oil changes

[KeithB]

my 2005 Honda Shodow Spirit owners manual says to change oil first time at 600 miles, that makes sense

then is says every 8000 miles, that is nuts

i change my car and truck at 3500

what milage do you guys change your bikes oil and filter?

Thanks

[flynrider]

I do the oil and filter every 3,000-3,500 mi., or 4 months. Whichever comes first.

[mustangski]

I agree with the every 3000 miles idea. I only follow mileage, I don't follow the 3-4 month rule. I don't believe oil gets old just sitting there.

[flynrider]

The reason for my 4 month rule is that oil builds up acids (mostly sulphuric) as byproducts of combustion. You don't want to leave that stuff sitting in the crankcase forever. 4 months is kind of arbitrary. It's the interval that is recommended for my air-cooled airplane engine, so I've just applied it to the bike. Since the bike is built to tighter tolerances, it could probably go longer.

[KeithB]

Makes sense John, maybe good idea to change the oil before the bike is put up for the winter then even if less than 3000 miles.

[Ladymx]

first oil change is usually with in the 600 miles and then 3000miles is good. The first 600 miles is to get ride of any metal filings that have come lose from the initial riding.

[niterider]

If they are using a synthetic oil, it will go a considerable longer amount of miles. Rigs (18 wheelers) run 12,000 to 15,000 miles on a regular oil, and 50,000 or so on synthetic oils with filter changes before the oil change. However, they do hold up to 10 gallons in the pan. I do my cages at 3,000 and my bikes at 1,500 miles.