How to Change Yamaha V-Star 1100 Motor Oil

Changing the oil in a V-Star isn’t as straightforward as in most Yamaha motorcycles, but it’s still easy to do. 

Watch the video above and follow the steps below to learn how to change the oil in a Yamaha V-Star 1100 motorcycle.

Tools and Supplies – Yamaha V-Star Oil Change

• Ratchet
• 10mm, 12mm, 18mm sockets
• Set of Allens
• Oil filter
• Yamalube 10W-40 motorcycle oil (4 quarts)

Yamaha V-Star 1100 Oil Change

Step 1. Warm the engine by running it on idle for a minute or two. This heats up the oil and helps it drain faster. Also remove the oil fill cap, which allows the crankcase to breathe and speeds up the oil draining process.

Step 2. Place a drain pan under the engine, and remove the 18mm drain bolt and crush washer from the bottom left side of the engine. Inspect the crush washer and replace it if it’s worn.

Step 3. Let the oil fully drain out from the engine, then reinstall the crush washer and drain bolt, and torque the bolt to 31 foot-pounds.

Step 4. Remove the two 12mm exhaust bolts holding the exhaust header in place, followed by the two Allen bolts toward the muffler section.

Step 5. Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the right side foot-peg bracket in place, and let the bracket hang down so you can remove the exhaust and access the oil filter.

Step 6. Remove the five Allen bolts holding the oil filter cover in place, on the right side of the crankcase.

Step 7. Remove the secondary oil filter cap by pulling it out. Have a rag or shop towel ready to catch the oil that spills out as you remove the cap.

Step 8. Remove the old oil filter, and install the new oil filter. 

Step 9. Reinstall the oil filter cap and oil filter cover. 

NOTE: Be careful not to overtighten or strip the oil cover bolts.

Step 10. Reinstall the exhaust and the right side foot-peg bracket. 

Step 11. Refill the engine with 3.1 quarts of Yamalube 10W-40 motorcycle oil.

Step 12. Reinstall the oil fill cap, and run the engine on idle for a few seconds to circulate the oil throughout the engine. Shut off the motor and let it stand for a minute.

The oil level seen through the oil sight glass on the right side of the crankcase should be between the markings at the side of the sight glass. Top off the oil level if necessary and you’re done.