Topic: Oil change question

[Schnell]

I'm located in the (far) north hemisphere where there is sub zero coldness, snow on the ground, and no riding for 6 months. Would it be better to do an oil change before storage in an unseated garage for 6 months, or after the storage period.

I can see arguments for both scenarios. Oil change before storage so the used oil which may contain corrosive contaminants is purged and not allowed to sit in the engine for months, or oil change after the storage because the oil may have picked up water due to condensation from the freeze/thaw cycles while in storage.

Thoughts?

[70CB750]

I would change oil before winter, if there is any condensation from the winter storage, hard riding will get it out.

[HondanutRider]

Most recommend changing the oil before storage so that any contaminants get removed with the old oil.  The purists also change it again when bringing out of storage...not so much as to get rid of any condensation, but rather to refresh the oil that might have gone "old" in the months of storage. 

Being practical (and cheap ) I don't change the oil if it is still relatively fresh (e.g. still over half-way remaining in change interval) before the storage.  Also, My thoughts about condensation accumulating is that it should be minimum in an enclosed engine, and any moisture that ends up in the oil should be quickly eliminated once the motor is started-up in the springtime.  Speaking of starting-up, don't go and periodically start the motor to turn it over in the winter, unless you really are planning to ride it.  Short start-ups in the cold of winter will do more harm and you never can get everything really warmed and moisture "burned off" unless its ridden.  And also speaking about moisture accumulation...plug up the exhaust ends (also helps keeps the critters out ).

[70CB750]

+1

Much better to keep it on battery tender and start it only when you can ride it at least 10-15 miles or more.

[MCRider]

If its a a CB750, (seems to be what's in your avatar) you can cheat a little bit. If the oiling system is holding properly, the oil stays in the tank and very little if any stays on the main bearings, nor is there a pool of oil in the engine for things to lay in.

IF the check valve in the pump is faulty, the oil in the tank will fill the crankcase eventually, and then probably bathes the bearings.

I'd change it before storing.

[Old Scrambler]

+1 with the others..........I live a few miles NORTH of you by latitude..........my bikes all got an oil change last week. I remove my batteries and store them in my dry basement with a monthly battery tender rotation beginning in January.  I kick-over the motors a few times during the winter in an effort to prevent valve-spring fatigue and condensate from forming on the valves and piston edges. I also liberally apply WD-40 to the wheels and chain, and wax to the painted surfaces before I cover the bikes.   

[Tews19]

+1 with the others..........I live a few miles NORTH of you by latitude..........my bikes all got an oil change last week. I remove my batteries and store them in my dry basement with a monthly battery tender rotation beginning in January.  I kick-over the motors a few times during the winter in an effort to prevent valve-spring fatigue and condensate from forming on the valves and piston edges. I also liberally apply WD-40 to the wheels and chain, and wax to the painted surfaces before I cover the bikes.

^^^^
Thanks Dennis, I will follow your advice..... Now the said part of this is realizing hibernation for the bike is near....