I need to access my alternator. I took off the 8 or 10 bolts from the alternator cover, but am not sure wether I should drain the oil or not.

I noticed when removing the bolts from the alternator cover that there was some oil on my hands. Do you need to drain the bike's oil before you take off the alternator cover?

I know the alternator's bearings need lubrication, but engine oil shouldn't be flowing on that side, right?

 

Correct, (for an 04, not 100% sure about the 08)i have personaly changed my stator and when i took my cover off that side was dry. the bearings that are on that side of the crank have a seal on the outside. therefore the bearing gets lubed but lets no oil into the stator side.

 

oh sorry, I should have mentioned it's on '07.

Thanks for the help.

 

should be the same.