Topic: Oil change on cb500

[andywest]

How much oil and what type should i put in to change oil on my 73 cb500?  and what filter can or do i use?

thank you

[78 k550]

I just did a first complete oil change on my 78 550. First thing I did wasby a Cylmer manual. There very helpfull. I picked mine up at the Honda dealer for 28 and some change. It is the same as mine. $12 oil filter at the dealer, it has all the O'Ring's.  I'm checking other options. I would aslo upgrade your bolt to the bigger size.The little one tend's to strip real easy. Your bike take's 3.2 qt. While the drain plug is open kick the bike overa couple time's, Don't start it. This will get the oil out of the cavities in the engine.

Paul

[TwoTired]

Oh, jeez, here we go again with the oil wars...

If you can find oil that has the same formulation as was recommended by Honda when the bike was new, you've found the right oil.  Back then, the common additive package was compatible with both cars and motorcycles with wet clutches and transmissions using the shared oil.
However, oil formulations and additive packages of today's automotive use oils have changed a great deal, due in part to the widespread use of catalytic converters and polution standards not in use when the SOHC4s were produced.
Today, common auto oil uses an additive package that omits the zinc that transmission gears benefit from, and sometimes adds moly or other additives which clutch friction discs aren't really compatible with.  So, generally speaking an oil blended for motorcycle use will likely add the most longevity and protection to your machine. 10W-40 works well.  If you are going to operate with high average outside temps then use 20W-50.

Oh and read the FAQ

[HNR]

What have I done wrong if the bike won't shift when stopped?

[SteveD CB500F]

Is this a thread hijack??

Do you mean it won't "snick" into neutral when stopped with the engine running?  If so, you may need to adjust the clutch as it could be dragging. Alternatively, rock the bike a bit and then retry. Works for me.

[csendker]

My 550 uses a Fram CH6009 that can be bought at Wal-Mart/anywhere for about $5.  I think the 500 is the same, but I'm not sure.  Put it on the centerstand when checking the level, and after filling to the mark, use the kicker a couple of times or run it briefly then top it off.  You have to fill the filter housing & all of the little crevices before you can get the full 3.2 in it.

[Hope]

$5 Fram filter?  I spent $18 on a K&N filter at Advance Auto Parts.  I had to wait a week for the filter to come in.  Wish I had known!  (But then again, I was supposed to have a lot better filter....)

[anparkinson]

I use Castrol RS10-60. The clutch is perfect and it's nice to know that a SAE60 oil is circulating when the engine is hot - especially considering the cam turns direct in head with no bearings. I also had a very strong cylindrical magnet inserted in my sump plug. It always comes out with layer of fine metal paste which it's pulled out of the oil.

[c_kyle]

I just did a first complete oil change on my 78 550. First thing I did wasby a Cylmer manual. There very helpfull. I picked mine up at the Honda dealer for 28 and some change. It is the same as mine. $12 oil filter at the dealer, it has all the O'Ring's.  I'm checking other options. I would aslo upgrade your bolt to the bigger size.The little one tend's to strip real easy. Your bike take's 3.2 qt. While the drain plug is open kick the bike overa couple time's, Don't start it. This will get the oil out of the cavities in the engine.

Paul

Is the larger bolt a dealer option or an aftermarket?

[dusterdude]

I just did a first complete oil change on my 78 550. First thing I did wasby a Cylmer manual. There very helpfull. I picked mine up at the Honda dealer for 28 and some change. It is the same as mine. $12 oil filter at the dealer, it has all the O'Ring's.  I'm checking other options. I would aslo upgrade your bolt to the bigger size.The little one tend's to strip real easy. Your bike take's 3.2 qt. While the drain plug is open kick the bike overa couple time's, Don't start it. This will get the oil out of the cavities in the engine.

Paul

Is the larger bolt a dealer option or an aftermarket?

i know the aftermarket has them,not sure about honda

[SteveD CB500F]

Honda don't sell the 17mm oil filter bolt - I seem to remember some rubbish about owners overtightening it.

David Silver sells them although the exchange rate isn't exactly favourable at the moment.

[cb350twin]

My 550 uses a Fram CH6009 that can be bought at Wal-Mart/anywhere for about $5.  I think the 500 is the same, but I'm not sure.  Put it on the centerstand when checking the level, and after filling to the mark, use the kicker a couple of times or run it briefly then top it off.  You have to fill the filter housing & all of the little crevices before you can get the full 3.2 in it.

$5 Fram filter?  I spent $18 on a K&N filter at Advance Auto Parts.  I had to wait a week for the filter to come in.  Wish I had known!  (But then again, I was supposed to have a lot better filter....)

 I paid $3.27 for my Fram CH6009

[Hope]

My 550 uses a Fram CH6009 that can be bought at Wal-Mart/anywhere for about $5.  I think the 500 is the same, but I'm not sure.  Put it on the centerstand when checking the level, and after filling to the mark, use the kicker a couple of times or run it briefly then top it off.  You have to fill the filter housing & all of the little crevices before you can get the full 3.2 in it.

$5 Fram filter?  I spent $18 on a K&N filter at Advance Auto Parts.  I had to wait a week for the filter to come in.  Wish I had known!  (But then again, I was supposed to have a lot better filter....)

 I paid $3.27 for my Fram CH6009

Thanks for rubbing it in.  Now I know for next time.