Yamaha Raider Transfer Gear Case Oil Change

Yamaha recommends changing out the transfer case gear oil in a 2008 Yamaha Raider at 600 miles, and then again at every 16,000 miles of use.

It’s an easy job, with the only somewhat difficult part being removing the exhaust and then reinstalling it with new gaskets after the gear oil is changed. This particular Yamaha motorcycle model requires an 80-weight, API service level GL-4 oil from Yamalube. 

2008 Yamaha Raider motorcycle transfer case gear oil change

Watch the video above or follow the steps below to change transfer case gear oil in a Yamaha Raider motorcycle. 

Tools and Parts - Yamaha Raider Gear Oil Change

  • Ratchet and extensions
  • 8mm Allens
  • 12mm wrench
  • Torx 40 socket

Buy Yamaha friction modified shaft drive gear oil

Buy Yamaha motorcycle exhaust pipe gasket

Yamaha Raider Transfer Case Oil Change

Step 1. Remove the exhaust from the motorcycle. 

2008 Yamaha Raider transfer case gear oil change

NOTE: When removing the exhaust, keep in mind there’s an O2 sensor in there, so be careful not to damage its wires.

Yamaha Raider transfer case gear oil change

PRO TIP: If your bike’s exhaust is as rusty as ours, add a little bit of penetrating oil to the exhaust bolts and let it sit for a while to prevent snapping off the bolts while you’re removing the exhaust. 

2008 Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear oil change exhaust removal

2008 Yamaha Raider gear oil change exhaust removal

Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear oil change exhaust removal

NOTE: If you can’t wiggle the exhaust off the machine, drop down the foot pegs. 

Yamaha Raider gear oil change exhaust removal

Yamaha Raider transfer case gear oil change exhaust removal

Step 2. Disconnect the O2 sensor.

Yamaha Raider transfer case gear oil change 02 sensor

Step 3. Remove the fill plug, making sure you don’t lose its O-ring. 

Yamaha Raider transfer case gear oil change fill plug

Yamaha Raider gear oil change fill plug

Step 4. Place a drain pan underneath the bike, then remove the Torx 40 drain bolt and let the old gear oil drain out. Reinstall the drain bolt after the oil drains out completely.

Yamaha Raider gear oil change drain bolt

NOTE: The old gear oil is of a heavy weight, so be patient, as it’ll take a while to drain out completely.

Yamaha Raider gear oil change drain plug

Step 5. Remove the check bolt (fill plug) and its washer.

Yamaha Raider gear case oil change

NOTE: The fill plug’s washer can easily get stuck inside like ours did, so make sure you retrieve it and don’t lose it. 

Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear case oil change

Step 6. Fill the tank with new gear oil until you see it overflowing out of the opening.  

2008 Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear case oil change

PRO TIP: The method you want to use to fill the gear oil is up to you. We used a clear plastic tube and a syringe to help push the thick oil through the tube. 

2008 Yamaha Raider gear case oil change

2008 Yamaha Raider gear case fluid change

2008 Yamaha Raider motorcycle transfer case gear fluid change

Step 7. Reinstall the fill plug with its washer in place.

Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear fluid change

Step 8. Remove the old exhaust gaskets and replace them with new ones

Yamaha Raider gear fluid change

PRO TIP: Add a little grease to the back side of the new seals to help them seat properly. 

Yamaha Raider gear case fluid change exhaust gaskets

Yamaha Raider gear case oil change exhaust gaskets

Step 9. Plug the O2 sensor back in, then reinstall the exhaust. 

Yamaha Raider gear case oil change O2 sensor

Yamaha Raider gear case oil change exhaust reinstall

Yamaha Raider motorcycle gear case oil change exhaust reinstall

Yamaha motorcycle gear case oil change exhaust reinstall

Yamaha motorcycle gear case fluid change exhaust reinstall

Step 10. Wipe the exhaust down with a clean rag or towel to prevent your finger prints from getting burned into the exhaust and you’re done. 

Yamaha motorcycle gear case fluid change

Watch the video below to see how to change the engine oil in a Yamaha Raider motorcycle.