Motorcycle Oil Changes

Cruzer

Cruzer

Member
Aug 23, 2019
24
7
3
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!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie
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
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie
canthai said:
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
Click to expand...
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!
 
Cruzer said:
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!
Click to expand...
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
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cruzer and Eoin Christie
canthai said:
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
Click to expand...
Alright thank you guys for the answers this is really helpful!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom