How often should I change my oil?

How often are you suppose to change out the oil? Is it like a car, every 3,000 miles or should you do it more sooner?

Okay, my first instinct is to delete the post since the obvious thing to do is read the manual, which as the service intervals for all maintenance items, but since we now have a new oil section, let's run with this. 1. Check your manual. Mine (05 750) says change it every 3,500 miles, with a filter replacement every third change. This is for normal street riding conditions. Actually, it's pretty much for any riding condition you may be capable of having on the street. 2. Track/race bikes should typically be changed more frequently. If you change more frequently on a street bike, you're just wasting oil and money. 3. I don't get point behind changing the oil and not the filter. I change the filter every oil change anyway. Personally, I change my oil every 5,000 miles, not every 3,500 miles. Then again I use full synthetic oil.

Wet clutch and high reving engine...I cange every 1500 miles. But that may not be the norm.

Every 2500, AMSOIL with a stock filter.

About the beginning of each season. I put on a couple thousand per year. Not a lot of miles but I done like the thought of dirty oil sitting in my bike all winter.

ok, since this is my first bike I plan to change the oil pretty soon. Would it be safe to change the oil every 5K miles? Take into consideration I don't plany to do ANY drag racing or constant high RPM riding. I would love to check the manual but I didn't get one and don't know where to fine one. 2004 GSXR 600

ok, since this is my first bike I plan to change the oil pretty soon. Would it be safe to change the oil every 5K miles? Take into consideration I don't plany to do ANY drag racing or constant high RPM riding. I would love to check the manual but I didn't get one and don't know where to fine one. 2004 GSXR 600 download one for free: http://www.gsxr.com/showthread.php?t=33716

download one for free: http://www.gsxr.com/showthread.php?t=33716 http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/images/smilies/rockon.gifhttp://www.svtperformance.com/forums/images/smilies/rockon.gifhttp://www.svtperformance.com/forums/images/smilies/rockon.gif

The link for the 600 is down Is there a huge difference between teh 600 and 750 other than CC

The link for the 600 is down Is there a huge difference between teh 600 and 750 other than CC Clicky (http://rapidshare.com/files/102993630/Suzuki_GSXR_600_K4_Service_Manual.pdf)

Clicky (http://rapidshare.com/files/102993630/Suzuki_GSXR_600_K4_Service_Manual.pdf) Got thanks Looks like It'll be downloading for a while LOL

Every 25 hundred or 3 thou mile with filter. Use Mobil 1 or Amsoil myself:bounce

i usually go 3000 and use amsoil and k&n filter sometims the amsoil filter

Wet clutch and high reving engine...I cange every 1500 miles. But that may not be the norm. ^^ +1 +K&N filter every third change.

^^ +1 +K&N filter every third change. I just bought my K7 off the showroom floor and change my oil when shifting from first to neutral is hard to do. Another audible hint is when noise from the clutch get louder when sitting at idle. I have been using Repsol 4T 10W-40. :headshake Most of my riding involves 6 to 10 hours of riding at one time with the engine between 6000 to 14000 RPM. The oil breaks down quick and have been changing my oil every 1500 to 2000 miles. If you pay attention these two things when you jump on your bike and/or change oil as the dealer recommends then you should be good.:thumbup:

+7 on the K&N Filter. I would go 3000 at the absolute MAX even with synthetic, but since I do alot of track riding I stick to 1500-2000 with Motul.

3. I don't get point behind changing the oil and not the filter. I change the filter every oil change anyway. Personally, I change my oil every 5,000 miles, not every 3,500 miles. Then again I use full synthetic oil. I feel the same way. I don't get why you wouldn't change the oil and filter every time. I change mine every 2000 miles with a K&N filter. I just feel that I'm always ripping it up everywhere I go and want to keep her going to 100,000 miles so I change it often. Nothings to good for my girl.

amsoil

amsoil every 3k

I do mine about every 3000mi

stock suzuki filter and good old dyno oil ( honda gn-4) change it every 1,000 miles or 3 month which ever comes first... been doing it this way for over 20 years.. never had a failure yet.. 20.00 well spent for piece of mind.. some say its too often.. but it works for me also very important thing... with a new bike change it as soon as you get home.. did my first one at 17 miles, then at 100, 300 and 500 miles.. amazing how much crap comes out !

