Changing oil & filter - how often do you do it?

[Cooper1999]

I'm planning to change the oil & filter prior to using the bike less over the winter period. Looking at the manual to see if I had enough oil (I'm short so need to get some more) I noticed it recommends changing the oil every 4000 miles (I'll have done around 2000 this summer).
This isn't a problem - I don't mind changing the oil more frequently, but it states the oil filter (which I normally change with the oil) is due changing every 11,000 miles.
So how often do you change your oil/filter? And do you change the filter with the oil/every other oil change/on mileage etc.?

[SMSLF]

I always change both at the same time. Most filters are cheap so it’s not really a cost issue with any of my cars/bikes. Annually usually, unless the bike has done less than a couple of thousand then I may just leave it until I ride more.

[trickywoo]

You are doing it at the right time. A lot of people will refresh oil in the spring for the new season but you are best doing it before layup / less use as the various packages in the oil will be fresh. Much better than having contaminated / used oil sitting in there.

I change the oil annually and the filter every other year because I only do around 1k mikes at the moment.

If I was doing 3k a year I’d definitely do the oil and filter annually.

[bogie]

Change oil and filter at the same time. My MV says every 3500 miles or 12 months, I do it yearly as i dont get 3500 miles in every year on it. Tend to do it now before it may not be ridden for a few months.

[DJP]

Cooper1999 said:

...it states the oil filter (which I normally change with the oil) is due changing every 11,000 miles.
So how often do you change your oil/filter? And do you change the filter with the oil/every other oil change/on mileage etc.?

I take it your bike's a Suzuki, then 'cos mine says the same.

I change my oil annually or every 4,000 miles and the filter every other oil change.

[JulianHJ]

Mine gets serviced annually shortly before its MOT, whether it's done 1,500 miles or 5,000 miles.

[Bob_Defly]

Oil and filter annually, either before Winter storage or just after. Doesn't really matter when you do it.

[podman]

Id say most people on PCP/finance deals do it as per the manufacturers advice, no incentive to add in extra cost if your moving it on at the end of the deal, additional servicing outside the manufacturers recommended isnt going to hurt but i think it makes the owner feel better as opposed to adding longevity to the engine.

[Krikkit]

If the manual says every 11k miles is fine I'd be tempted to follow it, but at the same time filters are cheap, so while the oil's out you may as well throw one on.

[Rob 131 Sport]

I always change the oil and filter at the same time. I cannot see the point of not changing them both at the same time as the filters are less than £10.
With the bike doing less than 1,000 miles per year I’ve been changing it bi-annually. However, the gear change is so much better after it’s been changed so I’m now going to do it annually.

Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Monday 8th November 12:05

[anonymous-user]

I live away for work, in a hotel, no facilities, and nearest big bike shop is 100 Mike's away. I have the bike serviced twice a year by a specialist, but I regularly get the guy in the local scooter shop to do an oil change, without the filter.

[Donbot]

I do what the manufacturer says. They will know better than me.

[Waynester]

Same as the majority, annually, regardless of mileage.. oil & filter

[RizzoTheRat]

Bob_Defly said:

Oil and filter annually, either before Winter storage or just after. Doesn't really matter when you do it.

I've heard it claimed that if you're not using it over the winter it's better to change it before the layup, as oil gets slightly more acidic with use so better to leave it with clean oil.

I tend to give mine a service every spring though.

[anonymous-user]

As above, proper bike oil is quite dear, even allowing for the fact that you only need 4-4.5 litres so for the sake of an extra tenner or so it's nice to fit a new filter at the same time. Also filters that have been on for a while can be a right sod to remove unless you use the old screwdriver and hammer technique so regular replacement is a good idea.

The main reason I change the oil regularly is because the gearchange and clutch action always seem to feel nicer afterwards.

[black-k1]

Donbot said:

I do what the manufacturer says. They will know better than me.

While oil and filter are relatively cheap, I see no point in wasting money on changes that the manufacturer does not feel are required. If engine failure in motorcycles was a common occurrence then I'd likely think differently but failure of an engine serviced as per the manufacturers specifications is virtually unheard of.

[Bob_Defly]

RizzoTheRat said:

Bob_Defly said:

Oil and filter annually, either before Winter storage or just after. Doesn't really matter when you do it.

I've heard it claimed that if you're not using it over the winter it's better to change it before the layup, as oil gets slightly more acidic with use so better to leave it with clean oil.

I tend to give mine a service every spring though.

I don't think oil degrades that fast. Has anyone done any analysis on the same oil to test the theory?

[Timbo_S2]

About every three days of use. Stahlbus oil change valve makes it a very quick and easy job. Filters are cheap, so do that as well. Oil still comes out green, but its cheaper than an engine rebuild!

[Biker9090]

Once a year/every 2k for the CBF500. Every 4k ish/yearly for the bigger bikes.

[DirtyHarley]

Service interval says 5000 miles for engine oil and filter every other change, but like others have said, filters are fairly cheap so I slap a new one on every oil change.

Admittedly, unlike other posters, my oil changes at 5k miles is every 2 to 3 months for me!