2008 Yamaha VX Cruiser w/dry sump system. I need to change the oils and filter. When the engine is started for a minute , does ALL of the old oil return to the sump?

You will need a sump plug removal tool.
On older vehicles, this was just with a wrench.
But it could be a special key, check the plug on the base of the sump.
Take keys from ignition (as you do not want to accidentally start an engine with no oil.
Open the oil filler cap, place a container under the vehicle (could be quite a few litres of oil to come out) and remove the sump plug.
Leave the vehicle to do this for a short while, until it all stops dripping out.
Now you would want to change the oil filter.
These are in different location, but you can get a filter wrench to wrap around to remove.
PRE FILL the new oil filter with clean oil before installing (This stops any air locks when you start the engine after the change)
Hand tighten the new oil filter, they do not need a great deal of torque to screw in place. so generally a good hand tighten is enough.
You may need a new washer for the sump plug (some oil filter kits come with this in the box)
Now that the new filter is on, and the sump plug is back on. Fill the engine with the correct amount and type of oil.
I do not know the exact amount you will need.
But it is better to fill a little at a time, check the dip stick for the correct level.
When you are at the correct level.
Run the engine for a few minutes at IDLE.
Stop the engine and check the oil level again.

You should be all good after this.

Also check again after a few miles, that the sump is not leaking, and that the oil filter is also not leaking.

Hi. when an engine is not easily start when is hot,one of the most reasonable things is that the valves are not kept close enough to make the engine having the expected compression to have an easy start up. this happens either from the long miles engine oil change where the old and late changing oil builds up carbon inside the engine and also on the hydraulic lifters which are adjusting the valves opening and closing position. My mechanical advice is for first try to do an engine oil flush,by using (RESTORE ENGINE OIL FLUSH) just open the oil filler cap,pour into the engine old oil,start the engine and let it run for 40 minutes in every 10 minutes just give it an acceleration up to 2000 revolutions for a minute,let it back to idle and after 10 minutes do the same thing until comes to 40 minutes ending time. After that just switch the engine off,drain the old engine oil by opening the oil sump plug. Remove the old oil filter,clean the filter place use a new oil filter, sump plug on, put a new engine oil 5w30 fully synthetic oil, use also if you do have (RESTORE FRICTION REDUCER ) as an additive for the engine oil,start the engine and do the same thing every 3000 miles and not for long miles engine oil change. I strongly believe you will notice the difference. For any queries please do not hesitate to email me. Good luck.

The Yamaha Roadstar has a dry sump oil system. What this means is that the oil is stored in an oil tank to reduce the size of the engine. By storing the oil in the tank (which is under the seat and has the filler cap/dipstick, the engine does not need a sump under the crankshaft to store the oil. In this type of system the oil is pumped back to the tank after making its rounds through the engine. When you shut the bike off the oil will settle in the engine until you run the engine. The procedure to check the oil is to warm up the engine and allow it to idle for approximately 3 minutes. Do not rev up the motor during this time as it will cause the oil level to not read correctly. After shutting off the motor, check the oil level and adjust it to keep it in the proper level on the dipstick.

Remove sump plug on slightly warmed motor (Not Hot!) keep bike straight up once emptied replace sump plug and refill 1 litre of oil
would highly recommend you change the oil filter as well though ?

As the engine temp increases, oil returns to the sump (pump location) faster. You may just be low on oil. When its cold, the light is on at times...

Try this.

On level ground, jack up the front of the car and support it with axle stands.

Get an open container that will take more than 5 ltrs.

Under the engine block you will find the sump.

On the sump you should find a 13mm nut, this is the drain plug.

Undo the drain plug and have the empty container directly below the sump plug.

Retain the sump plug and clean it with a rag.

When the oil has drained out of the sump, put back the plug making sure the washer is in good condition and the plug is tight.

Now unscrew the oil filter having the old oil container below the filter housing to catch any oil.

Wipe around the the filter housing to remove any and all old oil.

Now offer up the new oil filter but do not tighten.

If the new filter fits the oil filter housing, then remove it and lightly oil the rubber seal on the filter with clean oil.

Now refit the filter and tighten it up. Not too tight, you can do this by hand but get it as tight as you can.

Now lower the car to to the ground.

At the top of the engine you will find an oil filler cap. Undo this cap.

Now put in the new oil to just below the full mark on the dip stick. Let the oil drain through the engine to the sump for a couple of minutes before checking the oil level.

If the level is between 1/2 and full, replace the filler cap and start the engine.

Now look at the oil filter and the sump plug for any leaks. Also check around the oil filler cap for oil leaks and spillage.

With the engine turned off. Clean any oil spillages and tighten up the oil filter, sump and oil filler cap as required.

Now leave the oil to drain back to the sump for a few minutes.

Check the oil level and top up as required.

I find that it is best to top the oil up to just below the Max mark.

This should solve the problem.

Ray

PEP BOYS carries the filter for 6.99
I suggest Mobil 1 V Twin 20w 50 for 8.89 at Walmart Get at least 5 Quarts takes 4.2 with new filter
The drain plug location is shown in the owners manual.

Bike must be ridden to warm up oil for 15 minutes. Its part of being a dry sump system.

Do not try to top off oil put in enough to show enough on the dipstick then run the engine for 20-30 seconds then continue fill. (it fills the filter) then you can top it off. (be carefull second half of fill really goes fast)

Check your owners manual for the location of the sump screw. If you don't have a center stand, or someone to help by holding the bike so it's straight up, you can put some wood under the kickstand later. It's best to do this with the engine slightly warm, so run it for a minute or so. Then loosen the oil filter and then open the sump screw, making sure you have a basin underneath to catch the oil. Take out and clean the sump screw and remove the old oil filter. Open the place to fill the oil too. When all the oil is drained, put a thin film of oil around the gasket on the new filter and screw it on following the instructions that come with the filter. Then replace and tighten the sump screw. Carefully fill the machine, being sure to not overfill. This is when you need the machine to be upright so you can check either the dipstick or sight glass. When you've filled to the correct level start the bike and make sure there are no leaks. Then check your level again. You should be good to go.