I just got a 1996 bayou 300 4x4. Pre viously, I rode sport bikes so this is a bit of an adjustment for me, but I have found that I like the slower, more determined pace of the bayou.

What kind and how much oil does this thing take and what kind would you recommend? Any special considerations when changing the oil? Does anyone have an online shop manual to outline these procedures??

Thanks.

 

Anyone??

 

10w-40 is what I use. Clymers says use 10w-30, 40, 50 for anything from 10 degrees on up. Use 5w-30 for less than 10.

Dont lose the parts inside the oil filter. I've done that before, lol. I threw out the filter w/o looking inside it and there was a check valve in there. I had to order a new one and pay factory prices. I have the 220 bayou, assuming the 300 is the same.

I have a manual for the 220 and 250. The procedure is to take the plug out of the bottom to let the oil out. Put plug back in (Dont over tighten!!!). Add oil until it is in the center of the sight glass. The filter should be on the side. A couple for bolts is all that is. Don't over tighten anything!!!!!!!!!!!! If it leaks after snug then tightening it more wont help, just make you have to repair threads in aluminum case. Same goes for spark plug too btw.

 

Use any motorcyle oil. Dont use car oil.
If the container of oil has the energy conserving starburst on it....its the wrong oil. The starburst symbol means moly has been added.
Motorcycles and atvs have clutches which are wet, and the moy in those oils can load up the plates of the clutch and stop the clutching action.
Look for the MA on the oil label, its the JASO rating, and all the good motorcycle oils have that rating.

 

I've also heard that multi-weight oils don't fair too well in the gearbox, so you have to change them more often. I think there are a couple bikes that have 2 cases, one for the engine and one for the tranny,,, I assume for that reason.

I think Hondabuster is right about the starburst oil. Clymers says "Use only a high quality detergent motor oil with an API classification of SH or SJ." It also says to try to use the same brand each time.

 

yep 10-30 weight sounds good, here is my Bayou, 300 4x4, I now have a Brute Force 650I but this was one great little quad, never had any trouble with it in three years!