Forum

[Pat]

Hey Group

Am about to change the oil and oil filter on my RE classic 500 (1995 model) and I have the following queries:

1.I’ve read that you need to soak the oil filter into oil before installing it, is it true?

2.Roughly how much oil will the engine take?

3.There is a lot of controversy going around regarding the correct motor oil to use, is 20W-50 among those consider to be of a good quality motor oil?

4. And finally does anyone know what the recommended inflation pressures for the front and rear tires are?


Regards
Pat

[Alan R]

Ah PAT-----dear PAT, indeed these are the "twin-demons" of any motoring advice forum ie }---- OIL ( the oldest chestnut of all) and}--- TYRE pressures (How long is a piece of string / how heavy are you ??)------------sorry mate, but these do get asked quite a lot, honestly...................OIL >>>>>>>>>>>>> I will say this, yes---I think that it's a good idea to have a spare oil filter "in-soak" at any one time...That way you are always prepared to do a filter change at short notice.......The more of the bikes' oil system that you can have filled before you start the engine then the less time it will take for the pump to reach full pressure and thus protect those engine parts ( At first start-up of the day do you foot-prime the oil system ?? .... 8 to 10 strokes will do ) ............Don't forget FREQUENCY of oil change as well......A 5 litre can will give all you need plus that bit more for filter soaking as well, I've found.... The manuals and Hitchcocks recommend a "Good quality 20/50 oil" so take your pick on that one....TYRES >>>>>>>>>>>> Tyre pressures ?? a)What type of tyres are fitted,?....b)Solo or plus pillion ??....c) Summer or Winter ??....d)Around Town or long, touring use ??....e) Solid rear end or swing arm ??-----------------OK, to start you off try 25 front and 30 rear for Avon Speedmaster ribbed FRONT and Avon Speedmaster BLOCK rear........Note that these are only a "Start you off" setting and you must keep a weekly eye on tread/pattern wear and react accordingly..............Ride Safe !!

[PeteF]

Good idea to soak the filter but it doesn't need to soak for long. Just pop it in oil before you start getting the old stuff out and it'll be ready when you need it. A decent 20/50 does for me (and lots of others) Tyre pressures? I use 24 front, 28 rear (one up)

[JTL]

Pat, this is not to get you confused, but maybe 20W/50 is not the only oil you can use. Some people swear to 50W straight, because this is what was around (and recommended) when the engine was designed. But of course everything develops into something smarter or better or cheaper. This goes for oil as well. This is why 20W/50 is now the recommended oil for the Bullet, but it's very thick at cold starts and can potentially damage the oil pump spindle... To get a thinner oil for cold starts I have turned to 15W/40. It works fine for my 2003 Bullet 500. It could be interesting though to hear out opinions on this choice... For more readings on oil in general try out this link http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ ... all the best Jacob

[Alan R]

---------- sorry JTL but the whole point of a Multi-grade is for it to automatically behave in winter like a 20 grade----hence the 20W rating ----- and the reverse in Summer ie at 50 grade........but don't get too wound-up into this because as soon as the engine is warmed to running temps. it's like water to see... Please do have a look at this and the description that goes with it}--- http://www.uk.commaoil.com/productsguide/view/6/262 --------------------- and this one as well }------------- http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/scrip ... roduct=251 ------------- I have used both in my Classic 500 Bullets with v. good results all year round ( which is what they are designed for)....

[Presto]

Pat, we seem to have answered some of your questions but not how much oil to put in the engine. (Or did I miss something in all the confusion?) The 'wisdom' is 2 litres (not the 2.25 the 'book' suggests).
BTW, 20W/50 is ideal for all weathers, from start-up to full working temperatures.

[Frank]

Provided the level is ok to start with for speed I would measure the oil you drain then put the same amount back in. You are unlikely to need more than 1.5 litres.

[ed.lazda]

I find that about 1.6 litres is enough when refilling after an oil change. I use 20w50, which I buy in 20 litre containers from Smith and Allan (I also have a Norton which is a bit of an oilaholic). If you find yourself needing to top up and can't get any 20w50, then 15w40 would be infinitely better than nothing. Don't get too hung up about it, as others have said the important thing is to change it regularly.

I run 24-25 and 28-30 in my Avon SMs. You can find lots of different numbers. There are, I think, at least two different sets of pressures advised in the RE manual.

[ed.lazda]

PS There's a bloke on the Real Classic facebook page called Graham Ham who runs a 1948 Triumph twin all over Europe (and has written a book called Daisy's Diaries, a good read). He estimates he's done 185,000 miles on this bike. If he can't get the "right" oil when he's out on the road, he puts in what he can get. He likes listening to people telling him why he can't do that, while they ignore the evidence that he obviously can.

[PeteF]

Quite right - any oil is better than none - or even not enough of the "correct" stuff.