oil change before storage
oil change before storage
the bike is at 13000 miles and probably not gonna get 2k on it before storage for the winter. i've read pros and cons for changing the oil before/after storage. i was thinking about just getting some cheap oil for the winter and then putting the better stuff in at the start of next season. thoughts?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Totally agreed! I used to do that but don't care anymore since I switched to Amsoil.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, QC
You can do it whenever you feel like to, gets you something to do in the wintertime... However I always start the riding season with fresh oil....
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
If you''re not storing the bike in a climate controlled environment, it's likely you will find that temperature / humidity changes will cause some condensation and water will end up in your oil.
I attempted to drain my oil during a cold snap and when I pulled the drain plug a little bit of oil dribbled out, then stopped because a piece of ice got stuck in the drain tube. I had to replace the plug, run the bike for a few minutes to melt the ice, then proceed.
I try to get as close to my oil change mileage (5k with Amsoil) before putting the bike up for the winter. I change the oil and filter at the beginning of the new season.
I attempted to drain my oil during a cold snap and when I pulled the drain plug a little bit of oil dribbled out, then stopped because a piece of ice got stuck in the drain tube. I had to replace the plug, run the bike for a few minutes to melt the ice, then proceed.
I try to get as close to my oil change mileage (5k with Amsoil) before putting the bike up for the winter. I change the oil and filter at the beginning of the new season.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,141
From: Ohio
+1 I've been riding for over 40 years. I ALWAYS change my oil BEFORE storage. Read your owner's manual. It'll tell you the same thing.