CURIOUS-how often between services???

[buellbabe]

I ride a Buell and the services roll around every 4000kms. I hadn't had the beast long and I began to think "geez this is costing alot more than the HD to maintain"... but then I realised that it was because I was so in lust with it (and still am) that I was doing alot more milleage and therefore the services were rolling around alot faster!!! In actual fact it has been an excellent bike and because I am so anal about its services I have never had any problems bar the usual wear and tear. Well only 2 n half weeks ago she had her 76,000 service and holy cow! I'm about to book her in for the 80,000. Gulp! $$$$$
I am familar with Buell and Harley servicing and am curious about other makes and models. How often do yr services roll around and how big/small are they???

[Monsterbishi]

Fluids'n'Filters every 5000k's for me.
Plugs every 10,000.

[Toast]

I always did it every 5000kms on my Kwak 6R.

Did every 8-10k for the CBR250, but put in an extra oil change mid-way if I felt it needed it (can tell from riding it).

[miSTa]

Mine are supposed to be every 6000km but I do my servicing every 5000km (mulitples of 5000 make it easier to remember when its due).

[buellbabe]

So it seems that only 4000 between is a little shorter but not by much... I guess it depends on how quickly you put the kms on as to how much it hurts the bank balance!

[Grahameeboy]

Every 6,000k for me.....the Sunday rides rack up the k's....had 6,000k service October and already close to 11,000k

[Pixie]

So it seems that only 4000 between is a little shorter but not by much... I guess it depends on how quickly you put the kms on as to how much it hurts the bank balance!
Learn to do it yourself.Get a service manual.
a Buell shouldn't be difficult.I do all the servicing on my bandit.

[far queue]

Well, this isn't what I expected when I read the title of the thread :buggerd:

But, if were talking bikes instead. I change oil and filter every 3-4000km, lube the chain anywhere between 100-500k depending on how much it's been off road and how dry it is. Lube everything else at the same time as the chain. Pull the plugs and check/adjust them every 4-5000km. It got a service from the bike shop at 1000km and is about to get a 10000km service from the shop soon.

The oil changes are more frequent than probably needed, but oil and filters are cheaper than repairs further down the track.

[buellbabe]

Learn to do it yourself.Get a service manual.
a Buell shouldn't be difficult.I do all the servicing on my bandit.

I'm an Image Retoucher not a mechanic... I am quite happy to pay someone who REALLY knows what they are doing... (just means I have to do some more OT)!
Sure some things on Buells are relatively simple and yeah I am quite capable of doing an oil change but other things require specialised tools and technical knowledge. I'd rather have a professional do it.

[skelstar]

Hyosung is/was 4000kms. Oil, filter, shims. Not that expensive though (~$180).

[enigma51]

every 6000 but it tends be expensive as tyres tend to only last about 6k so its about 200 - 300 for service and a further 500+ for tyres.

[Ixion]

:eek: . Double eek. I must say you sprotsbikers pay a lot for tyres. Mine tend to sort of finally die of general old age, but I'd be most disconcerted to get less than 30000km from a tyre - fronts I'd expect 50000. Not to mention the hassle of having to have a new one fitted every few months.

[The Stranger]

The Honda is every 6,000. That said the only ones which cost are every 12,000.
For example the first 6,000km service is only inspect engine idle, brake fluid and clutch fluid (they just stamped my service record to maintain warranty) and the 18,000km is replace these fluids. 30,000 is inspect these again.

[buellbabe]

Yeah the Buell is like this 4000-cheap, 8000-average, 12000-cheap/average, 16000-biggie, so its a case of budgeting for it. The 76000 it just had was the biggie plus I had a new front tyre fitted... thankfully the 80000 is a little-ly...

[WRT]

Those service intervals are short compared to mine . . . the aprilia is only supposed to go in every 10,000k's (according to the manual, but I phoned the distributor to double check because it sounds too long to me), or 5,000k if you are using it primarily on the track. Had its last service at just over 1,000k's, and now I'm on 6,500k's.

I'm going to send it in soon for a service (not going to wait the full 10,000), but thats just because of my cautious nature, the bike feels fine - feels just as tight at 6 and a half as it did at 1 and a half. I dont nana it, but I dont thrash it either, I try to be gentle on all my gear.

As for other bikes tho, they have always been in at around 5-6,000ks.

[buellbabe]

10,000?????? WOW!!!!!!! You could get to 100,000 with only 10 services... ye gads!

[Motu]

I work on my bikes constantly,kinda pointless having a service interval when I'm always farting around with them.But the 4 strokes get an oil and filter change every 3,000km.

