length between oil changes

[RIDE 13]

I was wondering,Is changing my oil every 3 hrs of rideing,oil filter every6hrs to much?I ride alot of wet trail,race in the summer.

[grayracer513]

Too much what? Too often, or too long between changes?

It depends on the oil you're using, how hard you ride, etc. You should change the filter with each oil change, though. Look around the forum a little there's about three threads running on this subject right now.

[RIDE 13]

I am useing yamalube 4R 10w-50 semi senthetic

[grayracer513]

In that case, based on the tests I've seen, 3 hours is long enough.

[642MX]

I change mine every ride. Its probably too frequent, but thats how I roll.

Remember, clean oil is the best oil!

[Goosedog]

In that case, based on the tests I've seen, 3 hours is long enough.

Really? I use the 4R and go 3 rides (approx 10hrs.) between changes and have had great results. I don't want to start an oil debate GR but is the Yami oil really that poor of quality?

[NDC]

Change oil/clean air filter after every ride. Change oil filter every other ride.

Your riding the best bike in the world, I want mine to stay that way!

[grayracer513]

Really? I use the 4R and go 3 rides (approx 10hrs.) between changes and have had great results. I don't want to start an oil debate GR but is the Yami oil really that poor of quality?

See for yourself:

http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g2156.pdf

See page 9, and then the overall rankings at the end.

Let's be clear on what I'm talking about, too. There are all kinds of questions about at least a dozen different specific characteristics and strengths that an oil needs to do this particular job, such as temperature resistance, ability to prevent wear, etc., etc. One of these is the question of whether the oil is capable of staying at the same viscosity it starts out at for a reasonable length of time. This is only important if, as a user of, let's say a 50wt, that you really need a 50wt. If you don't need more than a 40, then it won't matter that much when your 10w-50 turns to a 10-w40 in the first two hours. But will it be OK if it keeps going, and ends up a 10w-30? Or if your 40 fades to a 20 on a hot summer day? Maybe, but if you think you have a reason to run a 40 or a 50 or whatever, you might have an interest in having it stay that way, no? It's entirely possible to have an oil that is absolutely first rate in every other respect that just won't stay in grade in a YZF.

This characteristic of an oil is primarily the responsibility of one set of ingredients; the Viscosity Index Improvers. If they were not selected from those that are capable of holding up in use as a gear lube (which are more expensive, and unnecessary for most other engine applications), they may very well, and in fact, probably will, fail to do so. Just look at the small number of oils even from among specialized motorcycle oils that are capable of this.

[RIDE 13]

Thank you sir!!Not only have you open my eye's to oil differences,you have saved me possible $$$$ in repairs.I won't be useing yamalube any more!!!

[Jessthro]

I buy the Amsoil MCV by the case. I change it every 4-5 hard rides (a day at the dunes, track). Maybe let it slide a little longer if I'm just freeriding and not being hard on the motor. I change the filter every time as well. Some people do it alot more. I havent had any problems at all. Do the same thing with an 06 yfz450 thats modded heavily and it's run like a champ for over a year. Either way i hear the yamalube stuff isn't the greatest.

[yama426rider]

Ive been running Castrol Syntec. Is this a good oil? thanks

[grayracer513]

It's a low cost automotive oil.

It's your bet.

[Goosedog]

Thank you sir!!Not only have you open my eye's to oil differences,you have saved me possible $$$$ in repairs.I won't be useing yamalube any more!!!

Ditto on that! Thanks Gray.

[moontana]

I was wondering,Is changing my oil every 3 hrs of rideing,oil filter every6hrs to much?I ride alot of wet trail,race in the summer.

hi! iam moontana I have a 06 yz450f with 15 hours on it how I know this is because I put a drd hour meter on it before I even put gas in the tank when I bought it. I've been changing my oil after every time I practice at the track which lasts about three times out on the track for three laps. I also change the oil and clean the oil filter which is a stainless ready racing filter after every race and I race two classes. I may be chainging my oil to much but I've heard change it after every hour of riding and oil filter after every hour and a half. Let me know if Iam changing mine to much because that yamalube 4r is about $80.00 a case or just a little over.

[qkenuf4u]

so why change it so often ??? is it because theres so little oil in these motors ? oh and i love my yamalube, have used it in my street bikes for a long time so why not the dirtbike ?

[meyer fire]

Thanks Greyracer513 for the oil link, great info, I am going to switch oils as well.

[yama426rider]

Ditto on that! Thanks Gray.

What do you mean Low cost? Its over $7.00 a quart. But i have heard that synthetic oil will cause your clutch to slip. Is this true in that case ill switch to something else maybe back to rotella.

[yama426rider]

What do you mean Low cost? Its over $7.00 a quart. But i have heard that synthetic oil will cause your clutch to slip. Is this true in that case ill switch to something else maybe back to rotella.

Sry i meant to quote grey on that ....

[grayracer513]

i have heard that synthetic oil will cause your clutch to slip. Is this true (?)

If it was, wouldn't my clutch slip?

(Hint: it's BS)

[King_Air]

so why change it so often ??? is it because theres so little oil in these motors ? oh and i love my yamalube, have used it in my street bikes for a long time so why not the dirtbike ?

One reason to change it so often is that it is also the transmission oil. Gears place a lot of sheer on the oil which can break down its viscosity quickly. Another reason is that we operate in a dirty,dusty enviorment which is hard on oil and all things mechanical. And yes there is not a large amount of oil so it does sheer out and get dirty quickly imho and the large repair bills associated with these high performce engines.