Oil Change Intervals

[AlabamaNomadRider]

After the first oil and filter change at 600 miles, at how many miles do you do succeeding changes? I think the book listed 4000 miles for second change. I changed at 737 for my first oil and rear axle change. I now have about 2300 miles on my Nomad and was thinking of changing again at 3000 and then every 3000. Just wanted to know what other Nomad riders do as far as oil changes. Also, what type of oil is best? At present I am using Kawasaki 10W-40. I really would like other opinions. Thanks, Gene in Alabama. Also, if anyone can explain in simple terms how I post a picture of my bike. Also how do I post my VROC number and KawaNOW number. I have both but don't know how to post them. I am computer impaired.

[ballast]

To put in a signiture with your postings click above where it says KawaNOW Forum FAQ and you will find an explanation of how to do that.

As far as the oil change intervals, generally I hear guys talk about 3000 mile intervals. Personally I change about every 4 to 6K whether it needs it or not. In fact tomorrow I will be attempting my first at home DIY oil change. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[dkdixie]

Gene, IMO oil changes should be 3,000 with dino and 5,000 with synthetic.

I run 15-50 Mobile V-Twin or 20-50 Amsoil year round. But my bike is in heated garage in winter, plus it doesn't get out much when its below about 45.

Let me know if you ever get over this way to ride. I'll take you on some great roads!!

[VulcanE]

Gene, I agree with what DK said, "if your running the "Dino oil"-every 3000 miles, if synthetic, every 5000 will be good". I run synthetic Mobil 1 15W-50 and change it at 3000 miles because I have a lot of short trips (which is hard on any oil). Personally, if you want to run synthetics, I would wait until the 6000 mile mark, that lets the engine seat well (piston rings and such)

And like DK said, if you ever get over this way, maybe we all could get together and ride, DK knows some GREAT roads.. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[markusmaximus]

I change once a year, which is convenient since I ride ~ 4000 miles annually. Actually, I change it twice. As winter approaches and riding season ends (late November around here), I replace the oil with a cheap 5-30 oil for winter storage. I store the bike in my non-heated garage and start her up every week or so. Come March, I replace the cheap oil with a 15-50 syn oil. But practically speaking, I'm really changing the oil once.

[mrfuni]

Depends on where you ride, what type of riding you do, and what kind of oil you're using. Frequent oil changes (3-5,000 mile interval) are an inexpensive insurance policy to a long lasting engine.

[dhomoney]

I do it every 3k and I run the Mobil-1 V-twin full syn. I have been running full syn since my 600 mile services. That use dyno till 3k or 6k is nonsense.

[ivan]

I've tried many different oils including Mobil1 V-Twin. They were ok. But I could not believe a difference after changing to AMSOIL 10-40 Full Synthetic. The engine is much queter,many noises can't be heard anymore. It sifts very smooth and clutch works great. I decided not to use 20-50 oil anymore. Heavy oil is not good for engines with hydraulic valve lifters. And I've noticed the engine running a bit hotter with heavier oils. 10w-40 synthetic works great at any temperature.
Try Amsoil, you won't regret it. You have to go to their Web site to purchase it. I'm not affiliated with AMSOIL but I love their products.
I change oil at 3,000 - 4,000 mile intervals.

[dogdoc]

I've figuged out for me it best to change just twice a yr regardless of miles. I run Mobil-1 Turbo-Disel full syn and it works so much better than dino oil.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Thanks guys for all the help. This has been more help for me than you can know. In my cars I have always tried to change every 3,000, although sometimes it goes farther. I think my Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha dealer carries the Amsoil. So I take it that it is the consensus of most that it is fine to run synthetic oil as opposed to Dino. I think my next oil change I will go with the Amsoil. I had a guy I worked with and rode crotch rockets that recommended it. Once again, thanks for the help and thanks for the invites to ride. I know norther Georgia has some great rodes.

[dhomoney]

You're quite welcome Alabama. I would go full syn. Enjoy that Nomad and welcome to the addition (the site that is) :)

[dhomoney]

I've tried many different oils including Mobil1 V-Twin. They were ok. But I could not believe a difference after changing to AMSOIL 10-40 Full Synthetic. The engine is much queter,many noises can't be heard anymore. It sifts very smooth and clutch works great. I decided not to use 20-50 oil anymore. Heavy oil is not good for engines with hydraulic valve lifters. And I've noticed the engine running a bit hotter with heavier oils. 10w-40 synthetic works great at any temperature.
Try Amsoil, you won't regret it. You have to go to their Web site to purchase it. I'm not affiliated with AMSOIL but I love their products.
I change oil at 3,000 - 4,000 mile intervals.

Ivan,

I will not hold it against you that you lost to Rocky. :) Ok, joking aside, it isn't quite fair to compare Mobil-1 V-Twin to Amsoil 10W-40. as we are talking very different oils. I use V-Twin in the hot summer months, like now, where temps are routinely north of 95. A much fairer comparison would be to Mobil-1 Racing 4T 10W-40. It is what I change to when the weather cools down a bit. I'm sure Amsoil is good stuff, but I know that Rich Lockyer over on the Kawasaki Motorcycle forum has discussed this and had many of these oils tested. Mobil-1 wins hands down based upon the ZDDF additive package. If memory serves it has about 50% more anti-wear additives (zinc & phosphorous) than Amsoil, hence the reason I am using Mobil-1 V-Twin in summer and Racing 4T in winter.

Here is a link with his findings. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/....t=Turbo+Dies el (http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/kawasaki-cruisers/108581-pl14610-oil-filter-thread.html?highlight=Turbo+Diesel)