nice post i didnt have a manual.

i do mine every 1500 miles reguardless....wasting money yes....peice of mind....priceless

I put about 2500-3000 miles on my bike every month. Nearly 40,000 miles a year. If i'm using regular oil, change oil and filter every 3500 miles. Amsoil, every 8-10,000 miles. I change only when I need it. And if the tests show that the amsoil chemical composition doesnt change or degrade much in 10,000 miles, why change it sooner? Its just pricey, so I've been using regular oil.

i change mine every 3 months or 3000 miles.

AMSOIL is recommended up to 2 times OEM Drain Interval up to 1 year. For the one that stated he changes once per year in the Spring. Few oils have a high enough TBN to be able to do that safely. You could be etching the cylinders and rings along with any other Iron parts. Also, when the TBN drops, the acidity will attack soft metals as well. Bob S.

Few oils have a high enough TBN to be able to do that safely. You could be etching the cylinders and rings along with any other Iron parts. Also, when the TBN drops, the acidity will attack soft metals as well. Bob S. very good info, never knew that :thumbup:

Who is a Mod on here ? Bob S.

Who is a Mod on here ? Bob S. Feel free to PM any of us.

I go between 1500-2000 miles and apparently im the only one who runs semi-synthetc Bel Ray

ok. I just changed my oil usint MOTUL oil and an K&N Filter. I have 6000 miles on the bike (2004 gsxr 600) I don't plan on going to the track. I will put about 2000-3000 miles on the bike per year SHould I still replace the oil twice a year or can I get away with doing it once a year

ok. I just changed my oil usint MOTUL oil and an K&N Filter. I have 6000 miles on the bike (2004 gsxr 600) I don't plan on going to the track. I will put about 2000-3000 miles on the bike per year SHould I still replace the oil twice a year or can I get away with doing it once a year If you store the bike (more than 4-6 weeks of non riding) and you do not use oil analysis to verify TBN, you should change the oil before storage and not start during that time. The oil change is pretty much the last thing to do after Stabalizing the fuel, and fogging the engine. Bob S.

If you store the bike (more than 4-6 weeks of non riding) and you do not use oil analysis to verify TBN, you should change the oil before storage and not start during that time. The oil change is pretty much the last thing to do after Stabalizing the fuel, and fogging the engine. Bob S. ok would it matter if I start the bike twice a week and let it run for about 10-15 minutes? That's what I did this winter

ok would it matter if I start the bike twice a week and let it run for about 10-15 minutes? That's what I did this winter You don't want to do that because the motor will get up to temp and then that will cause condensation to build up inside and could cause rust and other damage. Its better to pull the battery out and let it sit or just put it on a tender.

What would happen if we drained every fluid out of the bike before winter? Gas, oil, coolant.......

You don't want to do that because the motor will get up to temp and then that will cause condensation to build up inside and could cause rust and other damage. Its better to pull the battery out and let it sit or just put it on a tender. OK. well would it make since to or can I just start the bike and ride it for 1 mile every week or so. It just seems like such an inconvienence to replace the oil when not necessary. Now that's according to ridden miles

OK. well would it make since to or can I just start the bike and ride it for 1 mile every week or so. It just seems like such an inconvienence to replace the oil when not necessary. Now that's according to ridden miles It kind of depends on how often and how you ride. I change my oil everything 3-3200 miles and I change the filter every other oil change....I ride a lot and I ride pretty hard. Your essential parts depend on that oil so I would change it more often than not especially with it being a newer bike. If you do start it and have the ability to ride it than I would ride it around for like 15 min but if theres snow on the ground then don't even start it during the winter....

