How Difficult Can an Oil Change Be?
Not very - at least not any more!
The first few oil changes were a little frustrating only because I didn't have the right tool for removing the oil filter. Actually, I did have the right tool, just didn't realize it.
Forget the special tools, especially the cast metal wrench some Honda dealers will sell you for a ridiculous price. That one has a 6" handle which does not provide enough leverage and if you use something to extend the handle to get more leverage, the gripping ring just bends (or breaks.) A strap type wrench is not very effective due the small diameter of the filter. The indentations on the end of filter are also so small that a socket type wrench may not work either - depending on how tight the filter was put on. Don't even try the pliers type.
Fortunately, the filter protrudes forward enough allowing the teeth of a 16" pipe wrench to grip it firmly. Its the perfect tool and most guys already have one in their garage. Of course, after that first 1/4" to 1/2" of rotation, the filter spins of freely. No more grief!
The only other tricky part is making sure the oil catch pan is in the right position under the drain hole when you move the bike to vertical to get that last bit of old oil out. I've missed once and hate wiping a quart of oil of the garage floor.
Wes