Oil Change.

I'm going to change the oil in my 2011 se but before I do I just want to run it by some of the more experienced owners. I've got Silkolene PRO 4 15w-50 XP Full Synthetic. I've had a look in the owners hand book and it recommends 15/40 or 15/50 semi or fully synthetic and because I only wanted to use the best opted full synth but now I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Should I have opted for a semi or will the fully be better? I could still take the oil back and change it if you guys think its the wrong stuff. I bought the 15/50 because I really only use the bike in the summer and because I've still got all the emissions gubbins on so it runs a little warm, my logic is that the higher viscosity would be a better bet. I've had a quick Google and Bonneville oil seems to be a bit of a grey area. Any advice welcome.

 

Hi Eric, you'll be absolutely fine with 15-50 fully synth. Your logic is sound.

It goes without saying that you'll change the oil filter - so I feel daft saying it.

Leave to drain for a long time (filter out as well) - at least an hour - then swing the bike gently from side to side to get the last of the old stuff out.
Dave

 

And thebiglad delivers again. Thanks Dave, just the answer I wanted and yes I will be changing the filter - I got a HighFlo. I'll also change the plugs and check the breaks over. thanks for the Leave it a long time tip too. is there a valve in teh cooler or does that come out too. from what I can gather from the Haynes manual from dry it takes 4.5 litres but at the oil and filter change it's only 3.5 so I'm assuming it stays in the cooler.

 

Hi mate, as far as I know all the oil comes out of the oiler cooler during a normal oil change. I think the explanation between a dry engine oil capacity of 4.5ltrs and the oil change capacity of 3.8ltrs (according to the handbook) is simply that you can't get all the old oil out, some is trapped inside - not at all uncommon tbh. But not in the oilcooler.

Dave

 

Haha Steve now you've got me thinking (this could get expensive) :?)

I was thinking of using an oil additive like slick 50 but not having heard of Active8 I'll give it a looking at. Slick50 is supposed to help reduce engine wear and a one time treatment that is supposed to last the life of the engine, because I'm not planning on changing the bike I may just use some sort of additive. What is the score with Activ8 (sounds like a Carp bait to me)

I'm a tight northern bastard so I'll probably use the oil out of the Bonneville in my trusty old mower, well it's only been in for 3500 miles so should still be good :-/

 

Very good for protecting outside wood such as fence posts, sheds etc.

 

Also good for re-waterproofing old belstaff jackets and jeans

 

It's to good for that Dave.

Using it on jeans?! I wonder what dermatitis of the bollocks feels like

 

Thanks for all the input chaps, much appreciated. I'll look out for Activ8 Steve, good point on the condensation though but even over the winter if we get a few dry days in a row I will get her out of the garage for a tootle around, it's like an itch that I've got to scratch. The other half knows what's in my head because I just stand there gazing out of the window like a sad Labrador.

 

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We all have that look!

 

extra insulation on those chilly mornings

 

Extra cooling on those warm balmy evenings

 

Less friction when sliding down the road on ya arse!