What would happen if we drained every fluid out of the bike before winter? Gas, oil, coolant....... You could drain everything out, but I wouldn't drain the oil and then just let it sit there, theres no way that that could be good for the bike, plus you run the risk of forgetting you did that and starting your bike and then your motor is toast!!

ok would it matter if I start the bike twice a week and let it run for about 10-15 minutes? That's what I did this winter You don't want to do that because the motor will get up to temp and then that will cause condensation to build up inside and could cause rust and other damage. Its better to pull the battery out and let it sit or just put it on a tender. tdub is correct and on top of that you will continue to build acidity at a faster rate from combustion by-products.. What would happen if we drained every fluid out of the bike before winter? Gas, oil, coolant....... You need the fresh oil to help dilute the oil in the crankcase and with the larger cavity, you will form more condensation. Drain the gas ? Sure, as long as you Use Stabalizer first and run the engine thoroughly so the stabalizer coats all the parts, especially rubber ones so the don't dry, shrink and crack...and then bring your tank inside the house so there is a minimum of rust that will build. Might as well just use the stabalizer the way it is intended. Coolant ? Same scenario, has anti-rust and corrossion inhibitors but most anti-freeze is intended to be changed every 2 years as well. Brake fluid ? Bleed every year and completely flush every 2 years. ok would it matter if I start the bike twice a week and let it run for about 10-15 minutes? That's what I did this winter You don't want to do that because the motor will get up to temp and then that will cause condensation to build up inside and could cause rust and other damage. Its better to pull the battery out and let it sit or just put it on a tender. What would happen if we drained every fluid out of the bike before winter? Gas, oil, coolant....... OK. well would it make since to or can I just start the bike and ride it for 1 mile every week or so. It just seems like such an inconvienence to replace the oil when not necessary. Now that's according to ridden miles Shops love people that hate to be inconvenienced. Every Spring when their bays are filled with Bikes that are stored improperly and the cash register rings away. I know, I owned several equipment shops over the years.. We would get backlogged 4-6 weeks just from improper storage.. Loved the people that were willing to pay time and a half on the shop rates. Girlfriend hated those 18-20 hour 7 days a week, except for when the time came to spend the money.. LOL You could always move to a climate where you can ride most of the year... Bob S.

Every other race weekend with Amsoil. On my street bike I went 8,000 miles and I rode it like it was stolen on a daily basis with no problems.

So, I guess the beginning of the winter 2009 I'll just change the oil and not start the bike? What's the difference between that and letting the bike sit all winter with the same oil and changing it the beginnign of spring?

So, I guess the beginning of the winter 2009 I'll just change the oil and not start the bike? What's the difference between that and letting the bike sit all winter with the same oil and changing it the beginnign of spring? The acidity in the used oil keeps building... For storage, I would just use any cheap oil as long as it meets the JASO Spec of MA or MA 2. Or, You could switch to AMSOIL which has a high enough TBN to handle storage, even on used oil, along with specific Anti-Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors. I would still recommend Gas Stabilizer and Fogging as well. Bob S.

I would still recommend Gas Stabilizer and Fogging as well. oddly enough my wife tells me that every night :hmmm: j/k :D

I would still recommend Gas Stabilizer and Fogging as well. Bob S. OK, well I haven't used any gas stabilizer this past winter. Should I use it now or what?

OK, well I haven't used any gas stabilizer this past winter. Should I use it now or what? It's too late to use stabilizer. If you've started the bike and it runs, just run through the tank. If it runs like crap, drain the tank and put fresh gas in. I wouldn't worry about 3-4 months.

I change mine every 2k

Sorry to bring back an old thread But is it safe to replace the oil with fresh oil and let the bike sit during the winter without starting it? OR Should I just completely drain the oil and take out the battery. Then when the spring of 2010 hits, replace the oil with fresh oil Thanks

Sorry to bring back an old thread But is it safe to replace the oil with fresh oil and let the bike sit during the winter without starting it? OR Should I just completely drain the oil and take out the battery. Then when the spring of 2010 hits, replace the oil with fresh oil Thanks For that extended storage period..... Double dose with Gasoline Stabilizer .. Run long enough to make sure it is through the fuel system.. make sure tank is FULL.. Use a quality Fogging Oil per recommendations.. Change oil and filter with a Motorcycle Specific oil... Yes, it needs to be M/C Specific so you don't contaminate the clutch plates... DO NOT START after this... actually, do not start or even turn the engine over at all after the fogging. Pull Battery and store in a temperature Neutral location on top of a piece of wood.. It may or may not survive to to sulfation. Bob