[FlyingDutchMan]

I change the oil every 3000km, filter @ 6000km. Air filter + coolant flush probably every 10,000km or so. Never had to change the valve clearanaces yet as they've always been good. I've done the sparkies once, and the ones coming out after 20,000km still looked perfectly good. The new engine needs quite a going over before it goes in (will get fresh oil, sparkies, valve seating, valve clearances, etc).

[buellbabe]

What about stuff like steering head bearings? Mine have been done twice...

[ManDownUnder]

I aim to change the filter every 10k, and oil every 5, but it ends up more like 15 and 7 respectively.

I don't thrash the bike (much) so it's no biggy I reckon...

[kawaman]

6000km

Valve clearances every 24,000km !!!!! these late model bikes are great even tho they cost a bit to service. Got a service manual though so will tackle all but the most special aspects myself.

[Toast]

I work on my bikes constantly,kinda pointless having a service interval when I'm always farting around with them.But the 4 strokes get an oil and filter change every 3,000km.

Yo Motu, I remember you posting something once about the risk of changing oil too often. Something to do with the acids present in new motor oil which are tough on engine parts.

I can't recall if it was more a time thing or a km's thing...so is 3000km's of road riding generally safe enough to not have to worry about the effects of new oil too much?

[Bonez]

3-5000ks between oil/filter changes depending on city or open road usage. 10,000-20,000 between valve clearances/camchain adjustment , or if they sound a bit rattley or 3 years dependending which comes first.

Damn, forgot the carb balance every 5 years.

[Bonez]

What about stuff like steering head bearings? Mine have been done twice...Got a bike with 120,000ks up and they haven't been
touched. One bike with 140,000+ kms done once.

[Morepower]

I change the Oil on the TL every 2000kms and the filter every second Oil change.
I figure Oil is cheap , Hell I need a new rear tyre before every Oil Filter Change !, The Tls at 75,000 kms now, it gets a full service every 20,000 including plugs and Valve clearances.(the clearances have never needed reshimming).Still runs the same as when I got it at 39,000kms.
Its on its 10th new rear tyre in 36,000 kms and 5th New Front tyre.
No wonder I cant afford to replace it.



Dave

[marty]

Every 6,000k for me.....the Sunday rides rack up the k's....had 6,000k service October and already close to 11,000k

i thought it was every 8 months????

[What?]

My CB1100 is 5000K or 12 months (which tends to come first these days)
F650GS is recommended 10,000K intervals, although I go for a couple of 5K oil changes early in life. My previous F650 needed its first valve shim change (only one of the four) at 90,000.

[geoffm]

The BMW service interval is 7500km. It is mainly a once over and check and oil and filter. I dread the day when I have to change the shims - it is a cams out job.
Geoff

[Rashika]

There must be quite a difference between the X1 and later models like mine.
The service is every 8000kms, basic service oils etc, then spark plugs, fork oil on alternative services, belt at 40,000.
I'm guessing maybe the semi-synthetic oils are better than the older type? Amongst other changes I suppose.
Steering head bearings: it says 'inspect' rather than replace, right thru to 80,000.

So when are you upgrading BB? Must be time for a younger model :blip:

[dangerous]

Man half of you guys are nuts changing ya oil so often........ ok now with a dino oil yeah, but oils today are designed to last a long time.

A semi or full synthetic oil will do 10,000k easy..... however you cant help it getting dirty and if a lot of around town riding is done then more often isent going to hurt.

Buell XB range is every 8000k the Guzzi is every 10,000k... but you have to relise that the gear box's are not using the same oil as the engine so only the enging oils need doing that regular.
I'd do my finile drive and gear box every 'when ever' (20'000k) and engine once a season (year) sitting around can get condinsation so even tho the milage dosn't go on it can still need changing.

A new bike will pay to do more often during the 1st 10,000k I do an extra change of all oils in that time.

ps: the Buell has hydro tappits so a oil change once a year (with HD oil) will do, other wise regular pre ride checks (brakes, tyre condition etc) will do.

[buellbabe]

So when are you upgrading BB? Must be time for a younger model :blip:

Was yr mouth out baby I bet mine would still thrash yrs! BLAH! The X1 was always the top of the range and although the XB model certainly rock I'll think you'll find the old girl has got plenty of life in her yet...

[Rashika]

Was yr mouth out baby I bet mine would still thrash yrs! BLAH! The X1 was always the top of the range and although the XB model certainly rock I'll think you'll find the old girl has got plenty of life in her yet...
ha! I knew i'd get a bite there... I saw that one you were eyeing up, you even sent me a piccie of it remember?? :apumpin: :dodge:

[buellbabe]

oh yeah throw a line in and you'll get a bite... Hmmm I know I was eyeing up the new XB12ss but I can't bear to part with the X1. She's just such a primo ride! Gotta start buying Lotto tickets!

