Oil & Filter Change

[Gonzo]

Would love to and thanks for the offer, but an imminent holiday means the bike will stay in the garage this weekend. Maybe we can meet up in coming weeks - I'd be keen to learn from the experience.

And of course, you too have fastest red so there will definitely be a direct correlation between the technical aspect of our bikes..............

 

[nadeem]

No probs - come round at anytime...and of course completely correct - red gs's have a totally different dynamic to the inferior blue ones....

 

[Eddy802]

Preparation

as I don't yet have my bike, but will be following the "early oil and filter change" advice of a previous post that focussed on running in styles, can anyone guide me on what filter an oil (type and quantity) I need to get my hands on in preparation please.

Thanks

 

[nadeem]

Eddy - I picked up the recommended oil + filter from the dealer - Castrol Semi Synthetic...

 

[Eddy802]

Thanks, what did they charge you and how much oil is involved? - I'll be interested in your progress over the weekend.

 

[nadeem]

I think it was around 35 quid for both - not sure now as I bought some other gear at the same time...my mac at home is being replaced at the moment so no online facility till my new one arrives...will post up on monday...

 

[Mouse]

I personally wouldn't use semi synth in a new engine. Worst case it will prevent the engine from bedding in properly, and best case you're just wasting money.

My dealer recommended Castrol GP, which is a mineral oil, and about £14 for 4 litres. Oil filters are about a tenner, I got one from Sherlocks, it arrived the next day. 4 litres of oil is exactly how much you need for this job.

 

[Eddy802]

Thanks guys

 

[nadeem]

All done - took about 40 mins in total inc. the 20 mins I left the sump plug out to let the oil drain. Simple job - not much to go wrong really - undo the four bolts holding the sump protector, take out the sump bolt (torx) - let the oli drain, take off the filter, re-fit new filter, sump plug and top up oil.

 

[Eddy802]

Filter tools

Thank Nadeem.

Anything to add on the previous thread comments on the access to the filter and the need for adapted or special filter spanner?

 

[nadeem]

The space for the oil filter is quite tight - not sure that an ordinary oil filter wrench will fit - the bmw one did the job quickly & efficiently...

 

[Eddy802]

Sherlocks

Do you have a number or address for Sherlocks please Mouse.

Thanks

 

[Mouse]

undo the four bolts holding the sump protector, take out the sump bolt (torx)

Hex key, surely? Or is yours really a torx?

 

[Mouse]

Re: Sherlocks

Do you have a number or address for Sherlocks please Mouse.

http://www.james-sherlock.co.uk/find.htm

 

[nadeem]

I used a torx bit on mine Mouse....seemed to do the job...

 

[rom]

what size torx key Nadeem. I may need to buy this special size since I have the 05 model with limited tool pieces.
By the way, what milage interval is your oil and filter change?
I am planning to stick with a 5000 kms interval instead of 10000kms (6000 miles) as suggested in the manual.

 

[nadeem]

rom - I'm sorry I just bought a set of torx bits from Halfords and it's the largest one of the set. I can check tonight when I get home and post up tomorrow. I'm also changing the oil every 3,000 miles rather than the manf. recommended 6,000 miles.

 

[Mouse]

Unless the bike has changed since mine, you don't need any torx wrenches to change the oil.

The sump drain plug is a hex key (Allen key) type - but a torx bit will probably fit into it and work as long as you don't try and apply too much torque.

I would recommend using the correct tool though.

 

[aspad]

Why?

Are you guys changing he oil between the recommended service intervals? I've been wondering about this myself as i top up and notice that the oil is now quite dark (just over 4k miles).

 

[Mouse]

The colour of the oil is not really related to how well it performs. The oil goes dark because it gets contaminated with carbon from the combustion, but this doesn't affect its performance as a lubricant.

Unless you really abuse your engine I can't see much point in changing the oil at radically reduced intervals. I might personally go for every 5k instead of 6k, but I think every 3k is probably a waste of money. After all, there are boxer engined bikes out there witk 200k on the clock and I bet their oil wasn't changed every 3k