When should I change my synthetic oil?

NinjaBoyEddy · July 21st, 2012, 02:36 AM

So I'm running shell* rotella t6 5w40 full synthetic oil. I made the switch to full synthetic at 5300miles, now she's up to 7991miles is it time to change it out?
I ride her daily and go out riding offten*

Also would like some opinions.
How long does synthetic "last"?

pomartin · July 21st, 2012, 04:36 AM

well... in maintance book it says that you have to change it at least once a year or in the service interval. whichever comes first.

Motofool · July 21st, 2012, 04:43 AM

Eduardo,

You have gone 2690 miles after the last change.

These bikes can use the oil for 6000 miles (or more if you do conservative riding on highways mainly).

Now, heavy city or aggressive riding and/or worn out rings will spoil the oil in much less miles.

Either way, you should keep an eye on the condition of the oil for contamination with carbon, water and gasoline.

A sample taken through the filling plug should smell like gasoline, but not too much; it should be dark but not pitch black, it should be sticky when you separate your fingertips.

If the oil pressure light stays on longer at start ups, then the filter is getting clogged and it is time for a change.

More frequent oil changes won't hurt the bike (unless you over-torque the drain plug); it only takes money and time.
Keeping a proper level is also important.

More reading:
http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Motorcycle_oil

http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle41.htm

July 21st, 2012, 02:36 AM	#1
NinjaBoyEddy ninjette.org guru Name: Eduardo Location: Hollywood, Calirfnia Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r special edition Posts: 286	When should I change my synthetic oil? So I'm running shell* rotella t6 5w40 full synthetic oil. I made the switch to full synthetic at 5300miles, now she's up to 7991miles is it time to change it out? I ride her daily and go out riding offten* Also would like some opinions. How long does synthetic "last"?

July 21st, 2012, 04:43 AM	#3
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Eduardo, You have gone 2690 miles after the last change. These bikes can use the oil for 6000 miles (or more if you do conservative riding on highways mainly). Now, heavy city or aggressive riding and/or worn out rings will spoil the oil in much less miles. Either way, you should keep an eye on the condition of the oil for contamination with carbon, water and gasoline. A sample taken through the filling plug should smell like gasoline, but not too much; it should be dark but not pitch black, it should be sticky when you separate your fingertips. If the oil pressure light stays on longer at start ups, then the filter is getting clogged and it is time for a change. More frequent oil changes won't hurt the bike (unless you over-torque the drain plug); it only takes money and time. Keeping a proper level is also important. More reading: http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Motorcycle_oil http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle41.htm __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí Last futzed with by Motofool; July 21st, 2012 at 08:47 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Conventional vs synthetic for first oil change?	ally99	2013 - 2017 Ninja 300 Tech Talk	12	January 20th, 2014 07:44 PM
Synthetic oil at 300 mile oil change?	anacron	2013 - 2017 Ninja 300 Tech Talk	14	July 29th, 2013 04:58 PM
First Synthetic Oil Change	N.M.smallponiesbigsmiles	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	241	April 15th, 2013 12:57 AM
My oil change to synthetic ester experience	jonthechron	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	16	June 3rd, 2010 08:49 AM

July 21st, 2012, 04:36 AM	#2
pomartin ninjette.org member Name: Martin Location: Slovenia Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R (FI) Posts: 169	well... in maintance book it says that you have to change it at least once a year or in the service interval. whichever comes first.