Riding your bike like you stole it, how often do you change your oil?

wtfh4xx · July 17th, 2011, 12:12 PM

I know the standard change periods, but under extreme temps and above average use Kawi advises changing earlier.
Just wondering how often everyone changes their oil.

kaiserz · July 17th, 2011, 12:31 PM

When It turns really black, like maybe every 500 - 800 miles (I'm still at dino oil)

egutierrez90 · July 17th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Lately I've been changing it every 1000-1500 miles..but barely gonna hit 4000...almost time for another change..haha

2011Ninja250R · July 17th, 2011, 12:55 PM

Like clockwork every 1,000 miles.

Zombiphone · July 17th, 2011, 01:00 PM

I typically just go with every other trackday, so that usually ends up being anywhere from 300-600 miles (Depending on how much street riding I get in between those trackdays). That's probably way more than necessary, but it's running pretty close to redline for a majority of those couple hundred miles and it's always decently black when I dump it, so I don't feel like I'm being too obsessive

oroboros · July 17th, 2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiserz

When It turns really black, like maybe every 500 - 800 miles (I'm still at dino oil)

really? why? I realize that some folks like to be proactive about oil changes but this seems really extreme.

Have you read the manual?

wtfh4xx · July 17th, 2011, 01:07 PM

^ is why I ask.
I saw this in the service manual and 7.5K miles between oil changes seems a little extreme.
Im currently at 2,400 on my bike, changed at 200, 600, and 1000.
My oil change senses are tingling. lol

almost40 · July 17th, 2011, 01:12 PM

Every season or 3000 miles.

oroboros · July 17th, 2011, 01:18 PM

Yup, the great oil debate. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the type, brand and the change interval.

If you want to change your oil every time you check the chain adjustment then go for it!

Even if you split it down the middle it would be 3750 miles in between changes. Maybe this makes more sense for those who work the machines harder or are in harsh conditions. I just changed my oil yesterday at 5000 miles in between. I am using a full synthetic.

Boom King · July 17th, 2011, 01:19 PM

The intervals in the service manual are under ideal conditions and even then, are quite a bit long. If you are riding the bike in harsher conditions and environments, you need to change the oil sooner. Notice how it has the # beside the engine oil interval.

Timon · July 17th, 2011, 01:26 PM

Every 3,000, just like my cars.

Snake · July 17th, 2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by almost40

Every season or 3000 miles.

+1
Even though my manual says every 6,000 miles I change mine every 3,000 miles and at the beginning of the riding season.

Suave · July 17th, 2011, 02:09 PM

I change my car oil every 3000, but I change my bikes every 1000-1500. why? because I ride my bike relatively hard when I'm not going to work, and it revs a lot higher than my car so there is a lot more friction there; I feel like it would be more important to keep clean oil in an engine that revs up to 13k than one that does 5.5k. I also don't open my car up nearly as much as I do the bike. But that is just my opinion. Everyone is gonna tell you something different. Personally, I don't mind spending a little extra money to change my oil more frequently, that way I have peace of mind that my bike wont blow up on me.

EsrTek · July 17th, 2011, 02:42 PM

Just did my 1st one at 633, I will swap to synthetic at 1200 from then I'm not so sure.
I like Suave's logic and will probably do the same 1500 mile mark each time.

ducducgooseit · July 17th, 2011, 05:29 PM

If you ride it like you stole it, why would you maintain it?

Ride it into the ground and then buy another

and ride stolen again.

wtfh4xx · July 17th, 2011, 06:12 PM

Ride it like its stolen, maintain it like its a million bucks.

Ramen · July 17th, 2011, 06:13 PM

I changed it at 600, 5000, and 10000.

Going to start doing it every 10k like I do my car. Will report back. On 15500 now.

ratlab · July 17th, 2011, 06:25 PM

every 1000 miles till synthetic then every 3000 miles-oil is cheaper then motors

kkim · July 17th, 2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratlab

every 1000 miles till synthetic then every 3000 miles-oil is cheaper then motors

that's my plan as well.

kaiserz · July 17th, 2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oroboros

really? why? I realize that some folks like to be proactive about oil changes but this seems really extreme.

Have you read the manual?

I'm still at the "break in period" and I just do it cause I can, no harm no foul, but I do plan on changing it every 3kmiles after i switch my dino oil to full synthe, I red line all the time, and I ride like I stole this sweet lil ninja. and I just change it when it's really black. so yeah, I'm not saying that you should but that's what I do

.

wtfh4xx · July 17th, 2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratlab

every 1000 miles till synthetic then every 3000 miles-oil is cheaper then motors

At what point do you switch to synthetic?

kaiserz · July 17th, 2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

At what point do you switch to synthetic?

