said, when it comes to tackling basic maintenance it's nice to have some photos to let you know that you're not completely destroying your vehicle. So this weekend when I changed the oil in the motorcycle I decided to take a few photos that someone might find helpful.

Okay, you've warmed up your bike for a couple of minutes and you're ready to get started. Getting the Bandit on the center stand wasn't as easy as it was with my GS500. But if you stand very close to your bike and maintain your weight on the stand - a tug or two on the handlebars should get the bike to pop right up.







You've got your pan beneath the bike and it's time to start wrenching. I've never been able to get my hand out of the way of the hot oil. I never thought that was much of a problem until I read my Clymer manual and they write that prolonged exposure to motor oil causes cancer. Can they make that kind of medical declaration in a motorcycle repair manual? Apparently the answer is, "Yes."







The old oil filter is easy to find. But don't go any further until you've got a pair of mechanics gloves on. I didn't have any on. Little bits of the skin from my knuckles are now clinging to my exhaust. I'm not sure what I was thinking but do yourself a favor and put on a pair of mechanics gloves.








Removing the old filter doesn't require a delicate touch so I just got a pair of channel locks, crunched it and started twisting. Remember, lefty loosey - righty tighty.










When it comes time to install the new filter you will want to avoid any crunching so put away the channel locks and get out an oil filter wrench and a ratchet.










Some people claim that FRAM filters are crap. If you change your oil on a regular basis I don't think it really matters plus you can find FRAM everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. So for your 2000 Suzuki Bandit 1200S you'll want to use a FRAM filter #PH6018.








After you've got the plug and new filter in place (careful not to over-tighten either) it's time for some fresh oil. You'll want to put 3.5 liters (3.7 quarts) of fresh 10W40 into your Suzuki. You're asking, "Do I really need to use motorcycle oil?" I was always told that it didn't make a difference but the more I read the more I discover that there is a difference beside the higher price. Believe it or not, one of the main reasons is that oil for cars is too slippery and can cause problems in your bike.