[Bonez]

Man half of you guys are nuts changing ya oil so often........ ok now with a dino oil yeah, but oils today are designed to last a long time.

Considering the stuff I use is around $10 per 4 litre container it's no biggy at all.

[dangerous]

Considering the stuff I use is around $10 per 4 litre container it's no biggy at all.
:blink: hey the last 'old japper' I had the CX Turbo cost me $100 for less than 4lt's..... 4 points of Amsoil :wacko:

[TygerTung]

I have been in the past doing it every week, although it was a new motor, but I'll probably step up the interval to about 3000k's

10k?! Thats crazy, I do my bloody cage motors every 5000k's oil and filter, and bike motors are a lot more stressed than the average cage!

[buellbabe]

Oil and filter every 4000km and had 80,000 trouble free kms. From reading these posts it seems the Buell services have a pretty short interval between. Not moaning... was just curious, was talking to an XB owner last nite and altho his manual states every 8000 he still does his oil and filter every 4.

[dangerous]

Oil and filter every 4000km and had 80,000 trouble free kms. From reading these posts it seems the Buell services have a pretty short interval between. Not moaning... was just curious, was talking to an XB owner last nite and altho his manual states every 8000 he still does his oil and filter every 4.
"Old habbits die hard"
Thats the only reason people do oil changes sooner than nessary, oil is not what it used to be and emisions armt what they used to be... ie: beter oil and less emisions means our motors last longer, unless you drive a Hilman Hunter and run it on golden syrup.

The only exceptions I make is with a turbo'd engine were the turbo dosent have its own oil suply.

[FlyingDutchMan]

I've changed mine every 3,000km and it still comes out looking and smelling like rat shit. A bit runnier though. Maybe a bad case of diahorea. Regular oil changes is one of the biggest factors in determining an engines life (except for acts of extreme stupidity).

[dangerous]

I've changed mine every 3,000km and it still comes out looking and smelling like rat shit. A bit runnier though. Maybe a bad case of diahorea. Regular oil changes is one of the biggest factors in determining an engines life (except for acts of extreme stupidity).
emmmm... yeah well I shoulda said that I am refering to engines in good nick, newish or well looked after.
I have seen the state of your bike......... try a decent oil instead of spent deisel oil. :headbang:

[Bonez]

:blink: hey the last 'old japper' I had the CX Turbo cost me $100 for less than 4lt's..... 4 points of Amsoil :wacko:I'm sure the CX loved you for it. I'll get at least 4 oil/filter changes for $100.

[dangerous]

I'm sure the CX loved you for it. I'll get at least 4 oil/filter changes for $100.
Went in clean.... came out clean, a year later.
Thats the thing with a good engine and top oils...... they last

[Bonez]

Went in clean.... came out clean, a year later.
Thats the thing with a good engine and top oils...... they last
I'm glad you are happy. I'm am equally as happy using dino at a much reduced cost.

[dangerous]

I'm glad you are happy. I'm am equally as happy using dino at a much reduced cost.
yeah, no worries Mr Bonez I'm not harasing ya you know, If I owned as you call your "old shitters' dino is what I'd be using aswell, changing to a syn oil would be bit of a shock for the old girls, todays oils wern't around when those bikes were built so they arnt designed for it.
Unlike BB's Buell were I'm sure they only reconmend HD branded oil which I am sure is a semi syn..... and were unlike your Jappers the gear box is seperate to the engine so carbon contaminated oils dont affect the gear box ie: no need for oil changes to be so regular IMHO.

[Mooch]

Bike oil and quick check every 5,000 km
Ducati Services every 10,000km $$$$
Cambelts every 10,000km rather than 20,000km $$$$
Brake Fluid change max every two years , depends on millege and how much sitting the bike has done.
Rear Tyre 5,000 ish
Front Trye 7,500 ish
Air , check during most rides
Chain , every second ride

Rider
At least two Coffees and one Brunch per ride.
2 or 3 beers after ride
Helmet every 3 years
Gloves about 4 years
Boots about 5 years
Leathers about every 7 or 8

[buellbabe]

Went in clean.... came out clean, a year later.
Thats the thing with a good engine and top oils...... they last

Hmmm you have a good point there D. Brings back memories of my first Sporty... she didn't have an oil change for about 10,000kms and altho it wasn't clean-as when it came out I swear the oil LEVEL had barely changed!!! Damn good little bike!

[dangerous]

she didn't have an oil change for about 10,000kms and altho it wasn't clean-as when it came out I swear the oil LEVEL had barely changed!!!
Ahhhh... but this brings us to another point BB, condesation.... now most engines will use some oil, but the reason the level dosent drop is due to a condensation build up.
Now this will be a lot worse for a bike that dosent travel very far in a week ie: a bike used every day on the open rd will avaparate any condensation.

