DOH!!! Oil Change

[Time]

Records, keep records, read records...first!

I changed the oil in my Versys today and thought the oil coming out look very clean. BUT the odometer said 7300 mile and I was over due. Get back inside and went to enter the info into my log and I had last changed it at 7250!

Thought it looked real clean! I had changed it in fall and only had 3500 or so when I did so then. Well at least I know it's good for the first ride of the year!

[Capn Kirk]

Forehead slap!

I use my odometer trip "B" for oil changes and "A" for fueling.

[MaverickAus]

Originally Posted by Capn Kirk

Forehead slap!

I use my odometer trip "B" for oil changes and "A" for fueling.

Which is great until you disconnect the battery. Both trip meters reset. The odometer (measuring total distance) of course does not reset.

[Capn Kirk]

Originally Posted by MaverickAus

Which is great until you disconnect the battery. Both trip meters reset. The odometer (measuring total distance) of course does not reset.

Did not know that! Good to know...

[ray h]

Originally Posted by MaverickAus

Which is great until you disconnect the battery. Both trip meters reset. The odometer (measuring total distance) of course does not reset.

Excellent way to save money on oil changes. Just disconnect the battery every 3000 miles, you'll never need to touch the oil again.

Time, Kinda brings meaning to your screen name.......
Don't feel bad, I was out in the garage doing some maintenance and I can't remember when I changed it last. It's got around 6000 on it, I know I changed it around 500 and I "think" I changed it once again but I'm not positive. Mine doesn't look clean though, so I think its about time.

[Time]

Originally Posted by ray h

Excellent way to save money on oil changes. Just disconnect the battery every 3000 miles, you'll never need to touch the oil again.

And in two years just buy a new motor!


I made a Excel spread sheet to track the maintenance I do. Oil change, plugs. tire...yada yada yada. It works well and I can print it out and hang a copy in the garage. List date, mileage and what was done

[genehil]

Good old spreadsheet for me... Everything in one spot.

[weljo2001]

I'm not a smart man......So i just buy a case of oil factor in how much oil its takes per change and the miles i put on the bike between oil changes. So if i'm at a certain mileage i should have "X" number of quarts on the shelf......

[ray h]

Originally Posted by Time

And in two years just buy a new motor!


I made a Excel spread sheet to track the maintenance I do. Oil change, plugs. tire...yada yada yada. It works well and I can print it out and hang a copy in the garage. List date, mileage and what was done

I worked with a guy a few years back, he was a bit "different".
He bought a brand new Nissan pickup and ran it for three years (around 60000 miles) and never changed the oil or filter, never rotated the tires, basically never did any maintenance on it. His plan the whole time was to drive it for a few years and trade it in. He figured he saved almost $2000 by not doing anything to it. Sadly, probably not a bad idea considering how well modern vehicles hold up. I'm just glad I'm not the one who picked that gem up off the lot.

[MaverickAus]

Originally Posted by Capn Kirk

Did not know that! Good to know...

Found out when I installed the air horns

[Mursili]

In the early days of this forum there was someone who posted how proud he was to change his synthetic oil every 600 miles. Someone asked to please ship the oil to him since it had barely been used.

I am sorry, but I cannot easily find the thread at this time.

Otherwise, think of it like you are removing "gunk" from your engine by changing your oil early. Really it is just a waste (in my opinion) but it is not a big deal being only a filter and 2 quarts of oil. Better to change too frequently then too infrequently.

[BLACK DOG]

Originally Posted by Time

And in two years just buy a new motor!


I made a Excel spread sheet to track the maintenance I do. Oil change, plugs. tire...yada yada yada. It works well and I can print it out and hang a copy in the garage. List date, mileage and what was done

or you could write it in the space provided in the back of the owner's manual
if I have to engage my brain there will be pain & disappointment

[fasteddiecopeman]

Originally Posted by Capn Kirk

Did not know that! Good to know...

As I use Mobil1 synthetic oil, I change IT and the filter EVERY 5,000 miles (8,000 kms on my Canadian V), so IF I'm wondering, I just look at the odometer and if the THOUSANDS divides equally by 5,000 (8,000 up North...) it's time to change it. Got 39,501 on BIG RED, so oil-change coming up.

[outdoorvtguy]

I got into a habit many years ago ( late 80's if that dates me ) of keeping a "notebook" in the garage that documents any maintenance on any car/bike/motor-driven-toy that I perform. Real handy because I also comment any particular parts/oil types/filters that I use that I go back to for the next change. Simple and effective.

[fasteddiecopeman]

Originally Posted by outdoorvtguy

I got into a habit many years ago ( late 80's if that dates me ) of keeping a "notebook" in the garage that documents any maintenance on any car/bike/motor-driven-toy that I perform. Real handy because I also comment any particular parts/oil types/filters that I use that I go back to for the next change. Simple and effective.

...AND I do that too.

[trialsguy]

Originally Posted by BLACK DOG

or you could write it in the space provided in the back of the owner's manual
if I have to engage my brain there will be pain & disappointment

That's what I do (write it in the back of the manual, that is).

[kiwitourer]

Place a reminder lube sticker some place obvious, like the inside of the screen. Just like we do with cars.

[2daMax]

I found an Android Free App, 'aCar' and have start keeping records of all maintenance items and tire changes, etc... Use it for my car and bike.