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?

 

when i removed my cover i didn't drain my oil because the last oil change was too recent. i think it's normal for a little oil to seep out when on a rearstand. expect more if the bike is on a sidestand. just top it off when u are finished but be sure that the oil is coming from the motor and not from the cover itself due to damage.

a friend of mine wants me to change the cover on his 07 RR too. he lowsided it into a curb after less than 20miles of his first time experience. his cover has been leaking very slowly ever since.