Stupidest Question of the Month

[JerbGas]

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?

 

[Steve]

Does your starter clutch still grab?

Why wouldn't it? :-k

.

 

[tkent02]

Odd question, but the 550s don't often have starter clutch problems. Those are for the big bikes.

 

[SocialAnomaly99]

Odd question, but the 550s don't often have starter clutch problems. Those are for the big bikes.

I've heard that the larger bikes develop starter clutch slippage issues when using synthetic.

 

[Nessism]

I've heard that the larger bikes develop starter clutch slippage issues when using synthetic.

Never heard that one before. Some people think synthetic oil is more "slippery", but that's just urban legend.

 

[tkent02]

I've heard that the larger bikes develop starter clutch slippage issues when using synthetic.

Regular clutch, not starter clutch. And they don't slip anyway.