How often to change oil?

[Scott Sing]

I hear different mileage figures related to this. My mechanic suggests 2,000 miles and wants $85 to change oil. That sounded a bit steep to me.

[-AJ]

people change their oil at different times. imo 2000 miles is too quick for an oil change. it's just waste. i change mine 3000-4000 miles usually. it also depends on if i have a big trip planned. you'll get many opinions on here.

$85 for an oil change is steep. we(i work in our family owned independent motorcycle shop) only charge $20 plus parts.

[04LowShadow]

Between 3k-5k. Running synthetic oil will last longer. Also all depends on my riding during that time.

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[Motrcyclr]

Originally Posted by Scott Sing

I hear different mileage figures related to this. My mechanic suggests 2,000 miles and wants $85 to change oil. That sounded a bit steep to me.

no way would I pay $85 for a motorcyle oil change.
why aren't you considering doing it yourself? it's not technically challenging, and for most Shadow's, doesn't really require jacking the bike up. a paint-roller tray can be used to catch the drain oil.
just my 2cents worth. I change mine about every 4K, even though I use synthetic.

[CYD]

I agree less than 2500 mi between oil changes is a bit too often. 3000mi is a good though. I'd encourage changing your own oil unless you have a warranty you don't want to risk voiding.

[gdb069]

My 1995 VT1100c2 owners manual indicates 8000 miles between oil changes, however I do it minimally every 2 years with coolant flush. I have no idea why some people insist on changing before the required period. I have had my oil analyzed and more frequent changes do not improve wear or oil function. Currently I am using Rotella T6 and its expensive here so the recommended oil change interval has been followed.

G.

PS I also have a 1978 Gold Wing with 150,000 miles that has always had the recommended oil change and the bike has never had an engine issue. I also have a 1969 BSA with 80,000 miles and same results that I have taken apart and the same results so I stick to recommended oil change interval.

[joe in calif]

Old school was 3000 miles on everything. With modern oiis and filters you can go a lot farther. It also depends on the type of riding you do, all city, stop and go or highway. The least I would do is 3000 miles or 6 months, which ever comes first, your mechanic wants to make money off of you at $85.00 and every 2,000 miles. He must have a kid in college he wants you to pay for!! Ask him to show you where in the owners manual it says that. Honda oil is about $22.00 a gallon and a filter is about $10.00, so he's charging you $50.00 labor for a 15 minute job.

[Scott Sing]

Thanks everyone!

[rkforrest]

3 K and I do it myself in 10-15 min and less than 30 bucks using Honda GN4 oil

[Theja1]

8000 miles. I do what the Honda Manual recommends.