Author |
Message |
Olinxb12r
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:19 pm: |
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I don't know what happened to my first post, so here we go again. I have 4K on my XB, and I'm wondering why the manual only has services at 1K, 5K, 10K etc... I'm thinking that the oil should be changed at least every 3K. Is there a secret I don't know? So of course I'm at the spot where I think I should change the oil, but I only have another 1K before my 5K service. Thoughts? I am also thinking about switching over to synthetic. What is the general thought about synthetic oil and trans fluid? I think I've read something about this before, but I can't remember if it was here and I want the opinion of Buellers since that is what I ride. Thanks guys!!!!! |
Cyko_bob
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:42 pm: |
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Olin...lots of threads on the oils, etc. I change mine about every 2500 miles, just because I like clean oil, hence a clean engine. I change it for sure at every 3,000 miles. Even using synthetic, it is piece of mind for me that I have good oil circulating in my engine and a clean engine. Of course I change the filter every time I change the oil. If you look at the bio's on most of the riders, most of us use Mobil 1 Syn or some other brand of synthetic. My opinion, from what I have read it just does not break down as quickly due to heat like fossil based oil. Since our engines are air cooled, that is important to me. Oh, most of us use syn in the primary also... My 2 cents...but lots of opinions on oil... |
Truk
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:54 pm: |
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Mine was change at 1,000 and again at 2,500 miles when I was using the non Synthetic HD oil recommended in the handbook. Changed it again2,500 miles later at 5,000 miles. At that time I changed it to fully synthetic Mobile One and plan on changing every 5,000 as recommended now that I have Mobile One in it. |
Kaese
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 04:30 pm: |
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I have used the Sport Trans and HD 20-50W every 5,000 after the break-in as the manual recommends. Have 32K miles with no problems. |
Olinxb12r
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 05:16 pm: |
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So they are serious about the service schedule. Interesting. I think I will probably still service mine every 3K anyway. Maybe I'll have my HD tech friend do my oil for me at 4K and the rest of the 5K service when it is due. I'm sure there won't be warranty problems from over servicing my bike! Any other info from anyone would be great. Thanks again guys!!! I just want to say that this is definitely the most helpful motorcycle board that I'm on. All the other boards I'm on are just social boards that happen to be motorcycle boards. |
Roadrunnerrv
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 08:02 pm: |
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I dont think you can change your oil too much. If it eases your mind...go for it. Please consider synthetic. All are pretty good. I use amsoil in all 3 of my buells. good luck! |
Jasonxb12s
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 09:12 pm: |
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I do both at every 1000 miles myself. However, I do use cooking oils. |
Nevar
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 10:25 pm: |
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I have 5 bikes. The commuter (Aprilia Pegaso) gets about 5K miles per year (short commute) and the other 4 get about 2K each per year. Because of this I change the oil every 1K miles but I only change the filter on every other oil change (2K miles on the filter). This works out to be about every 6 months for my non-commuting bikes. It is probably over-kill but I enjoy tinkering with the bikes as much as riding them (don't flame me!). Tim |
Johnnylunchbox
| Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 10:35 pm: |
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Ahhh the oil thread!!!! LOL Shell Rotella T 5W40 full synthetic. $13 per gallon. Diesel/Fleet Oil (recommended in manual as an alternative to Buell/HD Oil) For the short time I ran it in my XB (because I had HD do first service so now back to 20W50) I noticed that the fan came on way less. I guess this is due to the better cooling properties of a slightly lighter oil. I use it in every single motorcycle I own - even in the wet clutch bikes. Chnage it when the mood strikes me, but no longer than 4000 miles. Just my 2 cents. |
Brucelee
| Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2005 - 10:32 am: |
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I use the Shell in my Porsches. It is great stuff and a real value. I am a bit concerned that it is too light for the air cooled Buell. Any thoughts? |
Whodom
| Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2005 - 10:41 am: |
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I run Shell Rotella T synth in my water-cooled Honda (1983 VT500FT Ascot) but I wouldn't feel comfortable running it in my Buell due to the viscosity. I have heard of a couple of Buellers running the conventional Rotella which is 15W-40. The Rotella synth is very good stuff, and easy to find (most WalMarts stock it). They've even started stocking it in quarts lately. |
Johnnylunchbox
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 12:55 am: |
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Whodom - 5W40 and 15W40 are the same viscosity at normal operating temperatures. The 5W40 is just better flowing at cold temps. So in effect they are identical with one just flowing better at lower temps. The synth however probably has better sheer resistance over the conventional oil. Brucelee - I think you and I had this discussion before LOL. (Message edited by JohnnyLunchBox on June 10, 2005) |
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