ok. I been riding for about 2 years, but haven't owned one bike long enough to have to change the oil. Till know I took my bike in for it's 600 mile first checkup and know it's up to 3000. So i figured it was time for a change. i looked in my handy owners manual and it said not to change it till 8000 miles. It just says to inspect at 4000. I wanted to see when the general consenses is as to when to change oil.

thanks.



p.s. thank god i don't have to make my living as a mechanic

 

I change my bikes oil every 3000, 4000 if I am lazy. But I also ride it hard, and redline it everyday, even so I recommend chaging the oil earlier, its a good idea. The guys I ride with change theirs at about 3k or 4k also.
I like to get the oil OUT of the motor before it starts to break down and change color. 8000 is probably when the oil can absolutly not be used any more. and would be the absolute maximum. If your manual says inspect at 4k, just change it at 4k

 

It's not only distance, it's also time. usually recommended 8000 clicks or every 12 months, which comes sooner.

 

im with 12oclocker, every 3000 - 4000 miles.

 

Make it every 2500. It's easier to keep track of (if you're like me and don't write things down)

10000
12500
15000
17500

A little more money but what's it hurt???

 

Why so early when the manual says 8k miles? Everyones always like "oh don't use the high grade gas use what it says in the manual they know best they made the bike," but when it comes to changing oil don't follow the manual?

Mike

 

Wait, I use 91 High Grade all the time... I shouldn't be?

 

does your motor Ping, or knock when you use 87? if not, then no.

every 3000 miles, but i'm doing a little researching of my own regarding oil. There are some who have used oil analysis and not changed their oil for a year riding many many miles and have come back saying the oil was still in good condition.

 

I've always changed the oil in every vehicle I've owned every 3K or 3mo, whichever comes first, maybe in a year it might cost an extra 50 bucks like this but sure as hell doesn't hurt.

 

If the manual doesn't say to use 87, it doesn't help to use anything but 87. Ignition advance and early detonation is all that the higher octane can do...

Now with that said, these motors often have 11:1 and greater compression ratios, which in car world almost always means 93 octane... not that it's any "cleaner" or anything, just that it is less likely to detonate earlier.

As for oil, read up on "BOB is the oil guy" forums, they will wear you out with their theories etc...

Is the F4i a wet clutch that shares the clutch and engine oil? If that's the case, I would think Oil Intervals would be sooner than 8000 miles... I will probably do 3,000 miles or whatever is lower in the manual, I think bikes probably break down oil at a much greater rate since they are so hot compared to regular cars. but I could be wrong.