Newbie - Oil Change Question

Deminar · 04-07-2008

Hi everyone,
I am a new member here in this forum. I have a question that might sound stupid, but I just want to run it by you. I have bought a new 07 Vulcan 1500Fi Classic. I puchased it last August and really enjoyed it. (I actually put around 6500km between August and October!!!)
I just love this machine. I had some saddlebags custom made. Since they are hand made, they are not perfect, but I doubt that I will ever find a saddle bag that is thougher or more durable. I bought some Lindby bars...man they look hot.
Anyway, back to my question. I am about to be able to take the motorcycle out for the first time this year. I have changed the oil before I stored it. I was wondering, do I really need to change it again before I start riding this year? I know it's a silly question, but everyone seems to point out that an oil change is required after storing the bike. Personally, I don't think that I need to change the oil for another 6000km...

Please let me know of your thoughts. Here are a few pics of the ride.

JacksonW · 04-07-2008

Welcome, and nice ride! I've done the same thing with all my bikes. Running Novembers oil now. No problems. I'm sure that you'll get different oppinions, but, you are talking about OIL!

spitfire9 · 04-07-2008

I would be concerned if the bike was in a location where it got cold/warm/cold/warm. Condensation will build up in the crankcase. It's a big danger on stored aircraft engines, and some airplane owners even create dessicant canisters to plug carbs and exhaust tubes over the winter. Doesn't answer your question directly, but I'd change it myself for peace of mind.

900classic · 04-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacksonW

Welcome, and nice ride! I've done the same thing with all my bikes. Running Novembers oil now. No problems. I'm sure that you'll get different oppinions, but, you are talking about OIL!

+1 I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm running the oil that I put in last Dec. I don't plan on changing it until it's been used.

If you were going to change in in the spring then why would you change it in the fall?

Kawi-Fan · 04-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 900classic

+1
If you were going to change in in the spring then why would you change it in the fall?

Changing Oil in the fall is always a good idea, because if the oil has any contaminents in it they tend to eat away at engine parts. When I bought my Triumph TR6 it had been stored without an oil change and there was visible damage to the cylinder walls. Of course this was from a long storage time, not just over the winter. As for Spring changes, condensation is a possibilty, but personally, I don't bother as long as I've changed in the fall. My 2 cents.

vn2kbob · 04-07-2008

Most of us do run the oil we put in the bike just before putting it away for the winter. You should be fine for another 600km easily. Welcome to the Forum and the 1500 Classic is what made Kawasaki Vulcans a favored cruiser for several years. It's a great bike.
Bob

RichLockyer · 04-08-2008

As long as you didn't do any "garage riding" during the winter, you aren't going to have enough condensation to worry about. There is some in there, but your first 60-100 mile ride will boil it out.

Go ride.

Deminar · 04-08-2008

Thank for the replies,
I have not done any "garage riding" as I have removed the battery during the winter. However, I did go and sit on it 5 or 6 times fantasizing about riding the bike in a nice sunny day!
The winter has been really bad here in New-Brunswick, Canada and it's driving me crazy! Finally the days are getting warmer and we have had a few rainy days to wash the salt off the roads. I will be able to ride within 1 to 2 weeks!!!

wayne1001 · 04-09-2008

Kawi fan, the cylinders were most likely pitted from sitting with no oil on them for a long time, not from leaving the old oil in it.

skewterdewd · 04-09-2008

Oil should be fine just remember to check the level..

How do you like the multibar? Thinking of putting one on my Nomad.

Sport · 04-09-2008

I wonder home much oil would be saved if we didn't change the oil every spring like the mfg says. I always change mine at the end of the riding season. What do they do with all the reserve oil that just sits in those large tanks for a long time? Are they told to change them out every so many months?

jesquire · 04-09-2008

welcome to the forum. Nice looking bike. Gotta love those Lindby bars. I Want a set for my classic.

