Oil Change Needed?

[jgalaw]

I have been changing the oil (I use a synthetic) and filter in my Valk annually (and Magna before that) for many years.  I typically ride between 5,000 and 6,000 miles per year.  Due to several factors I only logged 2600 miles in 2010.  I know oil changes are relatively inexpensive and it is one of the few maintenance items I can accomplish on my own, but do I really need one this year? I'll probably do it for peace of mind, but is there any real need for it?  Thoughts appreciated.

On an unrelated and more interesting matter, it appears winter has, for the moment, loosened its grip on North Texas.  I am meeting up with Dave and his group of Dedicated Riders in McKinney today at 11:00 for tour of FM455. To me, FM455 never gets old, especially the part over the dam at the south end of Lake Ray Roberts. It makes me feel like I'm 500 miles from the urban sprawl, crawl and smog of the metroplex.  A really good feeling.  Join us if you can.

Jeff Atkins   

[xbmann]

I'm no mechanic but I would change it just for as you said piece of mind. Could there be a little bit of condensation from the temp changes and it sitting for a long time?

Wish I could ride with y'all today but I just got my new clutch and I will be installing it today and hopefully going out tomorrow

[hootmon]

xbmann



Funny, I have the same thoughts this year...
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the Magna and change oil annually in May (just before the hot Florida season).. I usually get about 9K-10K miles a year on each oil change...
Continuing to be unemployed causing me not to commute daily and trailering our bikes this year up to NC instead of riding, and the cold winter we have had, I've only got about 3K on my oil this year..
I will tell you that Oil does not have a calendar.. My bike hasn't sat longer than 3 weeks without riding..
So I'm thinking about getting another 6 months out of the oil.. The only issue with that is now I change my oil in November, which throws me off of the May (just before hot season) cycle..
With things being tight.. and utilizing good Synthetic oil, I think I'm going to hold off on the oil change.
We will see how I feel in May.. Maybe if I'm able to take a big trip this year (MootMag), maybe I'll change it just before the trip.

[Greg Cothern]

If its synthetic dont worry about it..  It does not degrade like "DINO"-oil.  Your more worried about contaminates, it doesnt break down like naturals.

[TLRam1]

I left this morning for the breakfast ride around 7 am, with ice still on a 4-5 foot strip before I hit payment, a little worried about dumping the bike and myself. All went well, the temps were 25 degrees so all my gear was on and working. My son came in from college last night so I came home right after breakfast and the others took a short loop back, arrived by 10:30.

[dgc67]

I left this morning for the breakfast ride around 7 am, with ice still on a 4-5 foot strip before I hit payment, a little worried about dumping the bike and myself. All went well, the temps were 25 degrees so all my gear was on and working. My son came in from college last night so I came home right after breakfast and the others took a short loop back, arrived by 10:30.

TERRY TRANSLATION:
No you should not need to change it.   

[L J VFR]

I change my oil (Rotella Synthetic) every year in April no matter how many miles I put on it in the year.  May be overkill, but I fill alot better knowing my engine is running as clean as I can make it.   

My problem is I have never put over 4000 miles on any motorcycle I have owned in a year, so I feel I am not getting the most out of my synthetic oil.  I am tossing up the idea of switching back to dino oil.

[hootmon]

I change my oil (Rotella Synthetic) every year in April no matter how many miles I put on it in the year.  May be overkill, but I fill alot better knowing my engine is running as clean as I can make it.   

My problem is I have never put over 4000 miles on any motorcycle I have owned in a year, so I feel I am not getting the most out of my synthetic oil.  I am tossing up the idea of switching back to dino oil.

I would not necessarily disagree with your considering going back to Dyno oil (or Synthetic blend).. However I'll add one consideration.. Since you only put on 4000 miles, are any of these miles "short mileage"? Something less than 5 miles or so?? IF so, then I might stick with Synthetic anyways.. The Synthetics tend to have better properties for rust/corrosion prevention etc..

Out of all the V-4 motors that have been posted here and elsewhere, how many catastrophic failures have you heard of?? AND how many worn out engines have you heard of (and at what mileage)?

I've been changing my oil once a year for 4 or 5 years now.. I average 9K+ miles a year or so.. (until this year).. I have an estimated 80K miles on my motor and it still runs like new, as best as I can tell. I think at these higher mileages per year the extra $$$ for Syn is well worth it (not to mention I would hate to change my oil 3-4 times a year!!!)

But at lower mileage, like you are discussing.. It makes you say Hummmm.. Do I go for longer intervals? Go backwards to Dyno/Blend? Hummm

[Jigger]

I changed my oil when I prepped the bike for the winter. But when the weather is some what warm. I'll put the battery in it and fire it up. Then let it warm up. Before I shut it down. I'm not planning on doing another oil change until the end of the season. Don't get me wrong but if I remember correctly most synthic oils have been formulated to last 5000 miles or more.

[hootmon]

if I remember correctly most synthic oils have been formulated to last 5000 miles or more.

Amsoil states twice the manufacturer interval.. On the Magna the book says 7500 miles.. So, my 10K/year is well within that limit.

[TLRam1]

I left this morning for the breakfast ride around 7 am, with ice still on a 4-5 foot strip before I hit payment, a little worried about dumping the bike and myself. All went well, the temps were 25 degrees so all my gear was on and working. My son came in from college last night so I came home right after breakfast and the others took a short loop back, arrived by 10:30.

TERRY TRANSLATION:
No you should not need to change it.   

[roboto65]

When you all gonna listen Run ROYAL PURPLE and forget about it 

[Lurkin]

When you all gonna listen Run ROYAL PURPLE and forget about it 

What!  If I use RP then I NEVER have to change the oil ever again!  Wow, that is some impressive (snake) oil!



JKing btw, I know what you meant, just having some fun with the wording.