Oil pan drain valve install - easier oil changes for motorcycles with skid plate Versys X300

Motorcycles with an installed skid plates make it more difficult to change the oil without the removal of the skid plate. My example is a Kawasaki Versys X300 with a T-Rex Racing heavy duty skid plate that covers up all of the lower half of the engine. It does have a slot for access to the drain bolt and a port for the filter however, not removing the skit plate will have a lot of lot draining into the bottom of the skid plate and out on to the floor. This video shows the step by step install of a Fumoto Engine oil pan drain valve that replaces the drain bolt. Also, the use of a clever plastic oil "trough" and affixing it right under the oil filter will assure drip free oil changes. This approach with possible variations can be used for most motorcycles or other motorized machines like riding lawn mowers, tractors, cars, trucks. It eliminates the need to tools for the drain bolt. There are two purchases for this install the first is an Engine oil pan drain valve by a company (known for quality and has great reviews) called Fumoto. There are many variations. The one purchased for this install is a M12 bolt size with a 1.5mm thread pitch. You will need to research your application and by the correct model (part number) of Fumoto valve. Even with M12 only applications there are many variants for thread pitch (1.25, 1.5 and 1.75mm) and exit style with no pile or short pipe or long pipe - etc... This model is $29.99 on amazon.
LINK: www.amazon.com...
The funnel set is designed for Harleys but the plastic trough and the part of a set that is purchased as one buy. With this to assure drip free results a little be of duct tape is used. This set is $13.75 on amazon.
LINK: www.amazon.com...

[@davidwegs509]

Nice job Dave. Not going to use the valve idea, but I did appreciate learning that.

[@trekOCLVone]

It really helps to not take off the skid plate.

[@sujaymadhok5700]

Fantastic! Thanks Dave for doing the research, testing and sharing your upgrade. Very enjoyable viewing as always. Your enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring! 👍

[@trekOCLVone]

The drain valve has been working as designed and simplified my oil changes. Less wrenching and more riding. Enjoy you riding this summer. I'm working an install of a GPS unit now. Video to follow soon. (parts are on order) Thank you for your kind words.

[@sujaymadhok5700]

Dave it's brilliant 👌. Many thanks and wishing you safe and enjoyable riding too. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers!

[@rustynail9007]

Ingenious. I like the idea

[@trekOCLVone]

The valve has been working great. Thank you.

[@JTinGA]

Good job @trekOCLVone ... I finally got around to watching this one ... life has been busy ! I have heard so many good things about those fumoto valves --- I may have to finally break down and get one. Looking forward to your next project ;-) JT

[@trekOCLVone]

Thanks. I’m now past 600 miles and all is well.

[@jimgerace1746]

Thanks for the information. I also had a large amount of oil to clean up the last oil change. I would be interested in knowing how well the new drain plug holds up after thousands of miles. Is there a washer similar to the factory washer on the new drain plug? Having that leak is my concern. Thanks again for all your helpful videos . Jim

[@trekOCLVone]

With this Fumoto drain valve and the trough there should be no oil in or on the skid plate. The reviews on the Fumoto valves are what pushed me forward to buy and try one. There is a provided washer that is more like an automotive gasket type of material. It replaces the aluminum crush washers that are used for the typical drain bolt. I will be updating this post with the ongoing performance of this device. It is all metal and looks like brass and the 1/4 turn ball valve is what is used when longevity is required. There was no leak as the exit pipe had oil still in it because of the lean of the bike in the opposite direction (lean from the side stand). Once I straighten up the bike about 4 drops came out and that was the end of oil anywhere around the drain valve. I ran the bike to full temperature and kept checking and zero oil was found. I'll have the true road test maybe tomorrow as I ran out of time today. UPDATE 10/10/2022 - after a couple of shorter rides there is no oil seepage so, on to more rides.

[@trekOCLVone]

600 miles and all is well

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

Hope this works out!

[@trekOCLVone]

The Fumoto valve is solid metal - looks like brass and the 1/4 turn ball valve is what is used when performance and longevity are a must have. I'll report back after some miles are put on the bike. For my bike/skid plate combo this upgrade is going to save me a lot of time and no longer having to disassemble and reassemble the skid plat every time I change the oil is a total win. I've modified my skid plate to beef it up so I can use a typical motorcycle jack to lift up the whole bike and that will be utilized for future oil changes. No more sitting on the floor. If you haven't checked out all the skid plate video here on my channel, please watch them. They may give you some ideas on what is possible with your bike. The X300 starts with a thin wall exhaust under the entire center section of the bike but now with the skid plate beefed up and attached to the crash bars there is somewhat of an exoskeleton protection scheme.

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

@@trekOCLVone I saw the vid on the modification of the plate (at least with this vid) and also the side guards. I have the side guards as well but a less robust skid plate that does use those two Allen screws on the side. It’s a rock guard at best. But this adapter for the oil drain might be good for mine as well. Thanks for the video! You are a year or so ahead of me on mods!

[@trekOCLVone]

@@WillieJohnRidesAgain I've owned the Versys X300 since June of last year. It's been fun adding accessories and research that goes into the selection of what to buy and why. Enjoy your upgrading as I find it therapeutic working on mechanical machines like bicycles and motorcycles.