Triumphrat

Whisperinsmith · 07-21-2005

After reading here, I'm confused about periodic maintenance on my BA. Some here seem to change their oil each time they take their bike out. I understand the need to clean and lube the chain, but if I'd like to go on long runs, what's the general take on how often to change oil and filter. I can't see stopping every 500 miles on route to do this. Just one more thing to carry?!

Back in the old days when the shift and brake were on the other side, I never seem to worry about this as much. Did I just date myself?

StreetWalkerD · 07-21-2005

I give the chain a good waxing every 500 miles at the max, and after every ride in the rain. If its been 200 miles, and I'm planning a long ride, I just give it a lube too soon, and then I'm good for 500 miles. My butt can't take 500 miles on the Bonnie, so this isn't an issue very often.

If its a pain to take the Bel-ray with you, just stop off at a bike shop along the way and offer the guy $5 to squirt some lube on your chain. No biggie.

As for the oil and filter, I don't think anyone has suggested 500 mile intervals. During your break-in, you will switch from mineral to semi-synthetic and then to synthetic at 500 mile intervals, but not once your bike is broken in. I change it at 3000 miles. If I go a season without hitting 3000, I change it in the Fall no matter what, and I'm good to go in the Spring.

SickBoy · 07-21-2005

I try to lube the chain every 500 miles or so, with the oil I don't think it's necessary to change it till around 5,000 miles, or once a year, especially with fully synthetic.

dazco · 07-21-2005

Todays chains are supposedly much better than when i rode in my youth, and back then i didn't oil my chain anywhere NEAR that often with no ill results. I think 200 miles is rediculous unless you're riding a dirt bike. As for oil changes, as was pointed out the 500 mile interval was only for your initial change to swap the breaking oil for regular sythectic or dino/synth blend. After that 6k is recommended, tho the more often you do it the better obviously. Just how often would result in noticably better longevity is subjective. But personally i intend to change mine as often as i feel up to it. Probably every 3k depending on how my wallet and I feel.

PAAS · 07-21-2005

I'm not sure where the confusion comes from. The current official intervals from Triumph are every 6000 miles (or yearly if you don't do that many) for engine oil and filter changes and every 200 miles for chain lubing.

Some people choose to change their engine oil and filter more frequently because of their particular style of useage and environmental conditions but if you use a good quality semi or fully synthetic oil I don't believe anyone has any real evidence that this extends engine life.

As far as chain lubing goes I think 200 miles is a bit on the cautious side unless you ride in the rain a lot or wash the lube off. Personally I lube my chain every 500 miles or so, but then I'm lazy. I would also clean the chain periodically with kerosene (as stated in the owner's manual) to get rid of the old lube and grit that builds up (especially if you ride in dusty places). Bear in mind that these are O-ring chains with sealed in lube so what you are actually lubing are the outside surfaces of the chain.

This is the maintenance schedule for the BA (actually the same for all Bonneville derivatives) BA Maintenance Schedule

[ This message was edited by: PAAS on 2005-07-21 09:17 ]