 Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
So of course at the end of the year i change my oil but what do allot of you guys do? Change the oil in the fall then again in the spring, never having used the new oil changed in the fall? Or do you put new oil in the fall and then use that oil until first oil change next summer?
Also, do any of you use anything before the last oil change of the year, like maybe running some power steering fluid or what have you through the bike to clean out deposits etc and then drain them with the last oil change, i have heard some use sea foam a bit in the crank run it at idle for a while then drain?
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
The proper thing to do is to change the oil just before you park the bike to reduce acid deposits from causing any corrosion on the innards during winter. You would then run the oil in the spring for the usual number of miles.
Having said that, I park mine with whatever miles I have on it, old or new and have never had a problem. Sometimes I change it if it's due. Other times....ho hum. I never add any additives to the crank to keep things clean. If you are using a top quality synthetic, you don't need it.
I do drain the float bowls and sometimes add stabilizer to the fuel.
12 Rocket Roadster 03 Bonneville America 69 BSA Firebird Scrambler 73 Yamaha TX 750
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Oh and Mike....Kindly refrain from mentioning the "W" word so soon. We get enough reminders about it from our southern kin.... both those who drive on the right side and those who drive on the wrong! 
12 Rocket Roadster 03 Bonneville America 69 BSA Firebird Scrambler 73 Yamaha TX 750
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
LOL sorry Greg ya i know, i am hoping to get a few more miles on her before bed time, but its rainging and cold here today with news of snow from our far north brethern, its inevitable sir.... let the tears begin.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
It's going to be over 30C for the rest of the week here. Oh, and don't say the "S" word also.... It's sooooo depressing. 
12 Rocket Roadster 03 Bonneville America 69 BSA Firebird Scrambler 73 Yamaha TX 750
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Winter?  Spring? Fall?  What of is this speak??? Disney came here for a DAMN GOOD REASON! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
I never change mine when I park it for the winter since it will probably get some condensation over the winter months. I then change it in the spring.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
I never change mine when I park it for the winter since it will probably get some condensation over the winter months. I then change it in the spring.
ya i like that idea, think i am going with this one, makes sense.
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I change mine in the Spring (an acceptable 's' word).
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Stop being a sissy, bundle up, put on some chains keep riding and change it at normal intervals! 
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Quote:
Stop being a sissy, bundle up, put on some chains keep riding and change it at normal intervals!

2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Quote:
Winter? 
Spring? (Summer or )Fall? 
All you gotta to do is call..
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
Quote:
Stop being a sissy, bundle up, put on some chains keep riding and change it at normal intervals!
I used to do that minus the chains. Full face helmet with face mask and throat coat, Doufold long johns, snomobile suit with layers of flanels, snowmobile boots with thick felt liners and heavy socks (2 pair) and USN sheep skin gauntlet mittins. I was warm no matter the temp outside.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Quote:
Winter? 
Spring? (Summer or )Fall? 
All you gotta to do is call..
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah, you got a friend.

And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 348
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 348 |
Quote:
I never change mine when I park it for the winter since it will probably get some condensation over the winter months. I then change it in the spring.
+1 This is what I do as well on both bikes and haven't had a problem. I'm using full synthetic as well. I used to do changes at the end of season and beginning of season when I was using standard oil.
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 64
Member
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Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 64 |
Park it as is, change the oil in the spring before the new season.
All this talk about bad corrosive stuff sitting in the oil is overblown. Oil, even used oil, has enough neutralizing agents in it that acidity isn't an issue.
Last edited by Sayantsi; 09/17/2012 9:13 PM.
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754 |
Ever since I got Black Beauty (07BA) I've maintained oil changes @ 3K mile intervals regardless of the season. I ride in temps down to 40degF if the roads are clear during the "W" word.
I was running Rotella T6 5w20 for the first 3K this past Spring as it improved clutch/shifting response. Went to Lucuas fullsyn 15/40 before the Midwest Rally this year and am very pleased with overall performance w/this oil.
Karl Odessa, MO '07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
my bike ran hotter with the Lucas 15/40, by like 15-25º on average... not a big deal until you get up over 225º but when the Amsoil and Rotella keep my bike between 190-215, it's a noticeable difference
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373 |
I put my bike away for winter on the last day of December and take it out of winter storage on the first day of January. The oil doesn't seem to change much over that long day.
'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 754 |
Quote:
my bike ran hotter with the Lucas 15/40, by like 15-25º on average... not a big deal until you get up over 225º but when the Amsoil and Rotella keep my bike between 190-215, it's a noticeable difference
Now that you mention it..those hot July runs in WI probably contributed to my stock coil frapping out (ambient heat plus the hotter mill temp musta baked the one that went buggers when I got home). I gotta get me one of them thar oil temp guages for sure! I'm still about 500mi from the next oil change & will be sending a sample in for analysis.
Karl Odessa, MO '07 America, Cinnamon Girl (aka: Black Beauty or Ol' Penny) - Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On
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 Re: Winter Oil Change
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
I normaly don't change the oil in my bike in the winter. 
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