OIL CHANGE FREQUENCY

[Kwacky]

That's 14 years old though.

[markrsvr15]

No way oil will break down after 500 miles no way no matter how much you kill it same principle no matter how old it is

[duke63]

Stands to reason that new oil is always better than used oil. Whether 500 miles makes a difference is debatable but it certainly won't be money wasted.

[Blade]

Some of the machinery we have at work and I'm talking multi million pound Rotating equipment hasn't had an oil change since I've been here and that's 15 years.

We take oil samples every 6 weeks which are analysed for condition which although I don't see the results, they must show no issues or concerns or the oil would be changed as cost saving is definitely not their concern in this matter.

Machinery protection, reliability and longevity are the key drivers.

[Kwacky]

is it the same oil in your bike as in the machines at work and are those machines under the same sort of testing conditions?

It's your bike so it's your call. For me if I had a bike like the SP2, had spent a small fortune on it and was going to keep it, I would include the oil change in my annual service, regardless of the miles done since the last change.

[markrsvr15]

As long as you don't use cheap oil I carnt see it been a problem.

Oil companies will not spend millions of pounds of research for 500 miles of use probably tested oil in miles harder conditions that riding a bike on the road or track i do know

[DaytonAndy]

The thing I took from the article above as well as my own readings was that fully synthetic oil lasts far longer without breaking down than normal oil. This seems to be supported by everything I've read so far. Being as you're using fully synthetic there's no way I'd change it after 500 miles/1 year. But then as you know, I'm a Scrooge and hate spending money unless I have to.

[D41]

The thing I found with fully-synth is it's so frickin' "slippy" that contaminants in the engine won't even stick to it....so it comes out clear and you think the engine is clean as-can-be inside....the reality is any contamination is staying in there.

Although frankly I honestly couldn't really care either way....my bike wrecking skills are way beyond any wrenching skills I'll ever possess, as I have proved past a doubt.

[Deegee]

The thing I found with fully-synth is it's so frickin' "slippy" that contaminants in the engine won't even stick to it....so it comes out clear and you think the engine is clean as-can-be inside....the reality is any contamination is staying in there.

I've not found that myself, but if anyone finds that a problem there's three things you can do to stop contaminants remaining in the engine at oil change time:

1, Make sure the engine has been out for a run or is at least at working temp before draining.
2, Drain the engine within seconds of stopping the engine - stop dirt etc settling and sticking to surfaces.
3, If you're still worried about the dirt staying in the engine use a proprietary "engine flush", there's several about, I've used the Würth one with good results but just using semi synth. It'll lift any nasties off surfaces and out of oil ways etc and hold them in suspension in the oil ready for draining out.

[D6]

I've never changed the oil. almost 30,000miles. I have had services. Generally about 3000miles or so late. And missed one altogether, I'm lucky to have a robust bike.

If you can do it. I say do it.