oil changing??

[mes_423]

i was told by a unreliable source that you must change you oil every 3000 miles or every 3 months. any truth to that?
thanks

[glenn9171]

It is highly recommended that you change the oil regularly, as the engine oil is also in the transmission.  It gets dirty fast like that.  I don't know about every 3 months, but I have 7900 miles on mine and I have changed the oil at least 4 times so far.  That is in one year of riding.

Change it often with quality oil and filter.  

[mes_423]

what weight of oil do i put into the bike, and is oil a special oil?
i have put about 600 miles on my bike and ive owned it about 4 months now so  am due?
i also have another question
is there a brand of oil reccommended?
and a brand of chain oil/grease reccommended?

[The Antibody]

Stick to what your manual says. Use 10W-40. Use a motorcycle oil. I personally use Amsoil. Any chain wax or oil will work. I prefer wax. You will not need to change your oil yet, but it's never too early for oil. Look at it this way; it can't hurt.

 -Anti

[glenn9171]

Did you buy it new?  If so, the first oil change comes at 600 miles if I am not mistaken.

If the bike is used, change it now.  There's no telling how long ago the previous owner changed it.  

Buy a Clymer or Hayne's repair manual.

DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE NUTS SECURING THE OIL FILTER COVER.  Just good and snug is good enough.  The studs are prone to breaking if too much torque is applied.

[TheGoodGuy]

i do my oil change 2000 (or 2500) miles or 6 months..

It works for me..

I am presently using Castrol GTX 10W40, before i was using Exxon (Mobil) 10W40.. both with STP SMO-00.

I find the bike shifts better with castrol.

[pantablo]

Clymers manual says 4K miles oil change interval...I think my bikes owners manual says 4K or 3K, cant remember. Change it at least that often. Its good for the bike.

also, it sounds like you might be new to this...if so its best to stick to motorcycle specific oils until you understand a bit more about the differences between car and moto oil (there are some car oils you shouldnt use). its a simple thing to do, the change itself. Theres a great how-to link on the main page of this site.