Changed it when I got the bike (it'd sat for a long time), will change it again when I put it away for the winter and again when I pull it out for spring.  I haven't had enough time riding this season to change it mid-year.

I use the Mobile Delvac 1300 15w40 stuff you can buy in gallons at Wal-Mart for 5 bucks a pop.  Diesel oils tend to be good oils for heavy-use situations, they are formulated with extra detergents.  Plus, they're cheap as heck.  I might have to switch up to a different oil for early winter riding though, 15-weight isn't so great for cold starts.

Quote from: daneilah

Quote from: groff22I do it quite frequently ... about every 2 - 3000kms.

Is it bad to change the oil too much? Probably not.

It's never too often, unless your wallet is the judge.    

Do you change the filter every time if you're changing the oil that often?

For us seasonal types in the North, I figured change it once in the spring, once in the middle of the summer and once before you put it away in the fall.    Assuming you do 10,000km in a summer, you'd be changing it every 5,000.

I change the filter every time, not neccessarily the O-Ring. 10,000K a summer? Hardly 5k!

Quote from: davipucar crap.  that's all she needs.

Ja, I've seen a couple of decent studies that show car oil works fine for bikes, and it's easier for me to get at a decent price ('round here).

Change oil every 1500?  I don't have time to change it every other week.

But Dave, it sounds like you're changing yours weekly?  

na, I've slowed down, and hit my gas money limit.

so, just for a noob here, can I use the car oil, or do I have to look for a motorcycle one? howto page here says 4-stroke motorcycle, but local pep boys don't have any motorcycle oil. Do I have to look for it or am I fine with car one? also what brand/weight/etc is good, I think manual says 10w40?

Thanks!

As previously mentioned the commercial diesel oils are a great choice for the GS.  They will stand up to the "shearing" effect of the gears in the tranny better than regular auto oils.  I use the Mobile Devlac 1300 15w-40.  I think its as good or better than "motorcycle" oil.

OR...

YES!!!

You can use car oil! Its all you need.. go to walmart.. or where ever, and buy some 10W40 .. Of any brand.. cheapest if you like.. pay big $$ if you really want.. The GS is a tank! Dump any brand o  Dino juice in and zooooom..  

ok now, what's a shearing effect, how do I know it's a diesel oil, and what's a dyno juice? you are dealing with a total noob here, remember

:lol:

Just put 10W40 in it.. same as most cars

You can use other like... 10W30, or other...

Dino juice is  (oil)    as oposed to synthetic oil.. you can use that as well.. But as a noob...

10W40..(Thats what Manuel says  ). Even says it on the dipstick on mine  buy it @ Walmart.. or any parts store... It doesnt have to say anyting special.. no.. "motorcycle oil" or stuff like that you could prob buy it @ the dollar store  :lol:  But I would stick w/ majior brands like Pensoil, Valvoline.. etc      

laugh all you want... meanwhile I am getting myself some 10w40  :mrgreen:

I like castrol.  Been using it in everything, use synthetic 10x40 in the bike and it is great.

Synthetic is actually cheaper most of the time considering you can get 5000 miles out of it and only 3000 out of regular.  A side effect of synthetic is that your engine will warm up a little quicker as well.

I don't have any experience with the high milage formulas on bikes, but there was a noticable difference in my explorer when I used it.  Those formulas are supposed to increase compression by filling the microscopic cracks and scrapes in the piston and cylinder walls.  I would guess that bikes may develop those same cracks.

Oh...I'll definately second (or third or whatever) the comment about changing the oil when you buy a vehicle.  Never believe anything the seller tells you unless there are service station records with dates and milage on them.

I purchased my GS500EY in April of 2000, new in the crate. I changed the oil at 200 miles, 400 miles, and 1200 miles. I now have 1675 miles on the bike. I figured since I average approx. 300 miles a year, I did the last change @ 1200 mi. with Synthetic. That way I won't have to change oil at least until I retire! Cool Huh???

ok, so how do you tell a synthetic oil from a regular one?

Quote from: Soaringok, so how do you tell a synthetic oil from a regular one?

The label?  :dunno:

D  

Mobil has recently come out with a synth blend - $2 a quart.  I changed to that (10W40) for the last track day in the SV, and it didn't blow up.  Nice smooth shifting.