Triumphrat

ROBD · 02-21-2006

My bike has been in storage since before Thanksgiving. Do I need to change the oil before starting or riding next month? Last oil change was only 1000 miles ago.

wenzel850 · 02-21-2006

Robd,

What's cheaper. New oil and filter or a rebuilt motor somewhere down the line.
I always change my oil/filter after winter storage. I only changed my oil 500 miles ago.

Rock500 · 02-21-2006

If it was stored in an outside unheated shed subject to climate changes, then by all means change the oil.
Even if it was stored under kinder conditions, with 1000 miles on the oil, I would still change it.

Rocky

02-21-2006

I stored my GT Mustang for 15 months while stationed in Korea. I got home and stated her right up. I had over 2000 miles on the oil. My father is a ASE certified mechanic and said for me to not waste my money. My father and I both store our bikes over winter and don't change the oil in spring. He rides a 75 Norton Commando and a 75 BMW R90. He's had the BMW since the early 80's. He's never had the oil cause a problem. I'd just change the oil according to mileage. This is just my opinion

[ This message was edited by: Huskersfan1 on 2006-02-21 17:39 ]

RedBird · 02-21-2006

I wouldn't worry about the oil after storage nearly as much as I would oil where the bike was started occasionally and run for short trips during colder months.

Larry

tommyturbo2 · 02-21-2006

I agree with Redbird. Short trips are much more damaging to oil where full operating temperature is not sustained long enough to evaporate moisture that the oil has absorbed. I do try to attempt to put fresh oil in a bike that I know will sit for more than a couple of months. When I do finally start it up for the next riding season I run with the oil left in the bike for the storage period for at least 50-60 miles. Then I usually change it while its hot. With synthetics, that's probably not necessary, but I'm paranoid! tommyturbo2

mecscc · 02-22-2006

I only store but one of my bikes in the winter (The little '75 CB200T that I don't ride much.) The fact is that it is better to ride year around if you can. Riding the bike until it is fully warm - 20 miles, 30 minutes every two to three weeks, will keep everything, not just the engine, loosened up.

The traditional advice if you store for over 3 months is to change it, but I do not. Here's why. The primary reasons to change the oil after storage are to get any water out of the system and to drain any sludge that has accumulated. However, if you drain the oil without first running the bike a good long time, and getting it thoroughly hot most of the sludge won't drain. And, if you get it nice and hot and keep it that way for, say, an hour of moderate riding, then you won't have much, if any, moisture left in the system anyway and any sludge will be suspended in the oil. In your case, with only 1000 miles on the oil you won't have accumulated much new sludge anyway.

On the other hand, if it worries you, change it. Sort of like changing oil every 1000 to 3000 miles. I don't; never have, and have never had any adverse effects from my "benign neglect." Others would go nuts worrying about not changing oil by at least 3000 miles. Life is short. Do what makes you feel good, but just don't confuse that with necessity.

Just my opinion.

Monte

Diego · 02-22-2006

Monte's got a good point. Although, to carry that line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, you've already done most of the damage you're going to do by letting the bike sit with contaminated oil in it to begin with! Any moisture and acidic combustion byproducts in the stale oil have been eating away at your bearings all winter already.

The best advice re: oil changes and storage is to do the change immediately before storage, then keep the bike covered and in a dry enclosure. You start the next season with slightly tainted additives that won't give full protection for quite as long, but the oil is otherwise reasonably clean. The manual recommends a change both before and after storage, which is a good idea; but as a practical matter, the one before storage is the most important.

Tumbleweed · 02-22-2006

Quote:

The manual recommends a change both before and after storage, which is a good idea; but as a practical matter, the one before storage is the most important.

Which manual?

T'Weed

PA-guy · 02-22-2006

Diego posted: The manual recommends a change both before and after storage, which is a good idea; but as a practical matter, the one before storage is the most important.

Why put new oil in before storage only to change it before ever riding it? Do they really think oil goes bad sitting in the oil tank??? Why not drain the oil before storage, say November, then fill it up with clean oil in the Spring when you're ready to ride again?

And as far as how long the new oil has been sitting in the bike....ever wonder how long it was sitting on the dealers shelf?

Me thinks most are making WAY too much out of the oil thing but of course it's winter, isn't it?