I am going to change fluids tomorrow and am just shy of 5,000k. I noticed on my ride today that the engine is running hotter (don't have a temp guage just felt more heat off the engine). Question: Will older oil (running Synthetic) cause more heat in the engine? Just curious. thanks.

 

Oil breaks down with heat, so I would assume that it is indeed the old oil...just my 2 c

 

I spent some time watching engine temperature with temperature gauge. My conclusion is perception can not be trusted. I have thought engine to be hotter when it was not.

 

I don't have an oil temp gauge, either. Some days the motor feels hotter than others.

I also use synthetic oil (Royal Purple) and change it every 5k. I don't worry about it.

 

yes. oil breaks down and runs hotter the first time you use the machine. this is why pro racers change there oil after every moto and every practice. but. they get there oil for free so its not practical for the average joe to do this. plus. you cant see them put there is tiny metal particles in every oil change form gears. piston rings. bearings. things just wear out even during the first start up on a new machine.

 

5K changes with a good synthetic oil of adequate viscosity maintained at the proper level along with a quality filter and you have done the best you can do.
With all the above, I am not so sure that the mileage would translate to a noticeable difference, except possibly in the most extreme of cases.
In all my vehicles, at each oil check I am also checking quality of the oil on the dipstick - level, color, consistency, and smell. That's why after years of 3K changes, I moved on up to 5K. Oil life indicators on my vehicles say to go further, and one day I might.
A bigger Baker Oil Pan could be an option to consider for your bike, if you are interested. More capacity is always good. NASCAR has allowed the big oil tank for their dry sump systems for years, up to 5.5 gallons in the race car.

 

I've observed it too Ben E, When you put that fresh oil in it will run a little cooler.

 

 

or is it the new filter, better flow and circulation. perception maybe.

 

Good call, that might be the cause.