Oil change now, or wait till Spring? - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

champion221elite · 10-20-2008, 12:57 PM

I used the search function, but really didn't turn up any applicable oil change threads. Hopefully I don't get blasted on this one.

Here's my dilemma.... I currently have 2,200 miles on my 2008 FZ6 that I bought new in August. I changed the oil at 600 miles and replaced the oil/ filter with conventional dino Yamalube 20w-50. I have roughly 1,600 miles on the oil change, and I'm wondering if the existing oil will be fine until Spring, or if I should dump it now.

Looking forward to any input on this topic. I just want to make sure the existing oil has enough acid neutralizing properties to protect my baby through the long Winter in Northern Michigan.

**ry_1104** · 10-20-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champion221elite

I used the search function, but really didn't turn up any applicable oil change threads. Hopefully I don't get blasted on this one.

Here's my dilemma.... I currently have 2,200 miles on my 2008 FZ6 that I bought new in August. I changed the oil at 600 miles and replaced the oil/ filter with conventional dino Yamalube 20w-50. I have roughly 1,600 miles on the oil change, and I'm wondering if the existing oil will be fine until Spring, or if I should dump it now.

Looking forward to any input on this topic. I just want to make sure the existing oil has enough acid neutralizing properties to protect my baby through the long Winter in Northern Michigan.

It really depends on who you ask, where you keep your bike (outside or garaged). Because of winter coming up . If you do I would make it a thicker oil to protect it through the cold months. I am Kinda in the same situation

champion221elite · 10-20-2008, 01:41 PM

My bike will be stored in my garage. I have 3 quarts each of fully synthetic Amsoil 10w-40 and 20w-50 ready to go.

Scorphonic · 10-20-2008, 01:46 PM

oil is oil...if it lubes your engine and the temperature in your area doesn't go to an extreme low during winter then you're grand..leave it until Spring. I dont remember when I changed mine last but its about 4,000 miles ago and my bike is running like a dream...

O and I use car oil...its alot cheaper then motorcycle oil...they rip us off dont ya know!

champion221elite · 10-20-2008, 01:58 PM

It gets pretty darned cold where I live in the winter. Average winter temps are 10-20 degrees (F) and can dip as low as -20 degrees (F).

shuckle · 10-20-2008, 02:05 PM

You call that cold. Where I live

, ok, it's about the same.

I'd leave the oil in and change it in the Spring.

Scorphonic · 10-20-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champion221elite

It gets pretty darned cold where I live in the winter. Average winter temps are 10-20 degrees (F) and can dip as low as -20 degrees (F).

O dear god...i'd empty the oil now and replace it with mercury...that wont freeze!!! haha...joking of course!!

My god that is some temperature...I'm glad I live in Ireland...the sea protects us from the extreme temperature!!

Oscar54 · 10-20-2008, 02:55 PM

After thinking about it, you really don't have anything to worry about. I had a 1978 Yamaha XS11 sit in my garage for 14 years with old oil in it and is cranked over no problem. So I'm sure that leaving it in over winter is fine.

**FZ6inNH** · 10-20-2008, 03:00 PM

Best to change it before you put it up for the winter. Get it warmed up a bit then pull the plug after everything is all stirred up. This way, you'll dump all the contaminants and they would settle in the bottom of the engine over the winter storage. Plus, it's one less thing you have to do on that first day of Spring and roll it out of storage.

LERecords · 10-20-2008, 03:08 PM

I wouldnt worry. I asked my girls bro who lives out in MI and he had 2 bikes. Says you'll be fine as long as its in a garage. if not then you probably want to change the oil just in case