OK, this is a noob question What is fogging. Take into consideration this is my first bike that I got in 9/2008

OK, this is a noob question What is fogging. Take into consideration this is my first bike that I got in 9/2008 Sorry.... Fogging oil is used to protect the cylinders, rings, pistons etc... from oxidation and/or rust during storage. Fogging Oil http://bestoil4you.com/files/g2215FOG_AST.pdf is most commonly sprayed through the intake (no filter) at a slightly elevated RPM until the engine dies. If it doesn't die, let off the throttle and see if it kills, and if it doesn't, continue spraying while you hit the kill switch. Please feel free to contact me via email amsoil@bestoil4you.com or my Toll Free in the Sig Bob

I change my oil at the begining of every riding season. I put at the most 3500 miles on her every summer and change it after winter cause i think it may get condensation in it over the winter when I start it and warm it up once a month to keep the battery topped off. I also remove the lo-beam fuse when I run her in the winter, as to not have a huge drain on the batt.

I change my oil at the begining of every riding season. I put at the most 3500 miles on her every summer and change it after winter cause i think it may get condensation in it over the winter when I start it and warm it up once a month to keep the battery topped off. I also remove the lo-beam fuse when I run her in the winter, as to not have a huge drain on the batt. You should not store on oil that has been run.... you cause more moisture and acids by warming the bike.. Bob

So, should I replace the oil before fogging the engine or after fogging the engine. Also, once the weather breaks again for the spring will I have a starting problem?

So, should I replace the oil before fogging the engine or after fogging the engine. Also, once the weather breaks again for the spring will I have a starting problem? Oil is the very last thing.... As long as you treat the fuel properly, you should be able to start it with no problems. Bob

This refers to a 2004 GSXR 600 I'm sure other models & years would be similiar http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/7530/75672329.jpg http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/184/38662804.jpg

Yes, it is a good "Guide" ... look at the very top line... About the Severe Conditions and needing more frequent Maintenance.. 99.9% fit Severe Service Recommendations.... Bob

im at 1100 miles rite now, should i change it at 1200 or wait for 1500? this too is my first bike.

im at 1100 miles rite now, should i change it at 1200 or wait for 1500? this too is my first bike. You SHOULD have changed it at 600 miles, initially, so, change it. Anywhere from 600 to 1000 miles is fine. 1100 is no big deal.

You SHOULD have changed it at 600 miles, initially, so, change it. Anywhere from 600 to 1000 miles is fine. 1100 is no big deal. im not the first owner of my bike, i bought it at roughly 900 miles...the previous owner was a girl who barely knew how to ride and she told me she hadn't had any kind of maintence done.

First I think it depends on your riding style...high rpm/races I would change it at the 2500 mile mark. I change once a year regardless if I put on 100 miles or 3000. I have yet to do over 3k in a season.... maybe this year.....

im not the first owner of my bike, i bought it at roughly 900 miles...the previous owner was a girl who barely knew how to ride and she told me she hadn't had any kind of maintence done. Well, change it then. And from here on out go by the service manual's oil change intervals. Or do a search to see what some of us are doing. Service manual says change oil and filter at 600 miles, and then do 3,500 mile oil changes, with a filter change every third oil change. Me, I don't do that. I run full synthetic oil, and I go 5,000 miles oil AND filter change intervals. I don't get the point of changing the oil and not the filter. BTW my 05 750 has 66,000 miles on it and runs like new, and it sees it's share of track days.

How often are you suppose to change out the oil? Is it like a car, every 3,000 miles or should you do it more sooner? I go 3-4k between oil changes and I have the filter changed as well. I take it to a shop so the filter cost is minimal. BTW, cars are 7500-15000 miles these days.

I change my oil every 1000-1500 miles. I don't exactly go "cruising" on my bike though ! I give it the business every time she goes out...I mean...that's what I paid for. So since I absolutly run the piss out of my bike...I roll full synthetic oil,change the filter EVERY TIME ! Oil's cheap...motors for your gixxer...not so much !!! L8r The Randinator !

I change oil AND filter every 1500 but its my first bike and i'm just really picky yet...

I go 3-4k between oil changes and I have the filter changed as well. I take it to a shop so the filter cost is minimal. BTW, cars are 7500-15000 miles these days. Please dont mislead people on proper care for cars. It is absolutely rediculous to think you can safely run a car 7500-15000 miles without getting serious problems down the road. This is coming from a car enthusiast who rides for fun :bounce I know my post count is low but not on my car forums ;)

Please dont mislead people on proper care for cars. It is absolutely rediculous to think you can safely run a car 7500-15000 miles without getting serious problems down the road. This is coming from a car enthusiast who rides for fun :bounce I know my post count is low but not on my car forums ;) Depends on the car... and the oil. A relatively low-stressed motor, combined with a high quality full-synthetic oil, and a filter that won't break down, CAN run at those intervals and last a very long time. We're talking about commuter vehicles and SUV's, not sports cars or severe service vehicles. BMW recommends 6,000 mile oil change intervals on their motorcycles, and that's with standard oil. Do I have the balls to run 6,000 miles on my own RT on standard oil? No. But I do run those intervals on synthetic oil, and people DO regularly get 200,000+ miles out of these bikes, using those maintenance intervals. The bottom line is that there is no point in needlessly throwing away oil, your motor won't last longer if you change your oil more often than Suzuki recommends.

That is why I use oil analysis.. Oil is Not oil All Synthetics are not alike... I can go 9500-10,000 miles on my Touring bike, with AMSOIL, supported by Oil Analysis. Another Synthetic was tested at just over 3000 and it failed, so there is definitely a difference. I am not easy on this bike either.. 900 lbs empty and I run with the bags and tour pack full and pull a loaded trailer and many times 2 up going down the road at well over 2000 lbs CGVWR on an air cooled 2 cylinder. You can see a pic on the opening page of my site.. www.bestoil4you.com Bob

Please dont mislead people on proper care for cars. It is absolutely rediculous to think you can safely run a car 7500-15000 miles without getting serious problems down the road. This is coming from a car enthusiast who rides for fun :bounce I know my post count is low but not on my car forums ;) Not trying to stick up for the other guy but, as Mister Tee noted, it depends... My work van has routinely gone 25,000-43,000 miles on a change interval. Never any internal engine problems. With 350,000 miles on it, it still goes down the road and doen't burn any oil. I use AMSOIL 100% Synthetic 0W-30 in it which is actually almost a 20 wgt. Bob

I change my oil every 1000-1500 miles. I don't exactly go "cruising" on my bike though ! I give it the business every time she goes out...I mean...that's what I paid for. So since I absolutly run the piss out of my bike...I roll full synthetic oil,change the filter EVERY TIME ! Oil's cheap...motors for your gixxer...not so much !!! L8r The Randinator ! If you drag race alot change it every 1000 miles. I race my bike every weekend. I drive there and home. But I don't use synthetic oil. Because of the clutch slip. I use a high grade racing oil 20-50 racing. But if i didn't drag race i would use a full synthetic. I also change it after a race weekend if i made more then 20 runs. I am 39 years old ran bikes and cars. I change the oil alot its only money lol..

change every 2000 miles with k&n performance gold filter and Mobil. and at the end of every ridding season regardless

If you drag race alot change it every 1000 miles. I race my bike every weekend. I drive there and home. But I don't use synthetic oil. Because of the clutch slip. I use a high grade racing oil 20-50 racing. But if i didn't drag race i would use a full synthetic. I also change it after a race weekend if i made more then 20 runs. "Synthetics", do not cause clutch slippage in general. If you run a Motorcycle Specific Synthetic with a JASO MA 2 Rating, you will not have any clutch slippage. That is the highest clutch performance rating available today. Also, you will have no problems running a 10W-40 which will give you more HP. More HP=Lower ET The Best isn't cheap Cheap isn't The Best

Please dont mislead people on proper care for cars. It is absolutely rediculous to think you can safely run a car 7500-15000 miles without getting serious problems down the road. This is coming from a car enthusiast who rides for fun :bounce I know my post count is low but not on my car forums ;) I would think that the manufacturer would give safe intervals. My VW says at 5K and then every 7500. There is even a note to NOT change the oil before 5,000. My Toyota says every 7500 miles and my wifes BMW has a built in monitor. The oil was changed twice in 34,000 miles

actually i don't mine upto 3000mi ,but i think for wet clutch and high reving engine we hve to check and change for 1500 miles. But that may not be the norm. Richardmatty

Well I just got this bike and I am not sure how the guy took care of it over the winter time. I wish I would have seen this thread before today. So in all, I need to fogg the bike, change the oil and pull the batterie. Now that it is only 2 months away from riding time, am I too late or should I go ahead and do this?

