I'm getting ready to change the oil for the first time on my '12 TE449. I found this link about oil weights , viscosities etc... I am going to stick with the manual and use 10W40. Will use full synthetic.
Ive been using synth 10-40 for 2 years in my TXC511. All is well so far. I do change it regularly since it only holds about 800cc
I use the 10W-40 Amsoil, and change it about every 20 hours. I am not racing but oil changes are cheaper than a rebuild.
The second number, 40, is key. This gives you a viscosity of 3.5 @ 302°F as per the specific clearances between bearing surfaces on the Kymco 449. The original specification from BMW for the Kymco 449 was actually 5w40. I run 0w40 Euro formula synthetic which is actually 2.5w40, but anything will work fine. 0, 5, 10 or 15w40. Change it often. Some light reading: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-oil-and-a-lot-you-didn’t.27053/
I change the filter every other oil change, we are doing changes every 2-5 hours of off road riding/racing
I am using a after market filter, the cost is about 7 dollars, I suppose every second change would be fine but, I am too anal to leave it alone and change it every change.
I just switched from a syn blend to Mobil 1. No other reason except it was due, and my Dad gave me 4 qts. Don't know if its just me, but the clutch engagement seems more solid after the switch.
The human eye can only see to 35 microns, so a filter that appears clean may be full of fine micron debris. You can find HF611 filters for as little as 3 dollars so I would suggest changing every time. Clean your prefilters every time, I use wallyworld big can brake cleaner.
Thanks for all of the advice. That was going to be my next question, what to clean the 2 screen filters with. I used to use fuel with my other bike but brake cleaner sounds good to me.
I think the frequency of change depends upon the quality of the oil and the riding conditions. As a weekend warrior I use a middle quality semi syn such as Motul 10-50. Change it every second or third ride. I change the oil filter every second oil change. Works well for me for many years. The type of riding I do is ST with a bit of blatting on jeep tracks between ST's. Engine is not overly worked. Also keep air filter pristine and change it as necessay or every third ride. In summer its often every ride. Also put full syn 2 stroke oil at 100"1 ration in the fuel. Cushions the valves in the seats, give top ring a top up lube, stabilises fuel. Also use an iridium plug.
GHTE, In my CRF450 I change engine oil about every 6 hours and the filter every 2nd oil change, using 5W40 Rottela T6. I use the regular Rottela T in the transmission (separate). I also use Belray MC-1 synth 2 stroke oil in the fuel as a valve lube. I run 300:1 since (to me) 100:1 is enough oil to run a 2-stroke on. I have had very good results doing this. I will follow the same routine with the Husky once it is broke in. Cam.
Hey, that's not a bad idea. However, my oil of choice for that is tried n true Marvel Mystery Oil. Its specifically designed to lubricate valve trains and keep seats in good shape. I ran it for many years in my '70 Ford Van. Long after leaded gas was outlawed. I know I still have some and will start running it in my fuel. It also has a pleasing wintergreen fragrance. It also allowed me to keep the original heads when it finally got rebuilt after 30 years of faithful service. Its been the official motorcycle hauler since my Dad bought it new to cart his CZ to the track back in the day.
I used to use Marvels in my air tools, but I have since switched to Duralube. The new Marvels formula has been watered down from the old formula and no longer has it's protection ingredients it once had. Still a good fuel cleaner. I like the 300:1 mix, but I use duralube and startron which comically closely resembles the old Marvels mix. Marvels Mystery Oil 70% Mineral Oil - baby oil 25% Mineral Spirits - paint thinner 5% 1/2% 1, 2 ortho-Dichlorobenzene - Xylene (my personal favorite) Oil of wintergreen - fragrance Red Dye - food coloring for your engine (adds to the Mystery) *********************************** The original formula of Marvels Mystery Oil (No longer used) 70% Naphthalene - Zippo lighter fluid (yellow in color, found in most fuel cleaners, Lucas, yamaha, stabil, startron, seafoam, etc.) 29% Mineral Spirits - Paint Thinner (also used in STP fuel injector cleaner) 1% Chlorinated Hydrocarbon - Chlorinated parrifins (Duralube, prolong, rapidtap) 38 ppm Boron acid - borax 900 ppm Phosporous 1/2% 1, 2 ortho-Dichlorobenzene - Xylene (my personal favorite) 1/4% 1, 4 para-Dichlorobenzene - Xylene (my personal favorite) Oil of wintergreen - fragrance Red Dye - food coloring for your engine Now not so mysterious http://www.turtlewax.com/upload/msdp/MM010-1-England$2ada558ab2a17bd0.pdf
Hmmm, never knew that. The stuff I have is about 15 years old. Did I get the good stuff? I haven't used it since the old girl got a complete re-build. The marvel had kept the heads from suckin in the valves for over 50,000 unleaded miles. Not to say they had not worn though. It's now got the biggest valves a 302 head can fit,
I have only heard of the magical "marvels mystery oil" but never actually seen any. I use the belray since I have had such good luck running it in my 2-stroke race bikes over the years. Cam.
