Opening, replacing or tightening a motorcycle engine oil cap has a modern issue?

Basic oil refill cap appearance with fin/ear

An oil cap of a motorcycle engine commonly is made from a strong metal material. But here is a big question: Are the new oil caps in this generation weak and brittle? 

That's one thing we would like to know. Because again, in the old days they are very strong and are made from a high quality material even the hard plastic ones. 

I love to talk about this eagerly because my fellow Keeway Cafe Racer 152 brothers unfortunately had oil caps destroyed or broken just by tightening. 

So, now let me tell you a short story... 

I remember my father's bike back in the 80's and in the 90's even the early 2000's. I couldn't open it by hand and fingers. I have to look for a plier to turn it open. 

Even when using a plier or an adjustable wrench still, opening them wasn't easy, I have to use an extra muscle. In those years mechanics and handy men like the DIY Dads use enough force to tighten the cap. I was perplexed with the practice. I don't understand why but anyway the cap was not damage by the force. In those years I haven't seen any, destroyed or got damaged by opening it using a tool. 

So, I ask my father why?  And his answers were surprising and cool... 

1. It might get loosen in a long run because of vibration. Make sense! 

2. Someone's might steal it.  Huh? I mean, this one doesn't make sense to me. Hahha

3. Some stupid strangers might do some tripping.  Good point! That is possible. 

Anyway, later in 2010.  That is when things gone crazier, the old practice is still being used. The bad thing is that oil caps gets broken after opening and tightening in 2 to 3 attempts. Changing oil or by checking its level. People, bikers and mechanics complained equally. The material is too weak now - as they say.

The issue was born...

But...  In my  case never did I place an oil cap with force and power. I just hand tight it. 

So the good question is... 

Do you tighten the oil cap using a plier like the old way? 

Or you simply hand tight it? 

I need the best answers.... 

I have to share an idea... 

Why I ONLY hand tight it.  

Number 1 Reason! It has a FIN, and for me that is a big sign that it doesn't need any tool at all, plus it has an O-ring designed to seal. You will know if your oil filler cap is a hand-tight design or if it needs a tool. If you can see an Allen nut or a hexagon head bolt, then you definitely need an extra force and a tool . If a fin is all you can see at the top of a cap then that is a hand-tight-only. 

Anyway... 

I Love to discuss this with you... 

So follow me on this blog and share your ideas on the comment section below. 

Watch this short video clips I made... Enjoy!

-Mr. Moonrider