That's a very good question, people have different opinions regarding this matter some say after 600 some say after 1k and others are saying that its much better after 2k. (I'm at 2k right now and I'm just gonna do another dino oil change then I'ma make the switch)

Snake · July 17th, 2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

At what point do you switch to synthetic?

That's a subject for on other thread because there is no right answer and there are differing opinions as to when the right time is.

wtfh4xx · July 17th, 2011, 07:29 PM

Snake, I was asking ratlab since he said thats what he does.

And the purpose of this thread is to gather everyone's opinions so that I may reform my own.

ratlab · July 17th, 2011, 08:38 PM

i would want make sure bike was fully broken in before switching over-i switched over earlier on 250 because it revs so hard-around 3500,whereas on my triumph not till 6000 because of lower rev's and bigger motor-same with bandit 1200- gsxr 1000 i switched earlier because it is primarily a track bike and was broken in really hard,around 1000 miles- i don't know if this is right or wrong,but picked it up thru osmosis from some pretty good mechanics that i trust-my oil changes in the ninja were 100 -300-600 -1600-2600-then synthetic at 3600-then will be 3000 mile intervals after that

Snake · July 18th, 2011, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Ride it like its stolen, maintain it like its a million bucks.

+1
That is my mantra as well. I ride my bike very hard but I treat it with TLC when I get her home this not only includes maintenance but washing, waxing and detailing as well.

dubojr1 · July 18th, 2011, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

that's my plan as well.

kkim: Aren't you running the T6? How long does it take you to get to your 3k change interval?

Are you guys factoring in aging the oil as well. I know some of us but thousands of miles on our bikes every month while others only do a few hundred at most. Personally I'm running the Shell T6 Full synthetic and was shooting for every 5,000 miles for changes. I did a few early on changes and then switched to T6 at 1,000 miles. It was changed again around 5,000 miles and now I'm at 9,000. Oil looks new thru the view window and will be changed again at 10,000 and 5,000 from there. I factor in that I ride about 1,200-1,500 a month and I believe the 5k mark will work well for me. I do however suggest following the oil's manufacturer's suggestions on changing the oil with age as well. I believe all dino oil's are mileage or 6 months, which ever comes first. Full synthetics seem to be mileage or 1 year, which ever comes first.

greatwhiteninja · July 18th, 2011, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

At what point do you switch to synthetic?

i switched to redline full synthetic at my 600 mile oil change.. i will change it out every 3k or beginning of the season, whichever comes first.

Jinx250 · July 18th, 2011, 09:56 AM

I'd be surprised if I actually ever hit 1k before an oil change. 13K and counting, no issues. And I still use Dino oil. No sense in wasting the $$ on synth with my frequency.

wtfh4xx · July 18th, 2011, 10:40 AM

Jsut to make sure im getting this right, you guys use Rotella Full Synthetic T6 in your bikes? What weight?
Its funny because I used the same oil in the WRX and have some left over.

Bueller999 · July 19th, 2011, 09:40 AM

Every 3k mi. it is easy to keep track of multiples of 3 on the odo.

I use Rotella-t 10-40 in everything I own. Race bikes oil gets changed before it darkens every 3-4 track day/race day.
The only motor I ever lost was an old 99 R6 and I was running synthetic at that time.

I will continue to run standard heavy duty oil and change it regularly, this has worked for me for 37 years and countless engines.

dubojr1 · July 19th, 2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bueller999

Every 3k mi. it is easy to keep track of multiples of 3 on the odo.

I use Rotella-t 10-40 in everything I own. Race bikes oil gets changed before it darkens every 3-4 track day/race day.
The only motor I ever lost was an old 99 R6 and I was running synthetic at that time.

I will continue to run standard heavy duty oil and change it regularly, this has worked for me for 37 years and countless engines.

Just curious... what synthetics were you using on the 99 R6 and what happened to the motor?

Bueller999 · July 19th, 2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubojr1

Just curious... what synthetics were you using on the 99 R6 and what happened to the motor?

Silkoline iirc, they were paying contingency. I am thinking is had more to do with the overall condition of the motor, it was a race bike on it's 3rd owner.

bdavison · July 19th, 2011, 10:33 AM

Ok, I know the service manual states every 7500 miles. And yes, its true that it will work fine at that interval....BUT.

If you keep clean oil in it, you WILL notice a difference in shifting, clutch, and how smoothly it runs.

I change mine every 2000-2500 miles. Thats the point where I feel like Ive gotten the most out of the oil in it, and when it needs to be changed to get back to the performance I expect out of clean oil. I ride the crap out of mine, it is not baby'd by any stretch of the imagination.

