Synthetic Oils. What are you running?

[redjay]

I always changed the oil and filter just before putting the bike away for the winter.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by Duc796canada

For those that have to store your bikes over winter, do you drain the old oil prior to storage or do you drain it at the beginning of spring prior to riding? I used to drain my monster at the end of the rding season, then put in fresh oil for storage over the winter. I've since heard that is not good??

There are arguments for both camps. Blow by gases that contaminate the oil are acidic so storing a 4 cycle with a fair bit of mileage since the last oil change is considered a bad thing. On the other hand if the bike is stored in a location that fluctuates in temperature during the winter, then you are bound to get condensation forming and the oil will have moisture in it. personally I think the acidic oil is a greater danger than oil with moisture in it, so I change in the fall.

[ponch]

I've only put my bike away once and that was due to surgery. I realize in some places that may not be practical, but even when I lived in Iowa I could count on at least 500 miles a winter.

[redjay]

My bike was usually stored by the end of October. Once I go through the storage procedure, wash and wax, oil and filter change, battery off and the bike in the storage shed it stayed there until all the snow was gone and the temps were in the mid teens.
That is usually the 2nd or 3rd week of April.

I am currently bikeless with no plans to get another.
I have said that twice before and ended up getting a Voyager and then an FJR.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by redjay

My bike was usually stored by the end of October. Once I go through the storage procedure, wash and wax, oil and filter change, battery off and the bike in the storage shed it stayed there until all the snow was gone and the temps were in the mid teens.
That is usually the 2nd or 3rd week of April.

I am currently bikeless with no plans to get another.
I have said that twice before and ended up getting a Voyager and then an FJR.

There are always convertibles.

[Dave]

I've use Wesson oil. It's good enough for Florence Henderson.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by Dave

I've use Wesson oil. It's good enough for Florence Henderson.

Stuck in the 70's I see.

[TS Tinker]

Originally Posted by cnc

Stuck in the 70's I see.

It could be worse

[Hooter]

Originally Posted by canuckrider

I use the Kawasaki 10W-40 synthetic in my '08 just for warranty reasons. Now that my GTPP has expired I think I may switch to something else that is a little more economical.

i pick up a case of Kawasaki 10w-40 at Bow Cycle. Was $17.99 a Lt but a sale on. Got it for 9.95 a Lt. Check Bow Cycle web site for sale.