I looked at the how-to's in this section and for the oil and tranny fluid changes and the procedure for the motor oil makes sense. However the one for the tranny fluid doesn't match up b/c the quad used is a kicker and I think is also older. All I know is that when I compared the pictures in the tranny-side how-to to my quad I got a little confused and I couldn't find a second drain plug for the tranny side anywhere. I quick looked at another post this morning and read something about there only being one drain plug on the 06+ quads or that it's on the other side, is this true? That just confused me some more as I was under the impression that these 450r/er engines were split and that motor oil went in the one side and tranny fluid went in the other? Could anybody explain/clear this up for me? Any pictures of an '08 ER to go along with the explanation/clarification would also be greatly appreciated. I'd like to do the first fluid change on my quad since I got it and want to be sure that I do it right. I also want to say that I'm not complaining about the maintainance write-ups, they are great, I just don't want to screw my quad up. Thanks.

There is a drain plug, a fill level plug and a fill plug fo the trans.

- the drain plug is right next to where the shifter enters the trans. it's a12mm
- The fill level indicator is on the right side of the motor, it is the only 10 mm on that side of the case its got a little arrow next to it. About 4 inches down and to the right of the fill plug.
- the fill plug (black plastic) is also on the right side you want to make sure you put around 800cc of oil in the trans. it will begin to flow out of the level indicator hole but it takes a while for the oil to get there, so its eay to over fill.
I can send pics if you want.

This is the shifter side.

Yeah, I just was confused over the drain plug as the how-to showed it on the same side as the fill plug and I couldn't find it on that side of the motor but looking at the picture that jkulysses posted I remember seeing the bolt he arrowed on the other side of the motor. I do remember seeing an arrow for the fill level indicator as well so I'm pretty sure I'm set there now too. Thanks a bunch, pretty sure I'm all set to go ahead and change it. Thanks again to both of you, JDINER and jkulysses.

Grab a owners manual and or a service manual, will help alot for oil changes and many small/big repairs in the future, its a must.

about how much oil gos in on each side?

It says right on the case next to the fill plugs

Yeah I wish I could have got the owner's manual with my quad but I forgot to ask the previous owner when I picked it up. Do the download-able service manual and maintainance guide for the '06 in the "pinned" section above apply to my '08 or did they change in the two years? Thanks.

Just a word of advice...Use the neutral indicator sensor as the trans drain. The actual trans drain bolt is very easy to cross-thread and strip. The sensor is right behind the casesaver. It's has a 14mm head, with a wire attached to it. This wire just pulls off. It will be much easier to get to than the drain bolt, and drain 95% of the oil.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I get a chance to change the fluids.

Well got the oil, filter, and tranny fluid changed without issue (so far). I just used Honda conventional oil, Honda filter, and Honda tranny fluid. Took it out for a nice easy test ride afterwards and it ran and shifted fine. Only thing I'm not sure about is the oil level. The how-to said to fill to the "H" line on the oil window so I did that. But after I started it, let it run, and shut it down the oil level didn't quite get back up to the "H" line even after it sat for a while. I assume this is because some of the oil is held in the filter, but am I supposed to add a little more oil to bring the level back up in the window? Thanks.

You will have to put some more oil in after the initial start up because it has to fill the oil filter housing.

When you say Honda conventional oil, what oil exactly are you using? The 450r demands only specific oils for its high performance engine, so you might not be running the best possible oil you can, hurting performance and protection.

As for the oil level that is correct, some might need to be added.
Start the quad, let it warm up then shut if off, and let it sit for about 3-5 min. then see where the oil level is and add as much as is needed.

I used the Honda brand non-synthetic oil, I think it's called GN-4, 10W-40.

GN4 is fine. I use the HP4M in mine. I have used GN4 in previous 450r's tho, aswell as all our other quads that we have.

If every answer is rite why is this post so long

I'm guessing you don't have any info to contribute, since you didnt have anything to say worth posting? The first few posts in this thread was about changing fluids. Then he was asked about the type of fluids he chose. Fact is, there will never be a "right" answer on that, as people have different opinions on what they like/dislike. He stated what he used, and I replied that it would be fine, which it will be, as the oil he bought is what comes in the 450r from the factory. By "fine', I meant the oil he bought is fine, but IMO not the "best". GN4 for me would probably be fine, since I change oil about every 2 hours, which many would say is overkill

If you READ the post every Q had an A so there was not nothing else/worth to POST and your rite everyone else has there opinion on there like/dislike so save your post

If you READ the last post of his, I was assuring him the choice in oil he picked, was fine since Lumi questioned his choice to be sure it was ok.

Q was answered nothing should of been said

Practice what ya preach?

You can put your pom-poms away

Fact is, this wouldnt be going on if you hadnt came in talking chit. I dont see many if any posts from you that you had actually had some advice/help to offer anyone.

Like i said quit being a CHEERLEADER and that is a fact

Thank you to everyone who contributed information and reassurance. I'll probably stick with GN 4 as I don't ride it really hard or MX much (maybe one race a season), and do plan on changing it frequently.