Pushing the '6000 miles or 12 months first' recommendation?

[freelancer2011]

Hi All,

I'm out of the warranty cover and was wondering about the below.

I note that on many occasions when I probe the dealers I've dealt with about frequency of servicing they always mention "6000 miles or 12 months: whichever comes first".

I also note that the Haynes manual seems to suggest every 12000 miles for servicing (with obviously chain adjustment at every ~600 miles etc).

Just wondering, does anybody service at every 6000 miles post-warranty period? Or do you all service at 12000? How far can you push it past 6000 miles?

Also, does anybody strike-up a compromise? E.g. Oil and oil filter change @ every 6000 miles but everything else (spark plugs etc at every 12k)?

Thanks,
Lab.

 

[Smythson]

I don't think there's an exact answer for this and it's one of those YMMV areas...

For example last year i went on a jolly to Europe i changed the oil just before going, did between 3k and 4k of mountains and country roads so it really needed changing when i got back. Prior to that i think i was up to about 8k without issue. I'd suggest if you always ride in a spirited fashion 6k is a good mark, mild commuter miles closer 12k. In addition oil 'goes off' over time (thus the 12 months caveat) and performance reduces, protecting the engine less. If you're anything like me you'll be happy to have a go at fixing anything else on the bike but cracking open the cases is not a thought i relish... I think if looked after the engine is pretty much bombproof and i'm hoping will last for some years to come.

With regard to plugs - it's probably worth inspecting them every 12k however if you go for iridium plugs they say 30k (long life ones with a platinum ground 120k. Allegedly...) Though with regard to plugs some will say because they have crush washers they are single use and must be replaced. Personally i've noticed no i'll effects and have been able to inspect and replace them without seal problems. If the plugs stop working you will very quickly get a warning light and code flashing up!

Also the type of fuel you put in has an effect - your Shell or BP high octane grades are better than supermarket fuel which is generally of lesser quality not so much because of the actual octane but because of the additives which assist in preventing build up on injectors etc. I use these fuels in the bikes because when i've tested them (admittedly not in a lab, just on my bike) some of the additional cost is offset by greater mileage and a marginal improvement in performance. The mileage difference is easy enough for you test on your own bike.

I appreciate some of the above may incur the wrath of oil / spark plug / petrol evangelists however i would encourage you to do your own tests which will be relevant to your type of riding and usage. Leave the oil until 9k, change it and see the difference in the engine / gearbox smoothness. If you are happy that this is not too vast a difference then by all means leave future changes to 12k. If however it's dramatically different then 6k changes may be in order. Or if it's acceptable then i think, after all my prattling on, you'll have the answer to your original question!

Best,

S

 

[freelancer2011]

Cheers Smythson, as ever, for taking the time to share your experiences!

I shall definitely have fun experimenting with the above ideas!!

Oh hey, a lot of people will be probably be relieved to hear, I've found a place in London where I can learn and carryout fixes under the supervision of a qualified engineer. It's called the London Oval Motorcycle Centre near Stockwell (and quite funnily enough, 300 metres from the BMW Battersea Service Centre )! It's pretty cool: I liken it to booking 'studio time'

Lab

 

[mrjim130]

Every 6K with oil filter. Remember it's looking after the gearbox and clutch too. Not sure about oil going off, how longs has it been in the ground?

 

[StumpyFingers]

My Honda used to have an 8000 mile service interval, I used to change the oil and filter every 4000.
Oil is Cheap broken engines are not.

 

[Smythson]

Cheers Smythson, as ever, for taking the time to share your experiences!

I shall definitely have fun experimenting with the above ideas!!

Oh hey, a lot of people will be probably be relieved to hear, I've found a place in London where I can learn and carryout fixes under the supervision of a qualified engineer. It's called the London Oval Motorcycle Centre near Stockwell (and quite funnily enough, 300 metres from the BMW Battersea Service Centre )! It's pretty cool: I liken it to booking 'studio time'

Lab

No worries - talking bike is always better than working

That workshop sounds awesome! Hopefully i'll pull my finger out and this will be the year i finally get round to building a man cave!

Best,

s