Oil weights.

[HondaEXrider22]

Well, its getting to be about time to change the oil in both my machines. (Mods below. Its getting to be winter here in East PA, and I was wondering what would be the best oil weight to use during the colder months. I have 10-30 in it right now(i think). So, what brand and weight would be best for my machines? And I am also no looking to spend a boatload on just oil, wither.

[Toadz400]

10w30 should be good for the winter months. Depending on how warm your summers are I would be running 10w40 to 20w50.

[bwamos]

Dino: 10w30 should be fine.

Synthetic: go for a 0w40. ;)

[HondaEXrider22]

How often should you change it, anyway? When it turns black, right?

[exrider008]

i change mine as soon as the oil starts to get dark

[250X_project]

As for weight it depends on your winter temp., as for the brand...well brand is not hardly as important as the API rating on the back. ATVs and motorcycles use engine oil to also lubricate the transmission, there for you can't just use the stuff you use in your car (though many people do) The API rating should be in your manual, if you don't have one I would guess it is SF, or SG, since that is what the 250X/300EX take. I personally buy the Valvoline 4-stroke 10-w40 Motorcycle oil.

As far as changing goes, I would not let it get "black." If you do not monitor the hours I would change it as soon as it barely starts to change color....oil is cheaper than an engine. ;)

[bwamos]

As a general rule of thumb I usually change mine about every 3 rides. Taking into account magnitude of the rides.

If I'm just putting around with the kids wont need a change as quick as if I'm pushing it hard in the dunes or the dusty trails.

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by 250X_project
As far as changing goes, I would not let it get "black." If you do not monitor the hours I would change it as soon as it barely starts to change color....oil is cheaper than an engine. ;)

Good advice right there. I wouldn't even wait for it to start changing colors though, monitor the hours of use and watch your oil for as soon as it starts to change color. Then the next time change your oil before that happens. You also have to take into account how hard you ride (racing, hard trail riding, etc. where you should probably change your oil after a long trip or racing).

[HondaEXrider22]

Well, I dont really go for "long" rides. I usally take mine out every other day or so for maybe an hour, and a few hours on the weekends in the coal mine strippins. How many hours of use before a change?

[zrpilot]

I change mine every 2-3 hours of hard riding time when I can.

[250X_project]

I like what Toadz400 said, monitor the hours starting after your next change then as it STARTS to change color, change it and record the hrs. if it was, say, 12hrs then change it in 10. (just an example)

[buck naked-r]

this oil is suppose to be the best there is

and they have 15/40.10/40.10/30.5/30.5/20

the 5/20 is said to provide the most HP/TQ increase........

[buck naked-r]

Originally posted by buck naked-r
this oil is suppose to be the best there is

and they have 15/40.10/40.10/30.5/30.5/20

the 5/20 is said to provide the most HP/TQ increase........

[buck naked-r]

Originally posted by buck naked-r

[buck naked-r]

Originally posted by buck naked-r

[HondaEXrider22]

2-3 hours? Are you nuts? You must be rich.

[bwamos]

LoL.. he'd have to change it twice during a long weekend. ;)

I personally use Amsoil 20w50 for Air Cooled Motorcycles.