Oil life ....

[rem]

Howdy, boys. I have a question for all you slippery types out there ... uh, Oil-inclined I should say.


Every year I change the engine oil and gear oil in the bike just as I put him to sleep for the long, cold winter. This year, due to numerous circumstances (crappy weather being at the top of the list), I have only about 4,000 km (2,500 ish miles) on him. And it's looking like I'm not going to be putting much more on. Raining as I type. Cold. Crappy. Kaka. You get the idea. Anyway, does it hurt to leave used oil (used to the extent indicated above) in the bike over the winter? I've heard that it can, I've heard that it won't.


Go ahead, have your way with me ...... and thanks. It will be about 7 months before I'll be riding again, so ......... send money. R ::015:: ::012::

 

[AVGeek]

I'm not the best one to answer this, but I would err on the side of caution, and change the oil now.

 

[Dogdaze]

I can only speak for myself, I always use semi or fully synthetic oils, and in Europe the suggested oil changes are 6000 miles. On previous bikes where I have only done low miles I have gone two years without changing oils, dropped oil for a change and smelled and looked like the day it went into the bike. If anything I would wait until the riding season starts and then replace oils, if it bothers you that much. For me, it would not. Oils don't breakdown when not in use over such a short period of time.

 

[Pterodactyl]

The issue is not oil break down or what kind of oil you used. The problem is that the oil in the engine contains the by products of combustion that will make the oil acidic and possibly etch the metal. In all likelihood you will never notice any ill effects of storing the bike with the used oil in it. I know of no reliable source that can allow one to predict if any damage will take place, and if so how much and where as a result of storing the bike with used oil one time. It's kinda like smoking, we know it damages the lungs, but does smoking one pack a year really do any damage?

 

[caillou]

+1 on previous reply (#3)
Plus I am so excited at the beginning of the season that I prefer to have a bike ready to go (cleaned and complete tune-up done).

 

[rem]

OK, thanks boys. Kinda what I figured. I'm gonna change it. The wife will just have to put in a couple more hours so I can pay for the oil. I'll getter done this week I reckon. Looks like we're done. Thanks or taking the time. R ::008:: ::012::

 

[taskmaster86]

OK, thanks boys. Kinda what I figured. I'm gonna change it. The wife will just have to put in a couple more hours so I can pay for the oil. I'll getter done this week I reckon. Looks like we're done. Thanks or taking the time. R ::008:: ::012::

September 7th and your riding season is already over???

I'm sorry but I would be moving south ASAP. ::010::

I hate putting my scoot away every December! I couldn't imagine having to do it the first week of September.....

 

[caillou]

BUT... His oil has a longer life ;D

 

[Pterodactyl]

BUT... His oil has a longer life ;D

Ha! I lived in Fairbanks for many years and our riding season was generally over by 1 October. Latest I ever rode was October 24th. The OP lives in the Yukon and probably has similar weather.

 

[bigbob]

Ha! I lived in Fairbanks for many years and our riding season was generally over by 1 October. Latest I ever rode was October 24th. The OP lives in the Yukon and probably has similar weather.

The snow plows eventually clear the snow so you can ride all year!