10-20-2008, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
champion221elite Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boyne City, Mi Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 (Raven) Posts: 111 Rep Power: 3 Member #4352	Oil change now, or wait till Spring? I used the search function, but really didn't turn up any applicable oil change threads. Hopefully I don't get blasted on this one. Here's my dilemma.... I currently have 2,200 miles on my 2008 FZ6 that I bought new in August. I changed the oil at 600 miles and replaced the oil/ filter with conventional dino Yamalube 20w-50. I have roughly 1,600 miles on the oil change, and I'm wondering if the existing oil will be fine until Spring, or if I should dump it now. Looking forward to any input on this topic. I just want to make sure the existing oil has enough acid neutralizing properties to protect my baby through the long Winter in Northern Michigan. __________________ Previous bikes: 1974 Honda CL 200, 2003 Yamaha XT 225

10-20-2008, 01:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
champion221elite Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boyne City, Mi Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 (Raven) Posts: 111 Rep Power: 3 Member #4352	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? My bike will be stored in my garage. I have 3 quarts each of fully synthetic Amsoil 10w-40 and 20w-50 ready to go. __________________ Previous bikes: 1974 Honda CL 200, 2003 Yamaha XT 225

10-20-2008, 01:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scorphonic No Man is an Ireland. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Republic Of Ireland Bike: 2007 RED FZ6 S2 Posts: 552 Rep Power: 12 Member #352	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? oil is oil...if it lubes your engine and the temperature in your area doesn't go to an extreme low during winter then you're grand..leave it until Spring. I dont remember when I changed mine last but its about 4,000 miles ago and my bike is running like a dream... O and I use car oil...its alot cheaper then motorcycle oil...they rip us off dont ya know! __________________ British officer: You're seven minutes late, Mr. Collins. Michael Collins: You've kept us waiting 700 years. You can have your seven minutes. Mods to date: K&N filter, Oxford Heated Grips, Puig Touring Windscreen, Dual Headlights, Meta Alarm....em...soon to have Two Brothers (once money isn't an issue!!)...o and i suppose a PCIII will be required.

10-20-2008, 01:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
champion221elite Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boyne City, Mi Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 (Raven) Posts: 111 Rep Power: 3 Member #4352	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? It gets pretty darned cold where I live in the winter. Average winter temps are 10-20 degrees (F) and can dip as low as -20 degrees (F). __________________ Previous bikes: 1974 Honda CL 200, 2003 Yamaha XT 225

10-20-2008, 02:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
shuckle Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Goderich, Ontario Bike: 2006 FZ6 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0 Member #4689	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? You call that cold. Where I live , ok, it's about the same. I'd leave the oil in and change it in the Spring.

10-20-2008, 02:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Oscar54 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Bike: 2006 FZ6 & 1978 XS1100 Posts: 324 Rep Power: 6 Member #2889	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? After thinking about it, you really don't have anything to worry about. I had a 1978 Yamaha XS11 sit in my garage for 14 years with old oil in it and is cranked over no problem. So I'm sure that leaving it in over winter is fine.

10-20-2008, 03:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
FZ6inNH Moderator w/ Twisted Fate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Hampshire Bike: 2008 FZ6 Cobalt Blue Posts: 3,160 Rep Power: 51 Member #18	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? Best to change it before you put it up for the winter. Get it warmed up a bit then pull the plug after everything is all stirred up. This way, you'll dump all the contaminants and they would settle in the bottom of the engine over the winter storage. Plus, it's one less thing you have to do on that first day of Spring and roll it out of storage. __________________ -={FZ6inNH}=- . . Member #9 . . 2008 Cobalt Blue FZ6 -My Rider Resume Mods: Yamaha Lower Cowl, Racetech Springs w/15w oil, FAZR6 F.E. Kit, Puig Smoke Racing Screen, Tank Camera mount, Cortech Sport saddle and tail bags, dual headlight mod, Shogun Sliders, Yamaha Comfort Seat, Mild Airbox Mod, De-Stickered, and Custom Carbon Fiber SwingArm Decals

10-20-2008, 03:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
LERecords Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Glastonbury, CT Bike: 05 Blue FZ6 Posts: 104 Rep Power: 4 Member #1826	Re: Oil change now, or wait till Spring? I wouldnt worry. I asked my girls bro who lives out in MI and he had 2 bikes. Says you'll be fine as long as its in a garage. if not then you probably want to change the oil just in case

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