oil changes info.....

[thunderXB]

had a couple of questions about oil changes, how often? what type of oil, and what weight? any tricks i need to know like a rear wheel stand? thanks guys...

 

[thunderXB]

oh yea for a 2005 xb9sx...

 

[TooFst]

Its really easy..The only thing is it can be really messy.. I made a thing that fits right up in there to catch the oil or else it gets all over. So I use 20w50 harley brand full syn. and change it about every 3k. I know some people who dont like harley oil but I figure its the same people who made the motor. A lot of people use amsoil or royal purple.

 

[MTYooper51]

Pretty easy. I use Ams Oil Twin 20W-50 in both holes at around 2500 miles. Tricks for engine oil in the swing arm:
- Use aluminum foil to make a little funnel over the exhuast for both the drain and filter
- Do it when its warm to drain all the oil
- Make sure to pre-fill the filter
- Seal the threads on the plug when re-installing
- Check oil level wtih bike on the side stand, should be 2.5 qts including oil in filter
Tricks for primary oil:
- Make sure the bike is vertical aka the rear wheel stand
- Do it when its warm to drain all the oil
- The aluminum foil funnel works good here too
- If completely empty it should take 1 quart, pretty much to the bottom of the gear teeth
- Seal the threads on the drain cover
- Get a new clutch inspection cover gasket (where you check oil level)
- Don't over tighten the clutch inspection cover screws, they strip easy
Hopefully this gets you in the right direction, I'm at work so no pictures, sorry.

 

[Thaloc]

You dont always have to change the clutch inspection gasket. Iv done two oil changes on the same gasket. Its good practice to have one tho, cuzz if its damaged in any way you do want to change it. Also spare O-rings for the drain plugs if they are damaged.

Id say anywhere between 2k and 3k miles depending on how hard and often you ride. But id run full synthetic if I were you. Louder but better heat reduction

You pretty much HAVE to funnel the swingarm oil or it will pour onto your exhaust outlet.

Oil brand is all your preference. 20w50 for summer months and if you ride in the cold winter 10w30 for easier starts.

Loctite your drain plugs. When replacing a new oil filter get some oil on ur finger and put a thin layer around the oil filter gasket.

Good luck!

 

[theoctopus]

Is it necessary to change primary every time you change swingarm? I've been breaking in a new bike and totally blanked on changing the primary oil at the 50 mile mark (when I usually change oil on new engines). Is it necessary to change the primary just as frequently as the swingarm during break-in?

 

[Thaloc]

Im not sure. I had all my service done at the dealership up till 5k. When I change the oil I always just do both. I would say it should take more that 50 miles tho, it takes a while for the oil to break down do the point where it performs at its peak.

 

[MTYooper51]

Its not necessary to do both at the same time just more handy, in theory because you won't forget about it then. Octopus - did you maybe mean the 500 mile mark? If not, could you please explain the changing at 50 miles? I've read in other posts that you're breaking in the engine a little bit differently than factory recomended. Thanks.

 

[theoctopus]

MTYooper51: I am breaking in the engine relatively hard, this is true. A lot of metal is kicked into the oil when breaking in a bike. I like to change the oil often and early when an engine is young to remove as much of the break-in byproducts and microscopic metal shavings as possible. They can only serve to harm the engine interior. Its common in early oil changes for the spent oil to look like a christmas tree....all sparkly. In general its been my understanding that it's not good to leave that stuff in there.

Therefore, when breaking in a high-performance engine, I like to do oil change at 50 miles, 250, 500, 750, and 1000. I'm at the 250 mark now, so I'm due for another oil change anyway....I'll just change primary and swingarm at the same time this time.

Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by 'seal the threads on the drain cover'?

 

[Thaloc]

I understand your point about an engine flaking a bit more during break in, and that being your reason for changing it so often. But im pretty sure your not giving your oil enough time to break down, and maybe harming your engine more with the frequent changes.

 

[oxygen151]

I believe the 50, 250, 500, etc.. break-in is more so an old ideology, no offense. I know a lot of older people that swear by breaking their engines in like that. With today's tolerances, its probably unnecessary but do what ever makes you feel better. I looked into doing it on one of my previous vehicles, but I figured there is no way I will ever own a vehicle long enough to really benefit from doing it. I would probably use oil specially formulated for engine break-ins though.

I would definitely change my oil after 500. I hear these motors produce quite a bit of metallic flakes during the break in period. good luck with your new bike!

 

[Thaloc]

My thoughts on it were if you do it, do it with non synthetic oil, so you dont have the break down time of the full synthetic.

 

[oxygen151]

definitely non synth. the best is break in oil which I believe is regular oil with absolutely no additives/detergants which allows for your rings to seat better and all that good stuff.

 

[theoctopus]

That's exactly what I'm using. I stick by the non-synth until 1000 miles, at which point I'll go full synthetic in both holes.

Oxygen: your point about tolerances is well taken. That's one of the reasons I'm breaking in the bike hard: given how engines are manufactured these days, there's no reason to do a slow and soft break-in like the manual suggests. In the end I'm interested in maximizing power and torque for the life of a motor, and an easy break in just doesn't provide that. I've never thought about it in terms of the oil changes, though. It's something to consider, to be sure. Nonetheless, there's no harm in doing it, and doing 5 changes between 0 and 1000 miles instead of 2 only runs me an extra 80 bucks or so, which over the amount of time it takes me to put 1000 miles on a bike (2-3 months) is nothing.

 

[oxygen151]

yeah definitely will not hurt anything. talk about a happy second owner!!!

 

[thunderXB]

i hear you guys speak of "primary and secondary, where are both. i know the swing arm cap and drain, but what of the others on a lightning...?[confused]

 

[Stevenc150]

Click on Buell Service manuals link at top of this page if you don't already have it downloaded.

Fill Primary Oil through the small clutch cover.

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Drain via plug @ bottom when changing primary fluid

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Fill to the level indicated below after draining

 

[thunderXB]

thanks steve...this forum never lets me down...great info