I have a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100. Some sort of screw-in plug has fallen out of the center of my oil pan. Oil blows out when it runs. Did I lose my oil filter somehow?

10-30 winter 10-40 summer

I have a 650, there is no dipstick, just a sight glass. I believe that the two bikes are the same in this department. Also, the oil needs to be right in the center of that sight glass (it's on the left side, by where your foot goes). Also, the bike MUST be standing straight up to check the oil accurately; either on a jack/stand, or by having someone sit on it while you check it.

Yes, Yamaha makes regular,semi-,and full synthetic oil for there motorcycles. Make sure the oil you use is JASO MA certified for motorcycle use. Do not use any oil that says energy conserving, it will shorten the life of your clutch and drive gears. Amzoil and Mobile 1 both make good motorcycle oil (full synthetic). Full synthetic is often the same price as semi-synthetic.

i think its on the front of the motor. directly above the drain plug. maybe behind a finned cover?

or go here for a free pdf service manual
http://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp