Oil CHANGE advice, please.

[Konrad]

Scenario: I changed the filter and oil using Mobil One Motorcycle oil.
I then took a 5,299 mile trip through 13 Western states.
Upon return to KY I was a Qt low and added Mobil One. Rode for another couple hundred miles. The dip stick shows it is still almost all clear.

1. I check the oil by wiping the dip stick and reinsert without screwing it down. Is that the proper procedure?

2. With the oil being synthetic and almost clear, after 5,500 miles, should it be changed?

What say you?

 

[Bikerbozo]

My last bike, even with 110,000 miles on it has clear looking synthetic oil whenever I look at it. Never low. I wipe dipstick and insert all the way to check.

 

[kawabeemer]

Most Honda products want you to check the oil level without screwing the dip stick in.
When in doubt, read the owners manual.

 

[shadow]

synthetic , should be changed after 8000 miles.

 

[Scott1]

I think changing the oil is the cheapest investment in maintenance you can do. I change my oil @ 5,000 miles and use 100% synthetic oil, an OEM oil filter, and a new crush washer. Cost me about $42.00 (less than 1 cent per mile @ 5000 miles) and why take the chance of screwing up your engine, clutch or transmission (big money for repairs). I spent a lot of money on my trike and I believe in spending the same on maintenance.

1) Center stand or level and reinsert dipstick do not screw it down. Check oil.

2) Change synthetic oil after 5000 to 8000 miles.

3) Use an OEM oil filter they only cost $10.00 don't go cheap (aftermarket) or take a chance with them working correctly.

4) Check oil weekly along with tire pressure.

5) Go ride and enjoy your investment.

 

[Konrad]

Thanks all! That reinforced what was in my fragile memory.

 

[MarciaG]

If you don't mind my asking for myself here, when do you recommend your very first oil change? My manual says every 4,000 miles. But even for the first oil change? I've heard varying opinions.

Thanks.

MarciaG PS I'm talking about a 2012 Goldwing trike

 

[Scott1]

My first oil change was at 1000 miles than every 5000 miles. Synthetic oil used every time. JMO

 

[MarciaG]

My first oil change was at 1000 miles than every 5000 miles. Synthetic oil used every time. JMO

Hmmm. Just got back from Knoxville. My mileage is 1442, to be exact. Another triker on this board suggested first oil change between 1500-2000 miles. I knew opinions would be differing. I say again, hmmm.

MarciaG :Shrug:

 

[Shimpy]

You won't damage your engine by changing oil too often. That said you don't want to waste money changing it too soon. In my trike I use 100% synthetic and change every 5,000 miles and use OEM filter. Oil and known quality filter are cheap insurance.

 

[Bangngearz]

I use Mobile 1 motorcycle oil and OEM filter too. I will change my oil every 5.k miles or once a year whatever comes first.

( I fish allot and can't ride when im in de boat) :Shrug:



Have a Blessed Day

Buck Reynolds
CMA 137933