04-07-2008	#1 (permalink)
Deminar Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Memramcook, NB, Canada Posts: 31	Newbie - Oil Change Question Hi everyone, I am a new member here in this forum. I have a question that might sound stupid, but I just want to run it by you. I have bought a new 07 Vulcan 1500Fi Classic. I puchased it last August and really enjoyed it. (I actually put around 6500km between August and October!!!) I just love this machine. I had some saddlebags custom made. Since they are hand made, they are not perfect, but I doubt that I will ever find a saddle bag that is thougher or more durable. I bought some Lindby bars...man they look hot. Anyway, back to my question. I am about to be able to take the motorcycle out for the first time this year. I have changed the oil before I stored it. I was wondering, do I really need to change it again before I start riding this year? I know it's a silly question, but everyone seems to point out that an oil change is required after storing the bike. Personally, I don't think that I need to change the oil for another 6000km... Please let me know of your thoughts. Here are a few pics of the ride. Last edited by Deminar : 04-13-2008 at 07:57 AM.

04-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
JacksonW 2005 V2K Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 1,318	Welcome, and nice ride! I've done the same thing with all my bikes. Running Novembers oil now. No problems. I'm sure that you'll get different oppinions, but, you are talking about OIL! __________________ "Just an Ordinary, Average Guy" 2005 V2K VROC-25671 - ROG-557 - V2K BUM #126

04-07-2008	#3 (permalink)
spitfire9 Flying low. Forum Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pacific, Missouri Posts: 914	I would be concerned if the bike was in a location where it got cold/warm/cold/warm. Condensation will build up in the crankcase. It's a big danger on stored aircraft engines, and some airplane owners even create dessicant canisters to plug carbs and exhaust tubes over the winter. Doesn't answer your question directly, but I'd change it myself for peace of mind. __________________ Kevin. '07 Plasma Blue 900 Custom. Aviation and history fanatic.

04-08-2008	#7 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,103	As long as you didn't do any "garage riding" during the winter, you aren't going to have enough condensation to worry about. There is some in there, but your first 60-100 mile ride will boil it out. Go ride. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

04-09-2008	#10 (permalink)
skewterdewd Team Zissou BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 1,535	Oil should be fine just remember to check the level.. How do you like the multibar? Thinking of putting one on my Nomad. __________________ 01 Nomad FI • Did I reset my odo back there?

04-07-2008	#6 (permalink)
vn2kbob Minimizing the Regrets! Forum Supporter Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Mountains of Utah Posts: 1,535	Most of us do run the oil we put in the bike just before putting it away for the winter. You should be fine for another 600km easily. Welcome to the Forum and the 1500 Classic is what made Kawasaki Vulcans a favored cruiser for several years. It's a great bike. Bob

04-08-2008	#8 (permalink)
Deminar Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Memramcook, NB, Canada Posts: 31	Thank for the replies, I have not done any "garage riding" as I have removed the battery during the winter. However, I did go and sit on it 5 or 6 times fantasizing about riding the bike in a nice sunny day! The winter has been really bad here in New-Brunswick, Canada and it's driving me crazy! Finally the days are getting warmer and we have had a few rainy days to wash the salt off the roads. I will be able to ride within 1 to 2 weeks!!!

04-09-2008	#9 (permalink)
wayne1001 Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hickory NC Posts: 379	Kawi fan, the cylinders were most likely pitted from sitting with no oil on them for a long time, not from leaving the old oil in it.

04-09-2008	#11 (permalink)
Sport Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Philadelphia, OH Posts: 15	I wonder home much oil would be saved if we didn't change the oil every spring like the mfg says. I always change mine at the end of the riding season. What do they do with all the reserve oil that just sits in those large tanks for a long time? Are they told to change them out every so many months?

04-09-2008	#12 (permalink)
jesquire Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 238	welcome to the forum. Nice looking bike. Gotta love those Lindby bars. I Want a set for my classic. __________________ Rock Chalk Jayhawk

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