So if the bike has done 10,000k or 1,000k in a year it still pays to replace it, remember my point initally was that oils last longer these days when being used.

Just to reionforce my pointy today (cos really I could be spouting a load a shit again) A deisel engine will use oil... however they often get a lot of blow by of deisel past the rings... this drains to the sump were it dilutes the oil, hence the level dosent ulta.... but the state of ya engine does IMHO

[Bonez]

Ahhhh... but this brings us to another point BB, condesation.... now most engines will use some oil, but the reason the level dosent drop is due to a condensation build up.
Now this will be a lot worse for a bike that dosent travel very far in a week ie: a bike used every day on the open rd will avaparate any condensation.

So if the bike has done 10,000k or 1,000k in a year it still pays to replace it, remember my point initally was that oils last longer these days when being used.

Just to reionforce my pointy today (cos really I could be spouting a load a shit again) A deisel engine will use oil... however they often get a lot of blow by of deisel past the rings... this drains to the sump were it dilutes the oil, hence the level dosent ulta.... but the state of ya engine does IMHONow if the condensation was that bad how come when one drains the oil there isn't a litre of water draining out first when one removes ones sump plug? After all oil sits on top of water.

[Ixion]

It can (and does) happen to a limited extent. The water will be emulsified into the oil. Doubt it would be enough to show on the oil level though. however , the diesel thing IS correct, used to work for a diesel service place, they saw it in diesel cars that were just used for sommuting/shopping. (BAD idea)

[dangerous]

Now if the condensation was that bad how come when one drains the oil there isn't a litre of water draining out first when one removes ones sump plug? After all oil sits on top of water.
Duh... I never said a litre, and do you think with all them gears and spinnie things in there that the condensation (NOT water) and oil... wouldent get mixed up :tugger:


It can (and does) happen to a limited extent. The water will be emulsified into the oil.
the diesel thing IS correct
Yeah thanks.... emulsified, good word :drinkup:

[Bonez]

Duh... I never said a litre, and do you think with all them gears and spinnie things in there that the condensation (NOT water) and oil... wouldent get mixed up :tugger:

Try not to take my posts to heart.

Condensation buildup in engines IS water. It can also be caused by storing your vehical outside where the temperatures alternate all the time. Hence the reason to keep vehicals undercover, where possible, when not in use. It reduces , note "reduces" not eliminates, the chances of condensation occuring.

Edit- I should add the Fc2, now this m/c is 20 years old, has a collecter box for gathering most of the moisture generated during operation from within the crankcases. It's situated below the air box with a tube attached that has a plug fitted. This plug when removed allows WATER and emulsified oil to drain out.

[buellbabe]

Ok another good point Dangerous but I DID own that bike over 14 yrs ago and have since been made more aware of bike maintainence and I now admit that I really didn't look after THAT bike very well... it didn't seem to matter tho cos she never missed a beat... I have become more anal retentive about servicing over the yrs!!! The Buell is a keeper, totally in lust, so I always service on time and so far that has paid off cos I have a primo bike that never gives me cause for grief.:woohoo: :ride:

[Motu]

I was reading something a few years ago where some studies were done in the States (of course) on cold starts,and the amount of water produced in the crankcase of a cast iron V8 is huge.The problem is not so much the water,but what it turns into - it combines with other by products of combustion..eg...N0X...and turns into acids,like nitric acid,and acids just love to act as electrolites.Some studies say most engine wear is caused by these acids....and they just love to sit there undisturbed.So changing your oil every 6 mths no matter what the kms is important.

What a diesel gets in it's sump is soot,that's why a diesel turns it's oil black,fuel also enters the sump,and this is what keeps a diesel so clean inside - believe it or not when you strip down a diesel and wash all the engine parts they come up much cleaner than inside a petrol engine.It's not the high detergent oil...otherwise why doesn't a petrol engine using a diesel rated oil stay that clean?

This soot can thicken an oil.A strange thing happened a few years ago,say around 2000 - draining the oil of some of our regular customer diesels and on some the oil came out thick like molasses,at a regular oil change interval and using the same old oil we always used.The oil company reps had all sorts of theories,and I had to use this or that oil...but they were at a loss to explain to me why it suddenly started to happen.Then a year or so later we stopped seeing thick oil,I haven't seen thickened oil for several years.So I'm pretty positive it was an oil thing,but no oil company would ever admit it.I still get a couple of vehicles in that went through this thick oil stage,nothing has been done to them and have always used the same oil...mostly.Only damage was camshaft wear on one engine.