Heading on trip this Spring (with 2 HD Glides and my XCT) from Norfolk Va. to Seattle Wa.; will change oil (even though will only have 1000 miles since last change) before leaving. Plan to change oil in Wa. State before beginning return loop; what oil should I use if I cannot find Spectro Golden (always used since Slicks advice).
I do my intervals at 5000 miles, but because I believe I notice a little transmission "hesitation" to shift toward the end of the interval, considering going 4000 miles. I don't see any reason to change oil any sooner. That said, I have two more Vic oil kits (bought some time ago and didn't pay 84 for them for sure) and have stocked up on enough Spectro for two changes. Will try that and if same or better probably stick with it. Unleesssss........I get a glowing report about the Actevo from @Chattanooga_Mark . Then maybe try a change of that, But, I'm not one to skip around and change oils much. Old school heard that this is not necessarrily a good idea after running an engine on one particular oil for a while. But I feel pretty confident with my present course.
Well my Actevo showed up. 1 quart of 5 …. WTF ? Did I just raise their stock with this thread and they’ve run out of oil ? If this continues they’ll get no perks here. It will be Ultra 1 plus and Spectro !!
Having a couple of discussions with people who know about oil has taught me that it's not so much the oil that is the problem, but the additives that loose performance with use and time. Someone else's information, not mine. Of course, in a bike there are factors not present in automotive setting. Sheer from the transmission mostly. So, given the state of oil today and the much improved formula's compared to twenty plus years ago, 5K miles between changes doesn't seem unreasonable to me, More than that and I'm skeptical. I want my engines to do more than just survive their normal lifespans. I want to get much more out of my machines than what might be considered normal.
So, I go with 4500 mile changes and flushes and other things at good intervals. Working so far.
Best oil possible, yes. Additives Matter, yes. I try to stick with all these things, but clean fresh oil is most important, given all other factors are mostly the same.
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