Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech oil change/gear change stick

Hi,

So, I changed my oil and filter last week, put the correct oil in, looks to be at the right level (middle of the peep hole). However, I'm noticing there is a little bit of resistance going from first to secong now that wasn't there before. Once the bike is good and warmed up it seems to be better.

Should I add more oil, any suggestions?


thanx,
Kurt

NO! No more oil. Mid glass level may already exceed proper level. There are two hashes, located next to the window. High mark and low mark. You should be between the marks. Get a 2x4. Lay it on the ground. Put your kickstand on the 2x4. The bike should be damned near level. Get down there and look for the hashes - They can be hard to spot.

And...
Don't pull the bike over on top of you. It's a little unstable sitting on that 2X4....

Was this your first (500) oil change?? Break-in oil is thin and drippy. As you put more miles on with real oil, you will find that things loosen up and smooth out quite a bit.

What is the correct oil that you used? I have noticed easier shifting with 10W40 than with 15or20W50.

I don't have my book handy, but I'm pretty sure 10W-40 is the recomended oil unless you live in the Sahara.

10W40 is what I run year round, even in 115 degrees. I think the book just says 10W40 or 15W50 without a temp spec.

I have one of the older manuals and it says 15w50. I run 20w50 Amsoil.

As a side - and maybe why the clutch is grabbing - I'm generally not a 'stickler' concerning oils - particularly mfgr.'s recommendations. If the weight (viscosity) is ok, I'm ok. However, all I've read about motorcycles - particularly those sharing crankcase and transmission oil - It seems that the viscosity is just one factor. Motorcycles using the same oil to lubricate both the rotating engine, transmission and clutch seem to be best served using a formulated blend of lubricant that will enable all components to work efficiently. Standard, automotive grade lubricants MAY not fill the bill.

Std automotive grade lubricates will NOT fit the bill. You Must have the proper MOTORCYCLE oil. AMSOIL 20W50 Motorcycle oil is what I'm running, I womp on her pretty good & Iive where there's plenty of hills & mountains so I think the "extra" 5w over the 15W50 in the book helps me

oh oh, they need oil? /me runs to garage to get 2x4.

Mine was a bit strange after its 2nd oil change going to Mobile 1. It worked in.