Triumphrat

Plantbi

I have a newbie question that is frustrating me because I just spent 70+ dollars for a gallon of top grade synthetic 15W-50 for my baby!

I have to put the bike away early this year because I will not be here to take her out for the final few summer months, and I had planned to do an oil change just before covering her up. Weather permitting, I will be bringing her back out in about 7-8 months.

Why does Triumph recommend changing oil if the bike has been in storage for 4 months? Do they also own oilfields, or is there a real reason for this?

Libertine

I believe it's because when a bike is stored for a long time, climate change can cause and create condensation in the crank case, contaminating the oil. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I remember reading a thread on that before.

__________________

Don't let the details of precision become obscured by the monotony of routine. JW

KitNYC

That sounds like a job for a gallon of cheap 10W-40! No reason to waste the good stuff on storage.

Cheers,
-Kit

rupert fridge

leave the old oil in til you want to ride the bike again.

rodhotter

i remember reading that oils in storage in the container or your ride deteriorates, especially dino oils, most synthetics are not REAL! just highly refined group III oils, thank scumbag casrtol for that!

oldndumb

You can also add the _______ judge who adjudicated the case to the scumbag list.

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Oldndumb
Caveat lector

Black Dog

Used engine oil contains a lot of contaminants. New oil doesn't really degrade just sitting in an engine. Therefore my advice would be to change the oil just before you put her to bed, and run it up to temperature for a few minutes to drive off any condensation. When you want to ride again, a quick level check and off you go.

If you live in a damp/cold climate, it is also a good idea to remove the plugs and put about 10cc of oil in each cylinder. Turn the engine over a few times (use kickstart or turn back wheel in high gear) to distribute the oil around the bore, put the plugs back in and leave it. If condensation really bothers you, you could also stuff cotton rags in the ends of the exhausts. Battery out and on an Optimate for the duration, or charge monthly with a normal charger. Weight off the wheels if possible. If not, move the bike every so often so the tyres don't develop a flat spot.

If you put a cover over it, make sure it is a breathable one. An old cotton bedsheet would be ideal. Condensation under a non-breathable cover can cause a lot of rust over time. In the UK (and maybe Canada is similar) I would also spray all exposed metal parts (not brake discs, of course) with WD-40 or similar.

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KitNYC

Thanks, BD. That's about what I would've posted if I'd had the time.

Cheers,
-Kit

Plantbi

Thanks for all the information,

I now plan to do the cheapie oil change option before I put her away, then unleash the good stuff next spring (or summer).

repsolracer22

i think oil can become acidic after a period of time due to change in temp & condensation, etc etc .... yeah dont store it with the good stuff.