How to Change the Oil in a 1997 Yamaha TW200

Shop parts for a 1997 Yamaha TW200 Dirt Bike.

Regularly changing the oil in your 1997 Yamaha TW200 is one of the most important routine maintenance tasks you can do to ensure your dirt bike runs smoothly and lasts for years. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and cover the specific tools and tips you’ll need for this model. Let’s get started.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Sockets and ratchet (typically 17mm for drain bolt)
  • Torque wrench (essential to avoid over-tightening bolts to Yamaha’s specifications)
  • Oil drain pan
  • Funnel
  • Rags or shop towels
  • Pick tool (for removing O-rings, if needed)
  • New crush washer/O-ring for drain bolt (recommended)
  • New oil filter (if replacing)
  • Replacement oil: Yamaha recommends 10W-40 motorcycle oil. You’ll need just over 1 quart (1.06 quarts, or about 1.0 liter) for a full oil/filter change.
  • Screwdrivers (if your skid plate or side covers need removal)

Preparation

  • Warm up the engine. Start the bike and let it idle for a few minutes or take a short ride around the block. Warm oil drains more easily and thoroughly, pulling out more contaminants.
    Important: Don’t let it get extremely hot to avoid burns. Just warm is ideal.
    Model call-out: The 1997 TW200 engine is air-cooled and has a simple oil system. No special pre-drain steps are needed, but be aware the exhaust and engine cases will be hot to the touch after warming up.
  • Position the bike upright. Place on a center stand or have someone help you keep it vertical to ensure a full oil drain.
  • Remove the skid plate (if equipped). Some TW200s have a skid plate covering the drain bolt. Remove it using the appropriate tools.

Step 1: Draining the Oil

  • Locate the drain bolt and strainer under the engine. It’s usually visible from below the left side of the bike.
  • Place your drain pan under the bolt.
  • With the correct socket, loosen and remove the drain bolt. Allow the oil to completely drain into the pan.
  • Clean the drain bolt’s oil screen/strainer. The TW200 features a mesh screen inside the drain bolt housing. Carefully remove it with a pick tool, inspect for debris or metal, and clean it with solvent or brake cleaner. Be careful not to damage or lose the strainer or the spring behind it.
    Model call-out: Always check and clean the mesh strainer on TW200s, as it can catch small debris that would otherwise circulate in the oil.
  • Check and replace the O-ring or crush washer on the drain bolt if it shows any signs of wear or flattening. Reusing a worn washer can cause leaks.

Step 2: Replacing the Oil Filter

  • Locate the oil filter cover (left crankcase cover, circular with three bolts).
  • Unscrew the bolts and carefully remove the cover. Catch any oil that might spill.
  • Pull out the old oil filter. Note its orientation so you install the new one correctly.
  • Inspect and replace the oil filter cover’s O-ring if damaged.
  • Install the new oil filter, oriented as the old one, and refit the cover.
  • Tighten the oil filter cover bolts evenly to avoid cracking the cover. Use a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s spec (typically about 7 Nm or 62 in-lb, always verify with your owner's manual).

Step 3: Reinstall the Drain Bolt and Strainer

  • Once the oil is fully drained and the strainer cleaned, reposition the spring, strainer, and O-ring/crush washer as they came out.
  • Screw in the drain bolt carefully by hand, making sure not to cross-thread it.
  • Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain bolt to 43 Nm (about 32 ft-lb).

Step 4: Adding Fresh Oil

  • Place a funnel in the oil fill port on the engine’s right side.
  • Add 1.1 liters (1.16 quarts) of the recommended 10W-40 oil if you changed the filter, slightly less if not. DO NOT OVERFILL.
    Pro tip: Pour slowly and check the level frequently toward the end.

Step 5: Checking Oil Level and Wrap-Up

  • Reinstall the oil fill cap.
  • Start the bike. Run it for a minute, then shut off and let it sit for a minute to allow the oil to settle.
  • With the bike upright, check the oil level through the sight glass (right side of the engine). The oil should be in the middle of the upper and lower notches/marks.
  • If low, carefully top off as needed.
  • Reinstall the skid plate if it was removed.
  • Check for any leaks around the drain bolt and filter cover.

Special Model-Specific Tips for the 1997 Yamaha TW200

  • The process is identical across most TW200 years, including 1997. The oil strainer screen in the drain bolt assembly is specific to the TW200’s engine, found in all model years. Always clean it at each oil change.
  • The TW200 does not have a traditional screw-on external oil filter; instead, it uses a cartridge-style filter located behind a three-bolt cover on the engine.
  • Always check the sight glass while the bike is vertical to ensure the level reads correctly. Leaning the bike will give an inaccurate reading.
  • Insufficient or overfilled oil can cause engine damage. Be careful to fill to the correct level only.
  • Reusing old O-rings or washers risks leaks; replace whenever possible.

Dispose Properly

  • Recycle your used oil and filter at an approved recycling center. Do NOT pour down drains or onto the ground.

MotoSport.com Has You Covered

Find all the oil, filters, and tools you need for your 1997 Yamaha TW200 at MotoSport.com — your trusted source for OEM and aftermarket maintenance parts. Keep your TW200 running stronger, longer.

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.