Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Oil Replacement Question

No I dont want to open up yet another thread about which engine oil is best for the Bonneville just to clear the air.

It is coming close to time to take the Speedmaster out of the shed and prep it for this riding season and I am not sure if I should change the oil and filter or just fire it up and go. Last year I had calcium build up on both right wrist and elbow early in the season which made it very painful to ride. It cleared up by August but from then to the end of the season I probably only rode 600 -700 kms. (Admittedly the 2000 Miata took up many a country ride this past year)
Change oil and filter?
Just change oil?
Install the battery and go?

I am sure if I could go back through the history of this forum I would find the answer but there are limitations.

Change, over the winter your oil gets contaminated from condensation and corrosion. I am sure others will disagree.

What about the filter if I can get it off without damaging it? I guess if there is condensation it would settle there being the lowest part of the system

Filters are cheap, I always replace when changing the oil. Don't use one with the welded on nut on the end. There have been members here that have caught that one objects and ripped the filter open. Purolator is a really good filter but there are other good ones out there too.