Changing it any more frequently than that is just a waste of oil, and money.

nah.uhh · July 19th, 2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bueller999

I use Rotella-t 10-40 in everything I own.

You use the 10w-40 blend T5 w/o jaso? Or 15w-40 dino T? Or 5w-40 syn T6?

EsrTek · July 19th, 2011, 11:44 AM

I put Shell Rotella-T 15w-40 Dino Oil in mine.. works great so far!!!!!

wtfh4xx · July 23rd, 2011, 01:10 PM

Im going to put in some Rotella Full Synthetic T6 10w40 and see how she likes it.
She sits at 2500 miles right now.

ungluck · July 25th, 2011, 12:39 AM

my car every 6k..it has over 500whp..

wifes..every 15,000...

the ninja..every 4k...

synthetics are amazing these days. especially proper ones for our bikes.

View Poll Results: How often do you change your oil?
1,000-2,000 Miles	18	36.73%
2,000-3,000 Miles	20	40.82%
3,000-4,000 Miles	9	18.37%
Never.	2	4.08%
Voters: 49. You may not vote on this poll

July 17th, 2011, 12:12 PM	#1
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Riding your bike like you stole it, how often do you change your oil? I know the standard change periods, but under extreme temps and above average use Kawi advises changing earlier. Just wondering how often everyone changes their oil. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 17th, 2011, 01:07 PM	#7
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	^ is why I ask. I saw this in the service manual and 7.5K miles between oil changes seems a little extreme. Im currently at 2,400 on my bike, changed at 200, 600, and 1000. My oil change senses are tingling. lol __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 17th, 2011, 01:12 PM	#8
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	Every season or 3000 miles. __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

July 17th, 2011, 01:18 PM	#9
oroboros GDTRFB Name: Drew Location: SE PA Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 - sold 2005 EX500R project Posts: 496	Yup, the great oil debate. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the type, brand and the change interval. If you want to change your oil every time you check the chain adjustment then go for it! Even if you split it down the middle it would be 3750 miles in between changes. Maybe this makes more sense for those who work the machines harder or are in harsh conditions. I just changed my oil yesterday at 5000 miles in between. I am using a full synthetic. __________________________________________________ I don't want a pickle Just want to ride on my motorsickle -Arlo Guthrie

July 17th, 2011, 12:31 PM	#2
kaiserz There's a limit to s2pdty Name: A.D. Location: NoVa the burg Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.	When It turns really black, like maybe every 500 - 800 miles (I'm still at dino oil)

July 17th, 2011, 12:35 PM	#3
egutierrez90 Eddie Name: Eduardo Location: Colton, CA Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): None. Posts: 53	Lately I've been changing it every 1000-1500 miles..but barely gonna hit 4000...almost time for another change..haha

July 17th, 2011, 12:55 PM	#4
2011Ninja250R ninjette.org guru Name: Brad Location: Centerville, OH Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE (Green) Previous bikes R1, Daytona 675, GSXR600, Pre-Gen 250R Posts: 330	Like clockwork every 1,000 miles.

July 17th, 2011, 01:00 PM	#5
Zombiphone CVMA/AFM #72 Name: Tiffani Location: Los Angeles, Ca Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Racebike), 2015 FZ-07(Tourer), 2001 KX65(LOL bike) Posts: A lot.	I typically just go with every other trackday, so that usually ends up being anywhere from 300-600 miles (Depending on how much street riding I get in between those trackdays). That's probably way more than necessary, but it's running pretty close to redline for a majority of those couple hundred miles and it's always decently black when I dump it, so I don't feel like I'm being too obsessive

July 17th, 2011, 01:19 PM	#10
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	The intervals in the service manual are under ideal conditions and even then, are quite a bit long. If you are riding the bike in harsher conditions and environments, you need to change the oil sooner. Notice how it has the # beside the engine oil interval.

July 17th, 2011, 01:26 PM	#11
Timon ninjette.org member Name: Timon Location: Utah Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja EX250R Posts: 80	Every 3,000, just like my cars.

July 17th, 2011, 02:09 PM	#13
Suave ninjette.org member Name: Mark Location: Maryville, Tennessee Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 94	I change my car oil every 3000, but I change my bikes every 1000-1500. why? because I ride my bike relatively hard when I'm not going to work, and it revs a lot higher than my car so there is a lot more friction there; I feel like it would be more important to keep clean oil in an engine that revs up to 13k than one that does 5.5k. I also don't open my car up nearly as much as I do the bike. But that is just my opinion. Everyone is gonna tell you something different. Personally, I don't mind spending a little extra money to change my oil more frequently, that way I have peace of mind that my bike wont blow up on me. __________________________________________________ "Hey man, I'm not tryin' to start nothin'. But... i wouldn't take that"

July 17th, 2011, 02:42 PM	#14
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	Just did my 1st one at 633, I will swap to synthetic at 1200 from then I'm not so sure. I like Suave's logic and will probably do the same 1500 mile mark each time.

