Changing oil

[Grimeric]

I finally got around to changing the oil and filter on my bandit today for the first time during my short ownership.
I had to take the (clutch?) cover off so I could give the viewing glass a good clean as it was really hard to see the oil level through it.
When I refilled the oil it was that lovely honey colour but after running the bike for a minute or two to allow the filter to fill properly the oil in the viewing hole was dark black again.
Is this normal? Is it possibly due to the new oil mixing with the old dregs still in the engine? Would more over regular oil changes solve this?
I'm not too fussed as I know the oil in the engine is new but I do like to see nice clean oil through the viewing hole.

Cheers

[Itchy]

Yup its mixing.

To get more of the old oil out change oil after a ride so that the oil is hot and less viscous.

If you really really want you can use a cheapo oil to flush the engine then put in your preferred oil. Some engines hammer oil anway, my old NTV would make it go black in 500 miles (granted it had been to the moon and back), my CBR did within 1000 miles too.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Rogerborg]

Entropy gonna getcha.

Let it drain overnight if you can.

It does seem to be bike specific: the engine oil in my Enfield is still clear and sweet nearly 1000 miles after the last change.
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[Timmeh]

Did you change the oil filter too?
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[Grimeric]

I had just completed my 5 mile commute so the engine was fairly warm. I think I will change it again next weekend and see if it looks any better then.
I am just happy that it has fresh oil inside. I don't think the previous owner was as keen to keep fresh oil in it as I am.
I will just let it drain overnight next time.
I changed the filter today, how many miles do they usually last before the need changing?

[Timmeh]

[Itchy]

[Grimeric]

[Itchy]

[Grimeric]

[Paxovasa]

I change oil and filter every 5000-6000 miles on my bandit.

Since you changed both oil and filter, make sure to check the level after a short run, it might need topping up.
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[Grimeric]

[el_oso]

I think you are worrying way too much about this. What harm is old oil going to do in such a small proportion?

In all honesty you are going to break something else or crash the bike way before you can put enough miles on the bike to break the engine due to poor lubrication. Modern engines are remarkable resilient. If you want to make sure the bike is in top condition, keep it clean, especially if you ride through winter. Road salt, grit and cold kill bikes. Simply throwing a bucket of water over it will wash the majority away. Don't use a pressure washer. It can force water between the seals of your bearings.
inspect/change your bearings regularly. Again, something that is usually pretty hard wearing but they are cheap and can make a big difference.
lube and adjust you chain regularly. I use engine oil. I hardly ever have to adjust my chain because of this.
change the brake fluid every year or two. It can make a world of difference. In my experience a good proportion of crashes happen because of front wheel lock ups. Well maintained brake can give you much better control over the amount of pressure you are applying.
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Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L

[Robby]

Don't worry about the oil looking dirty. If it gets dirty, it's working - it's picking up all the nasties from around the engine and carrying them through the filter. Anything small enough to get through the filter is too small to worry about.

With frequent oil changes it will eventually look cleaner.

[smegballs]

[Grimeric]

[Rogerborg]

Yup, I oil change straight away on purchase, regardless of what the service history or owner claims.

The exception being the Enfield which had been properly well looked after and you could have fried your dinner in the oil(s).