6,000 miles is the oci recommended I believe.
Depends on how ridden. If 2 miles a day 5 days a week, that oil would probably be done @ 2000 miles (especially if a carb bike). If ridden every few weekends for 100 miles at a time, then it is probably fine up to the OEM interval....
Other than peace of mind, when oil is changed at 1,500 miles at the end of a riding season because that is all the bike was used, analysis shows pretty well that miles, not time, are the main cause for oil to wear out. This is shown through analysis many times on this forum despite manufacturers saying to change it once a year even if the mileage threshold is not reached, whether a car or motorcycle. When the bike is run up to operating temperature before the off-season, there is nothing an oil with lower miles won’t protect from that a fresh change would do any better. It may not be a popular way to look at it because we all want to feel good about how we treat our machines, however I believe evidence is on that side of the discussion.
Agree, I wasn’t meaning to imply the extreme short trip warm-up scenario was not worthy of consideration however that typically is not what most motorcycle oils endure. Bikes that get out each week for the summer months and end up with 1500 miles on the oil are disposing of oil sooner than needed is what I was hoping to get across.Depends on how ridden. If 2 miles a day 5 days a week, that oil would probably be done @ 2000 miles (especially if a carb bike). If ridden every few weekends for 100 miles at a time, then it is probably fine up to the OEM interval.
In your climate, as someone has mentioned, I would use the Valvoline Conventional 20w50 motorcycle oil. I was happy with it in my Suzuki C50.Any personal recommendation? So basically a decent Diesel engine oil?
I bought a 2019 this year, running ST 20w50 V Twin hoping to mitigate cam drive wear. FYI a friend put over 30k on one of these no cam tensioner fail.My bike is an 2005 it calls for 10w40 should I stick with that? My main concern is timing chain slack. I have read these are common for the chain to stretch and the adjuster to fail. I have 18,000 on mine and I can't tell if it's been done or not. The case doesn't look like it's been opened up. What oil would be best in this situation and how often to change it?
Another good thought as to running 20w50, seems it’s hard to find a reason not to run either 20w50 or 15w40. Has anyone seen a VOA or UOA of ST 20w50 VTwin?I bought a 2019 this year, running ST 20w50 V Twin hoping to mitigate cam drive wear. FYI a friend put over 30k on one of these no cam tensioner fail.
I did the oil change today with t15w40 and it immediately shifted smoother. I was surprised at the level of difference but I definitely felt a noticeable difference.