I disagree with that...
The lab can measure the TBN.
This will tell how much life is left in the oil.

 

I should have typed, "...in terms that can be understood by most people."

I was in no way suggesting that the report doesn't provide that data. Good catch!

 

labs schmabs..lol..cleaned so many air filters in my time and the one thing they all have in common, and don't need no lab results to tell me it's bad, is after rinsing in a tub and slowly draining, there is always fine, silty, sandy sediment left..more of this makes its way into our engines with forward facing exposed K&N air filters than enclosed ACs with paper elements..I know, Captain Obvious speaking..and I get that for performance builds requiring more air is unavoidable so have to accept the trade off..point is more dirt in engine = dirtier oil and filters..can't compare these to cars with their ACs under their hoods..

 

Not forgetting it at all...

The lab results will tell you the actual condition of the oil.

If you don`t use a lab to analyze the oil, then you should certainly stick to the manufacturers recommendation on how far to go on an oil and filter change.

 

not sure a lab test can measure or tell you how much wear sandy **** affects internal engine parts...good conversation though...anyway, off to go dirty my oil for our weekly retired folks lunch ride, take care

 

A lab test will tell you how much silica is in the oil for sure...

It`s not guess work, it is how operators of big expensive engines, gas turbines and industrial machinery have done it for well over 50 years.

 

I think testing has merit for say a NYC Cab company trying to save on operating expenses for sure..the average MC rider? why not just apply the testing $$ towards and oil change, which your engine will appreciate more...are you supposed to test every time, since you may ride in dustier conditions than previously tested or just figure the one test result will suffice for future intervals? seems like analysis paralysis overkill but some folks are more OCD than others about oil and may be able to save a few dollars once or twice a year I guess..unless of course they are riding 50,000 miles a year like so many do..

anyway, I knew this test looked familiar then it hit me, it's exactly the same ingredients as the label on my One A Day Vitamin bottle!

 

I agree that lab testing for an individual is not money well spent...

Oil and filter every 5K works for me.

 

5k mile intervals is what I shoot for most of the time. I don't usually go more than 6k. This particular situation was just a lack of new oil on my part and the fact that I had an extra unexpected trip to Birmingham come up. I can't imagine how an extra 2,500 miles of oil use could cause some kind of irreparable damage, unless of course there is a bigger issue in play. Which leads me to...

This was my longest interval between changes (since doing the 117), that is why I decided to send out a sample for peace of mind really. And like I expected, nothing to worry about.

 

Did you retest at 10k miles with the lab?