Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
Oil Drain Valve

Hi Guys (an gals!)

Anyone have any experience with 'Oil Drain Valves' from OTR.de

OFF-THE-ROAD | Oil drain valve, Yamaha | buy online

It makes sense and would make life a bit easier but would like to know whether they are robust enough, etc. I'll have a sump guard on for sure.

Any thoughts would be great, thanks
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

Last edited by geoffshing; 27 Mar 2011 at 20:00.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Another gadget aimed to get you to spend $$$ IMO

In theory I can see how this gadget might intersest some folk but I don't see it really helping that much as the most amount of time for anyone who is regularly doing oil changes is removing bash plate and oilfilter, not the sump plug. As for creating less mess we use a PET bottle cut in half as the funnel. Works a charm and are available anywhere and everywhere keeps from getting too messy

The disadvantages I see are:
1) Will the valve provide equivalent NM torque
2) Is the valve proven at high operating temperatures
3) The valve has a limitation; the speed to empty all the engin oil as it is more restrictive in diametre
4) Metal shards wont be drained using the valve and may even cause the valve to block failing to drain oil and the metal shards. IMHO this is the biggest issue.
5) The value sticks out below the oil sump making it more suseptible to damage.

My overall rating
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
It's a nice idea but like said, just a gadget for people with too much money and spare time.

How bolts does it take to remove a sump guard ? 4-5 ?? Hardly an effort.

With the XT's and 4000-6000 mile oil changes, for example, thats only 2 changes in a whole cape-cairo trip.

Also, it adds something else to go wrong or leak ! I wouldnt trust it !

Spend your 40 quid on
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
4) Metal shards wont be drained using the valve and may even cause the valve to block failing to drain oil and the metal shards. IMHO this is the biggest issue.

Good point... well presented!

As for
It's a nice idea but like said, just a gadget for people with too much money and spare time.
I have got too much money and sat at my Laptop bored out of my head ordering shite off t'internet..!

How bolts does it take to remove a sump guard ? 4-5 ?? Hardly an effort.
It is a pain in the arse removing the sump guard just to change the oil, a simple 'Plug in and Flow out' device would be easier and a 5 minute job not a 30 minuter unbolting shit off the bike!

With the XT's and 4000-6000 mile oil changes, for example, thats only 2 changes in a whole cape-cairo trip.
I did UK to Cape Town and was changing the oil a lot more than recommended due to the heat, mileage, workload and sometimes the mud they called quality oil.

It was just an idea and I thank you both for your help. You both convinced me with the metal shards and something else to go wrong, for if it fails dramatically and I don't noticed then I'm in a world of POO!! I'll stick to the magnetic plug!

Unless there's anyone out there that uses one..?
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Although, if you've got the money to burn I'm more than happy for you to be test dummy..

I do like the concept and the idea.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
ordered

In for a penny... in for a pound!

Just ordered one so we shall see what it's like and I'll post the results. Easy come, easy go as they say.
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
In for a penny... in for a pound!

Just ordered one so we shall see what it's like and I'll post the results. Easy come, easy go as they say.
Reading the spec on properly, it might not be as bad as I first assumed. I suppose it has a safety cap so even in the valve failed, you're not going to get oil dumped all over the garage floor or your back wheel.

Im interested to see how you get on although I feel you may still need to remove your sump guard to attach the hose unless you drill out yoru sump plug. Then again, you could drill it out for the stock plug too.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Don't like valves that need tools to get the gear out. The ball would still create some blockage.

I've used this for a few years now and love it. Spring loaded ball valve. Drill a hole in your bashplate, put a bucket under it, and you're away with fresh oil in 20min.

QuickOilDrainValve.com - the best way to change oil

__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Radiator drain plug leaking TommyT Tech 8 23 May 2010 11:50
Battery Drain john_aero Kawasaki Tech 18 1 Dec 2008 20:51
Drain bowl screw O ring Mark Yamaha Tech 2 20 Mar 2008 14:30
oil drain? narkotik666 Yamaha Tech 5 16 Nov 2006 09:56
Xl650v oil drain plug mudlark Honda Tech 3 15 May 2003 19:57

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:50.