July 17th, 2011, 05:29 PM	#15
ducducgooseit Name: ... Location: ... Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999	If you ride it like you stole it, why would you maintain it? Ride it into the ground and then buy another and ride stolen again.

July 17th, 2011, 06:12 PM	#16
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Ride it like its stolen, maintain it like its a million bucks. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 17th, 2011, 06:13 PM	#17
Ramen Frak It Name: Sean Location: SWFL Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 199	I changed it at 600, 5000, and 10000. Going to start doing it every 10k like I do my car. Will report back. On 15500 now.

July 17th, 2011, 06:25 PM	#18
ratlab ratlab Name: reese Location: tracy, ca Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132	every 1000 miles till synthetic then every 3000 miles-oil is cheaper then motors

July 17th, 2011, 07:29 PM	#24
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Snake, I was asking ratlab since he said thats what he does. And the purpose of this thread is to gather everyone's opinions so that I may reform my own. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 17th, 2011, 08:38 PM	#25
ratlab ratlab Name: reese Location: tracy, ca Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132	i would want make sure bike was fully broken in before switching over-i switched over earlier on 250 because it revs so hard-around 3500,whereas on my triumph not till 6000 because of lower rev's and bigger motor-same with bandit 1200- gsxr 1000 i switched earlier because it is primarily a track bike and was broken in really hard,around 1000 miles- i don't know if this is right or wrong,but picked it up thru osmosis from some pretty good mechanics that i trust-my oil changes in the ninja were 100 -300-600 -1600-2600-then synthetic at 3600-then will be 3000 mile intervals after that

July 18th, 2011, 09:56 AM	#29
Jinx250 Smoker Name: Bob Location: SoCal Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556	I'd be surprised if I actually ever hit 1k before an oil change. 13K and counting, no issues. And I still use Dino oil. No sense in wasting the $$ on synth with my frequency.

July 18th, 2011, 10:40 AM	#30
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Jsut to make sure im getting this right, you guys use Rotella Full Synthetic T6 in your bikes? What weight? Its funny because I used the same oil in the WRX and have some left over. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 19th, 2011, 09:40 AM	#31
Bueller999 Oldie but a goodie Name: David Location: Aurora, CO Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 650r, 06 SV 650 race, 08 250r race, 03 Buell XB9s, 01 KTM 300 EXC Posts: 131	Every 3k mi. it is easy to keep track of multiples of 3 on the odo. I use Rotella-t 10-40 in everything I own. Race bikes oil gets changed before it darkens every 3-4 track day/race day. The only motor I ever lost was an old 99 R6 and I was running synthetic at that time. I will continue to run standard heavy duty oil and change it regularly, this has worked for me for 37 years and countless engines. __________________________________________________ ABRacing

July 19th, 2011, 10:33 AM	#34
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	Ok, I know the service manual states every 7500 miles. And yes, its true that it will work fine at that interval....BUT. If you keep clean oil in it, you WILL notice a difference in shifting, clutch, and how smoothly it runs. I change mine every 2000-2500 miles. Thats the point where I feel like Ive gotten the most out of the oil in it, and when it needs to be changed to get back to the performance I expect out of clean oil. I ride the crap out of mine, it is not baby'd by any stretch of the imagination. Changing it any more frequently than that is just a waste of oil, and money.

July 19th, 2011, 11:44 AM	#36
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	I put Shell Rotella-T 15w-40 Dino Oil in mine.. works great so far!!!!!

July 23rd, 2011, 01:10 PM	#37
wtfh4xx Opinionated individual :) Name: SecretNinjaMan Location: Nor Cal Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninjette Special Edition (red/black) Posts: 342	Im going to put in some Rotella Full Synthetic T6 10w40 and see how she likes it. She sits at 2500 miles right now. __________________________________________________ Yoshi slip on, shimmed 2 washers, zip tie throttle mod, pre-load #2, snorkel delete 2010 SE 250R! Miles in the saddle: 1000

July 25th, 2011, 12:39 AM	#38
ungluck sleeper Name: chris Location: Hawaii Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '10 690 duke Posts: 558	my car every 6k..it has over 500whp.. wifes..every 15,000... the ninja..every 4k... synthetics are amazing these days. especially proper ones for our bikes. __________________________________________________ SauSponte

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