Motorcycle Oil Changes

[Cruzer]

Hi!

I currently own a cb500x and have a long commute every day (70km/day). My question is should I stick to the 12,000km oil change interval stated in the owner's manual? I've tried both synthetic and mineral oils (haven't tried any with ester yet though) and when it gets to around 6,000-8,000km it starts to get a bit harder to shift and so far (27k km total) I've changed the oil every 6,000-8,000km. I've ridden a lot before, but this is the first bike I've ever owned so I'm not sure!

Honda Big wing guys (where I get it serviced) say it's safe to go 12,000km between oil changes, but that seems really high to me- we used to change my dad's xr400r oil after 3,000km but that's obviously a much older machine.

Any tips from experienced riders as well as any updates I need to know about newer bikes? I really appreciate input from riders who know the conditions in Southeast Asia (especially Thailand). Also, does oil brand make much of a difference? I've mostly stuck to popular brands ie motul, penrite and honda...

Thanks so much!

 

[canthai]

My 2 cents worth -
I use dinosaur oil, change oil and filter every 5000 km
Full synthetic is better, but I am more concerned with draining out the dirt than in having an extended drain interval.
Been here over 15 years, own 7 bikes from a Dyna to a PCX

 

[Cruzer]

My 2 cents worth -
I use dinosaur oil, change oil and filter every 5000 km
Full synthetic is better, but I am more concerned with draining out the dirt than in having an extended drain interval.
Been here over 15 years, own 7 bikes from a Dyna to a PCX

Thanks man and I agree- I think southeast asia is hotter and dustier than western countries so it's hard to take advice from people that live in a completely different setting so thanks! Also, dinosaur oil? What's that!

 

[DavidFL]

The question of oils.

I use 15-50 Shell Ultra fully synthetic & try to change every 5,000 kms.

Now just to confuse the issue, some GTR threads on oils.

What kind of oil are you using?

Type of oil to use in the tropics

Oils Aint Oils....

 

[Cruzer]

The question of oils.

I use 15-50 Shell Ultra fully synthetic & try to change every 5,000 kms.

Now just to confuse the issue, some GTR threads on oils.

What kind of oil are you using?

Type of oil to use in the tropics

Oils Aint Oils....

lol thanks for confusing me more david! no really thanks for the input and the other links as well!

 

[canthai]

Thanks man and I agree- I think southeast asia is hotter and dustier than western countries so it's hard to take advice from people that live in a completely different setting so thanks! Also, dinosaur oil? What's that!

Slang term for non synthetic oil - made from rotting dinosaurs !
But on a bike - as David said above - buying 1 or 1.4 litre of synthetic oil and keeping to the 5000 Km intervals makes sense too

 

[Cruzer]

Slang term for non synthetic oil - made from rotting dinosaurs !
But on a bike - as David said above - buying 1 or 1.4 litre of synthetic oil and keeping to the 5000 Km intervals makes sense too

Alright thank you guys for the answers this is really helpful!

 

[Alamo]

made from rotting dinosaurs !

Petroleum is abiotic in origin.
Forms continuously in Earth's mantel.