Forum

[Rich]

How frequently should I change the oil on my Electra EFI?

I have been working on a 3000 mile interval - as per the handbook, but given the recent revelation regarding the tyre pressures stated in the handbook I felt I should check!

Thanks.

[Rattlebattle]

You'll probably get as many answers as posts in response to your question but it boils down to a number of factors: How often is the bike used and is it for short journeys or Ines that are long enough to get the oil up to temperature? Do you use a good quality oil (semi- or fully- synthetic ) to the correct spec? How much debris do you find on the magnetic sump filter each time? What does the oil look look like when it's drained - fairly clean or as if it's been in the engine for years? Does the engine use oil requiring significant top-up? For my part now that the engine is run in I intend to change the oil (I use the correct spec) every 1,000 miles. I use my bike for pleasure only and it's not the only one I have so this equates to around an annual change. That said, if I were to do a 2,000 mile trip I wouldn't change the oil until I got home. It mostly depends on use. I always change the oil at least annually (filters too). At the recommended 3,000 miles interval it would be too long. Once used oil deteriorates and can cause corrosion internally. Although it is often mentioned that oil is cheap, good quality stuff isn't, so I don't change it too obsessively. Ultimately only you can decide; the main point I'm making is that there is no one size fits all as some bikes are used daily and others sit more in the garage getting polished...

[Presto]

Rattlebattle is right. You'll get lots of opinions on this one. And why not?! My (considered) opinion is that changing modern oils at less than 3000 miles is simply wasteful. They do not deteriorate dramatically and can continue to give protection for many miles beyond one or two thousand. Added to which we're considering a (very) under-stressed, (very) low revving engine - not a high performing multi-cylinder, highly strung revver. I'd go with the manufacturer's recommendation - 3000 miles. And don't lose sleep if it goes beyond that - your engine won't suddenly disintegrate or wear-away as if every surface was faced with emery-paper!

[PeteF]

Oil does deteriorate over time so annual oil changes are a good idea even if milage doesn't require it.

[Jack the Lad]

Recommended oil changes are at 3750 miles. I don't think there is any need to change it any more frequently. I'm up to 28000 miles now and the next change will be at 30k, but it will need half a litre or so topped up in between. Change it more frequently if you want, it's your money, but I would prefer if you didn't because we all use the same scarce resources and have to deal with the waste that excess consumption causes.

[Andy M]

Every oil analysis I have ever seen on a bike tells the owner to go longer. The manufacturers sell oil and workshop time. No one ever tells a bike salesman they won't buy because the interval is too short. Triumph increased the Bonneville from 4000 to 6000 (and sent out new manuals) the day Harley went to 6000. Nothing changed mechanically and riders who had the used oil checked were told 12000 was fine. Enfield may base oil changes on mechanical rather than sales factors but I don't know. Everytime you change the oil you run at low pressure for a few seconds, disturb drain plugs and generally disturb a working system. I will be sticking to 3000.

Andy

[ric]

Time for mine [opinion]
The introduction of EFI and the ability to run a stoichiometric ratio for the greater majority of run time has resulted in far less fuel contamination in the oil. This has greatly extended its working life and the provided the welcome increase in service intervals.

I'm off on a Euro jaunt shortly on my B5 and will be using the same (synthetic) oil for around 4,000 miles. I've no intention of changing it until I get back home and based on past experience I shouldn't need to top it up either so the only oil I'll be taking with me will be to keep the chain wet.

[Leon Novello]

Useless information: When it was new, my Bullet used so much oil, it was getting an oil change every time I went riding. I used to carry 500 ml tomato sauce bottle full of oil so I could get home.

[AndyMc]

Interestingly I have an Indian home market classic 2010, my handbook states 3000km oil changes. This equates to less than 2000 miles. As I will also embark on my European trip next Sunday which will see me cover over 3000 miles (hopefully) it will get done when I get back. It hasn't noticeably used any oil in the last 2000 miles but I will take some just in case.

[hagis]

I don't think Joe public have cottoned on to how good modern synthetic oils are, I have heard it said they are 100 times better than standard mineral oil, To bear this out my Citroen relay vans have gone from 6,000 mile service intervals to 25,000 mile service intervals, and this is because of synthetic oils, Royal Enfield service intervals are based on a hot dusty climate in India, the climate in the UK is much kinder to your machinery, So always use the best synthetic oil you can buy, and change the oil at the recommended service time, But I think there is a lot of good oil going to waste for no reason