Stupidest Question of the Month

[Guest]

I have a 1980 GS550L and I'm about to change the oil for the first time (just bought it) and I dont know what size socket I need for the oil drain plug. The biggest I have is 19mm and that was way too small. Figured I'd ask instead of wasting my money buying sockets I won't need.

[tkent02]

Spark plug socket should fit.

[JerbGas]

Spark plug socket should fit.

Spark plugs are 18mm if i recall, but it definitely wont fit. Im thinking it's like 21 or 22mm. Just want to know for sure.

[gbw]

My 77GS750 was similar. I think I used the sparkplug wrench that fit the plug on my lawnmower.

[Steve]

A "standard" spark plug is 13/16", which is 20.64mm. Might be a bit snug, as the drain plug was designed with metric specs, so it's 21mm

Your 550 does use spark plugs with a smaller hex on them, so reach in your other drawer, pull out the 'big' plug socket.

.

[tkent02]

No the 1980 550s use regular old B8ES, so it's the 13/16 socket. Have one sitting on my shop floor awaiting 675 surgery. The later ones probably use the 5/8 plugs or even the 16mm or whatever they are on the 650s.

[Prairie]

We have to change oil on these???? Really????
Wow.......

[JerbGas]

A "standard" spark plug is 13/16", which is 20.64mm. Might be a bit snug, as the drain plug was designed with metric specs, so it's 21mm

Your 550 does use spark plugs with a smaller hex on them, so reach in your other drawer, pull out the 'big' plug socket.

.

My second post ever and here Steve is to answer it successfully yet again. 2/2, I'm beginning to like you!

[Nessism]

What kind of oil did you buy?

This is a test to see if you know how to research in the archives.

[tkent02]

We have to change oil on these???? Really????
Wow.......

Once every decade or so isn't too much to ask, is it?

[JerbGas]

What kind of oil did you buy?

This is a test to see if you know how to research in the archives.

Valvoline Full Synthetic 10w-40 for motorcycles.

I've read conflicting opinions on whether or not it matters if you use motorcycle specific oil, so I figured what the hell pay a few extra dollars (i dont even think i paid more though) for some added piece of mind.

[JerbGas]

We have to change oil on these???? Really????
Wow.......

I plan to change it every summer, because why not it costs like 15 bucks and its an old bike. 27k miles aint a crazy amount but ****, it gives me an excuse to get my hands dirty.

[silverhelme]

Valvoline Full Synthetic 10w-40 for motorcycles.

I've read conflicting opinions on whether or not it matters if you use motorcycle specific oil, so I figured what the hell pay a few extra dollars (i dont even think i paid more though) for some added piece of mind.

Obviously he either didn't search or didn't believe what was recommended.

[alke46]

I had the same thought.

[SocialAnomaly99]

Does your starter clutch still grab?