2-Part review

[psychoduck]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been on the forums here, and I forgot how much of a resource this website is for my beloved '08 Nomad! I've finally ridden enough to need my first service and oil change, and would like to share my opinions on the oil I chose, and the wheel chock i bought to help me out (since my wife is, well, kind of mechanically useless).

First off, I live in the Des Moines are of Iowa, and there are literally no places around here that stock motorcycle oil on a daily basis, other than the dealerships. Well, for 10w-40, the best price I could find was north of $12/quart. Jaw-dropping as that is, I thought I would have to deal with it. Well, I actually ended up ordering Amsoil from a service manager at a local Toyota dealership. He swears by it, and my brother runs it in his Harley, so I thought I would give it a try. After doing my due diligence online reading everything I could find on it, I placed my order for a case, and ended up with a price of $10.22/quart. Better than the Mobile offerings at the local shop by over $2/quart!

After doing the oil change, I have noticed my bike runs much smoother, and shifting is like butter compared with the conventional that came out of it. No longer is there that "thud" between first and second. Also, and I know this sounds weird, but my bike sounds different and better. I have all stock, so I wasn't expecting that! I don't yet have a full tank of gas through since the change, so I can't yet comment on fuel mileage changes. I can say though that first impressions do speak loudly, and my first impression with Amsoil is very nice indeed!

Second, if anyone has ever tried to work on their bike on the left side they know it's a pain in the back. I decided to get a wheel chock to help out with this (and to change the oil!). Decided to get one from the local Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ock-97841.html) and it works like a charm. Had it put together in all of 5 minutes, and the price was right. Yes, there are higher priced offerings out there, but what really does the thing need to do other than keep the bike balanced? I didn't feel like spending $300 on some of the competition... Comes with 2 tie-down eyelets on the front crossbar if anyone is so inclined for extra fall security. And, it can be bolted to a trailer for transportation as well. Fit the stock front tire with no problem. Best part of all, if you have a Cycle World, look in the back for a 50% off coupon for this model!

All in all, I had a great time working on my bike for the first time. There are many more modifications to come (as money allows) and I still can't wait for the next ride!!

[Yellow Jacket]

Welcome back Duck. It's very satisfying to work on your own bike isn't it? Enjoyed reading your post.

[schoeney]

Mr Duck,

Congrats on the new bike and welcome to the board. Get used to the smoother feeling at oil changes. Anytime I change my oil it seems to be smoother for awhile.

Thanks for the tip on the chock coupon! So was your final price $40 or $30 ??

[psychoduck]

Final price was $40. Discount taken from full MSRP of $79.99.

A very well spent $40 I might add...

[cactusjack]

You do realize you don't have to run "motorcycle" oil in your engine, right? Save some money and put it towards some bling for your bike.

[macmac]

I run walley world Mobil 1 for cars with NO 'EC' lable on the bottles, just fine. Shifting is great as is everything else on this 06. Don't fer git ta' check the gear oil, if not change it at each oil change. i change mune every time, and for something to do as the oil drains I brush my teet, err my throttle plates.

I get my wife to sit on the pillion seat to get the gear oil drain bolt out easier. She has a opinion on that, but no one here wants to know it.

The best way to find out is get yer wives perched up there to un- do a bolt, and you can find out.

[usranger74]

Ck this out if you want good oil at a good price

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html#Oil

And, "hi" from your neighbor to the west (La Vista, NE)

Bill

[krash]

Originally Posted by macmac

I run walley world Mobil 1 for cars with NO 'EC' lable on the bottles, just fine. Shifting is great as is everything else on this 06. Don't fer git ta' check the gear oil, if not change it at each oil change. i change mune every time, and for something to do as the oil drains I brush my teet, err my throttle plates.

I get my wife to sit on the pillion seat to get the gear oil drain bolt out easier. She has a opinion on that, but no one here wants to know it.

The best way to find out is get yer wives perched up there to un- do a bolt, and you can find out.

Mac what gear lube do you use? And yes I will have my wife sit on the bike, I'll just tell her you said so

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Not sure about Mac but I use the Mobil 1 75W-90 full synthetic. It has worked extremely well for almost 10,000 miles for me.