How often Do I need to change my oil?

[totall2tall]

I have a 2005 Big dog Ridgeback. I changed the oil and filter a year ago. 370 miles on the oil change. The motor has 8800 miles on it. The oil is a little dark. Should I change the oil once a year or should I wait until the end of summer. I might put 600 miles on it this summer. Thanks.

 

[Unsprung]

My opinion, I’d change it. Oil is usually changed on a mileage/time rotation. Say, 1500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. I change mine at about 2k which gets me one change a year sometimes 2. I know, I need to ride more. JMO

 

[Reddickracing]

Synthetic oil?

 

[Brandon Downey]

Manufacturer recommends every 2500 miles. If you happen to have your owners manual there is a service schedule in there.

 

[totall2tall]

I dont have any books for the bike.

 

[Brandon Downey]

Ok cool. Maybe one of the guys on here with same year bike and owners manual can confirm that for you. Mine is a 2007 Mastiff. But with your situation I think I would change it at the beginning of each riding season since you don't put that many miles on it.

 

[totall2tall]

Thanks for the responses. I will just go ahead and change it to be safe.

 

[Reddickracing]

Yes sir agree with the above guys. Change at the start of season, spend extra and get synthetic, change at least once a year. To cheap and easy to do. Oil is the life blood of the motor.

 

[Brandon Downey]

Absolutely on the synthetic. S&S recommends synthetic as well. Not even sure why anyone would run the conventional oil in the Dogs, the full synthetic is only a few dollars more expensive.

 

[Pitbullpower2010]

Thanks for the responses. I will just go ahead and change it to be safe.

If you are still interested in a service manual for your bike here it is. http://rnbcycles.com/pdf/manual-2005-all-models.pdf

 

[BWG56]

With the above, change every year or 2500 miles is what I have done since new with full synthetic.

 

[Big D Florida]

Time, as well as mileage, is a consideration. Under heat and pressure, even synthetics produce corrosive compounds that remain suspended in the oil your bearings are soaking in.
I agree with the above, especially Unsprung, and Reddickracing... they make very valid points.