| Author | Message | ||
     Barkandbite |
I was quite distraught this morning when as part of my "normal" extended safety checks (every 1K or so) I checked my oil level. After my 50 mile commute, I plopped the old gal down on the kickstand and let her sit for about 5 mins after shutting her down. Extract dipstick. Clean. Re-insert (that's enough you dirty bugger) -- nothing.  Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Nada. Now, the bike's at 5K (almost exactly) and the last time I check the level, I was at the full line 1K miles ago. Now I'm at a level where the oil's level is not registering. I've not seen ANY low oil pressure lights, the bike runs exactly the same (excellent tune) and does not run hot. WTF?! So, I was going to do the 5K myself this weekend, but tonight I was freaked so I decided to do it NOW. I was at LEAST 20 OZ (more than a pint!) low. Crap. In 1K miles?! Well, I can't explain that, but I'm sure as hell going to monitor this at EVERY fill up for the next couple of hundred miles. Dealer did the 1K and it was full then. I don't think burning 20 OZ in 4K miles -- or 1K for that matter -- is normal, do you? Ah well, I'll keep an eye on her. At any rate, the 5K was simple enough (short of the head-bearing test which I did not/cannot do) and I love how easy it is to work on this scoot. Everything works afterwards, there are no extra parts and she runs better now that the clutch adjustment is done properly... Just sharin'... Move along, nothing to see here...  Chris | ||
| Stealthxb |
My Lightning almost depleted its oil supply between 1000 and 3000 miles if it makes you feel any better. | ||
| Unibear12r |
The Buell taketh.....and gives it BACK! After the first leg of the RANE ride I thought my XB12R was low. Flogged the bikes in the heat so I expected some use but it seemed a bit high. Added about 10 oz to get to top mark and after next ride oil at about 3-4 oz above mark. After second ride level 6-8 oz above mark. I think I got my oil hot enough to expand out the overflow which ports into side of engine and I'm guessing it takes a wile to get back? Anyway I'm going to change my oil now (at 4k miles) because it darkened some and I figure it got stressed somewhat and I need to drain some anyway. | ||
| Mikep |
I have not changed my oil since 1000 miles, now have 5500. Guess I'll change it. I have been using Mobil 1 15w-50. Last I checked the level at about 4300 it was fine. mikeyp | ||
| Freyke |
You guys are Beasts!... Isn't the factory recommended change interval 2,500 Mi... Am I wrong here?  Hey, it's your bike and money.... FWIW, I run Mobil 1 15W-50 as well, but I change it on the schedule.. Heck the thing only holds 2.5Qts whats an extra $10.00 a quarter? I also note virtually no oil loss.. I check it about every fourth or fith ride... I guess its the old S3 coming out it me... I'll get off my soapbox now... kk//kef | ||
| Brucelee |
The factory suggests 5K changes with DINO. I don't know why anyone would follow that schedule or use DINO oil. I have used Mobil One 15-50 since 1K miles and have never added any oil between changes (which I do at 2500 mile intervals). This is on a 9S. BTW-I check my oil about every two weeks. Seems easy enough to do, no? | ||
| Prof_stack |
No real oil use from my XB9 after 7100 miles. It did use a little early on but nowadays uses virtually none. FWIW, synthetic oil has been used for the last two changes. | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
How frequently you change the oil really depends on your climate and riding style. If you trash the bike and/or live in a hot climate you should change the oil more frequently. I think that air/oil-cooled bikes consume oil ad a greater rate than liquid-cooled bikes. Beemers, for example, go through oil like a mofo during break in. Unfortunately Beemer take at least 10k miles to break in. I also think that if you use a high-quality synthetic you don't have to change your oil as frequently. | ||
| Barkandbite |
I use Mobil-1 Synthetic 1 (and Mobil-1 75W90 in the gearbox) and I'm pleased with the results. Only thing startling was the large amount of consumption over the last 3-4K miles -- I commute 50 miles (one way) to/from work each day in SoCal and I just mapped the time period those miles occurred -- right in the middle of the heat increase we've been having here. I have not adjusted my riding (agressive?) style and thus this could explain (the added heat combined with air-cooling) recent oil consumption. Either that, or I've got a bad ring(s)... I'll keep an eye on it. Chris | ||
| Joojoo |
The XB Motor should not eat that much oil. I burned through 6 oz in 4500KM's. Going through all the oil is not cool... Jack |
