Hello, I just purchased a 2001 f4i with 20,000 miles and I need to change the oil, does anyone have any suggestions which weight and oil I should use with these miles? Thanks.

 

Here's the owner's manual: http://www.stephygee.com/2001F4i.zip
...and the Service manual: http://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp
You can find the recommended oil(s) inside. Post pics when you get a chance & maybe introduce yourself

 

10w40 is what I use in my 03 and the 01 is the same.

 

i use 10w40 and change it every 4k miles(but thats me).

 

Do you use regular auto oil or atv 4 cycle oil ? or does it really matter ?

 

If you use motorcycle oil, it has to be four-stroke motorcycle oil. You can find those at local auto part stores. They'll usually be up in the corner, and will typically have a little motorcycle on the label.
Some people use automobile oil, but you have to know which type to use or you can cause transmission problems with your clutch.
As far as synthetic versus mineral oils, synthetics generally last longer and imo are better all around. Nonetheless, with current oil technology the way it is, you can't go wrong with either. Synthetics, simply put, cost more money.
The main thing with engine oil, and more importantly than brand, is to stick to regimented regularly scheduled oil changes.
Here's a couple of links regarding this subject:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html
http://vfrworld.com/tex_vfr/tech/oil.htm

 

How many quarts are recommended?

 

roughly 3.5 (with filter change)

Get the bike level, put in 3 bottles and start checking the fill level as you pour the 4th in.

 

Is the level supposed to be filled half way?

 

With the filter, the volume is 3.7 litres. I use shell Rotella myself, a diesel engine oil that meets all the called-out SAE requirements. It's cheap and comes in 4.0 litre jugs.

Dump the new oil in, use the old container for the waste.

--Paul