Never too late.. That is 2 months of Acid, Rust and Corrosion avoided The Best isn't cheap Cheap isn't The Best Bob

I would think that the manufacturer would give safe intervals. My VW says at 5K and then every 7500. There is even a note to NOT change the oil before 5,000. My Toyota says every 7500 miles and my wifes BMW has a built in monitor. The oil was changed twice in 34,000 miles Regardless of how strange it may sound, it's true. Even on my Wife's brand new Cheverlot Malibu, There's a display that tell you the percentage of oil life that is left. According to the dealer you don't have to change the oil till it reaches 10% We bought teh car in July of 2009 and first 3000 miles the oil percentage was at 78%. When we first got the oil changed, it was at about 24-25% Just in case anything was screwed up or something, we took it to the dealer for an oil change. I think we'll continue to do that. That way there's nothing they can say if anything goes wrong But this is really comparing apples to oranges. I really can't see waiting that long to change the oil on a bike. Well I just got this bike and I am not sure how the guy took care of it over the winter time. I wish I would have seen this thread before today. So in all, I need to fogg the bike, change the oil and pull the batterie. Now that it is only 2 months away from riding time, am I too late or should I go ahead and do this? I would just go ahead and change the oil anyway. Nothing like fresh oil Probably during the middle of teh season change it again. Can't do any harm by doing that.

As said, Apples to Oranges.. Cars with larger sumps, don't rev as high and in the case of the BMW, I believe the monitor is set for synthetic oil. Regardless, they are not actually testing the oil, the computer is averaging conditions within set parameters. I know several people that sent their oil in for analysis at about 30% and the oil was bad and needed to be changed. Some have made it to that 10% but squeeking by. On the other end, I have a couple customers that went to less than 10% using AMSOIL SSO and the oil came back just fine and no significant wear metals which is actually what we look at more than other items on the report. All oils are not alike, whether Petroleum, Hydro-Cracked or Synthetic. There are different grades of base stocks and different additive packs even within each of those. Oil is too cheap, even High End Synthetics such as AMSOIL, to try and be frugal with. The engine on my Touring bike is $8000 to replace as is. I can't afford to be foolish and stretch oil changes beyond reasonable limits or run an oil that is less than Superior to save a couple dollars. The Best isn't cheap Cheap isn't The Best Bob

The engine on my Touring bike is $8000 to replace as is. I can't afford to be foolish and stretch oil changes beyond reasonable limits or run an oil that is less than Superior to save a couple dollars. VERY GOOD POINT Don't take a chance and risk it by stretching oil life or using cheap products

umm...how would u guys rate castrol 4t oil?

You don't want to do that because the motor will get up to temp and then that will cause condensation to build up inside and could cause rust and other damage. Its better to pull the battery out and let it sit or just put it on a tender. No poop. Good thing I read that..... this is my first winter with a bike and I've been running it for 10-15 like once a week or so. I guess I'll stop now. Thanks for the info.

No poop. Good thing I read that..... this is my first winter with a bike and I've been running it for 10-15 like once a week or so. I guess I'll stop now. Thanks for the info. Yeah, discontinue doing that. Unless you play to ride the bike for about 1 mile or so each time you do that. If not, just remove the battery and let it sit throughout the winter. Don't forget to put some fuel stabilizer in the tank to prevent the fuel from breaking down. and make sure you have a full tank of gas when doing so I'm in jersey so I know how you feel. Sometimes I go to my garage sit on the bike and dream I'm on a moto GP circuit or something LOL Then I get off, open the garage door, and old man winter is right there and hits me with a blast of 10 degree weather to bring me back to reality