First time Rocket owner looking for simple advice on oil changes

[EasTexRIII]

Welcome Comotion
Mobile 1 full synthetic

 

[Fingers]

Welcome from Florida,I like Amsoil.

 

[Jag]

Using,
Bel-Ray EXS Full Synthetic Ester 4T Engine Oil last 2 oil changes seems good.

Also 4T oil has Zink in it to help protect the valves and seats.

 

[1olbull]

WELCOME to ya, Comotion from WA State.
Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W40 (Case - 6 Quarts)

 

[Rocket Scientist]

First off, thanks for the forum. Triumph doesn't exactly provide a wealth of knowledge in the Rocket "handbook".

I just purchased a 2011 Rocket 3 Touring with 4200 miles on it. I want to change the oil, but can't find any info regarding the filter / filter cover. Does this model have a chrome filter cover, or is that actually the filter? I ask because Amazon is offering a chrome filter, but also black filters.

Secondly, I notice the filter/cover has a hex nut molded into the body with a hole in it. What is the purpose of the hole? I don't want to damage the chrome filter/cover if there is a special tool or technique for removal.

Lastly, oil recommendations? I've seen threads that say use oil from the Triumph dealer, but the local Triumph mechanic (I don't go to the dealer) says he uses Rotella. I tbelieve him, as long as the specifications of the Rotella match the handbook.

I did watch a Youtube video on the oil change for an older model, so I know I need new washers and an o-ring.

Thanks in advance for the help!

The filter your describing sounds like a K&N chrome filter. They have the nut on them for easy removal. The hole is for safety wire if you race the bike.

 

[Bob R]

looking for simple advice on oil changes

There is no such thing as "simple" when you ask something on this forum....


bob

 

[scot in exile]

Get a good torque wrench and torque the oil drain plugs back to the correct specs, as said you can use the crush washers multiple times in fact on my 2005 bike I have used them about six times with no leaks.

 

[Comotion]

Welcome Comotion

Someone soon will come along to advise on the filter questions. You will most likely get a few choices for oil brand a weights.

Where in the States are you located? Different riding temps will determine the oil weight.

Thank you! I'm in East Tennessee, and while it's not always warm in the winter, we ride year round.

 

[Comotion]

Thanks to everyone for the quick and detailed responses! Based on this info, it does look like an aftermarket filter. I should have posted this photo to start with:

 

[Comotion]

I'll be leaning on y'all a lot. I went to the local Triumph dealer and asked the service tech about the chrome filter cover, and he said he had no idea what I was talking about. That didn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling about the dealership.