How often do you check your oil level and can i buy bulk bottles of oil?

[stuR]

So it occured to me ive been doing alot more riding than usual down to the fact i have been doing alot of advanced training. I am otherwise usually fairly diligent about the maintainence of my bike, but have neglected to check the oil level for about 1.5k miles since i last changed it, and i had to put about 600ml to raise it back to the top of the dipstick(it was even touching the bottom!)
I was wondering what benchmark you guys use for checking the oil? I realise different/older bikes will burn it at different rates (like simons shed..)

Also, is there a more economical way to buy bike oil, or a cheaper brand? At present i have been using castrol 4t but its over £30 for 4l, and on the cb500 i am changing the oil every 2.5/3k. When i get on the gsxr the recommended interval is 4k, so i was wondering if there is a 25l bulk bottle or something as my dad also rides so we could share it.

[Mark_h]

I check mine each time I take the bike off the driveway but as the SV has a sight glass it's no trouble. As for buying oil I stock up when HG have a special offer. Get almost two changes out of a can.

[Tomor]

I check mine once a week, regardless of miles. I think some companies do sell oil in 25L drums, but generally only to the trade (garages) Ask around and im sure you may be able to find one.

[squirrel_hunter]

I never check the oil level, I just replace engines.

[muzikill]

I check mine everytime it gets put back in its bed after a ride.

[Dabteacake]

Find somebody with a halfords trade card and then buy more with the savings!

[sniff]

Check as and when I remember. Which shouldn't be too hard. But I do remember every couple of weeks.

Oil I get as a freebie from work. Well I say work in a very loose way.

[stuR]

Yea the gsxr has a sight, so will be alot less of a faff to check. Hein gericke Mark? Thought theyve shut down or do you buy it online from their eu arm? Good idea on halfords trade card, i have a mechanic mate..

[Mark_h]

HG in Farnborough is still trading.

[Fallout]

4 x 1 litre bottles tends to only be pence more expensive than the 4 litre bottles, so by that logic I wouldn't expect mahooosive cans to be much cheaper. It's just one of those areas you'll have to take the hit on I'm afraid stu.

[stuR]

Ah fair enough. Yup seems illogical to sell 25l bottles if they know youll have to pay more otherwise! Halfords trade card it is..

[TheRuffellator]

I check mine probably once a week, no set routine or anything though. And I'm sure you can get like 20L mid size drums as my stepdad gets them (he's a mechanic) where from is another matter I'll ask later, very possibly only to trade.

[stuR]

Well said freind mechanic of mine buys oil in barrels for cars. Its 5-30 but comes out at £2 per litre fully synth, not sure yet if its energy conserving for the wet clutches...

[madcockney]

Morris Lubricants sell 25 litre drums directly to the public and over £60 (excluding VAT) delivery is free.

http://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.uk/sport-4-part-synthetic-10w-40-motorcycle-oil.html

This is their own product but seeing that they supply both into car and bike racing I would have no issues with their products. Their customer and technical services are also very helpful

[Fallout]

Well said freind mechanic of mine buys oil in barrels for cars. Its 5-30 but comes out at £2 per litre fully synth, not sure yet if its energy conserving for the wet clutches...

Thats cheap! This is why its best to do servicing yourself! Who knows what oil garages actually put in your beloved bike if they can get bargains like that and hike their profit margins by £20 an oil change.

[rictus01]

I use Smith & Allan 10-40w semi motocycle oil, get it in 20ltr containers, works out £2.64 a ltr, OK you have to store it, so takes up a bit more room, but the savings are worth the effort.

[jambo]

I check a bike very frequently when it's new to me, much less so if appropriate once I know how much it uses in standard service.

Oil used depends, but the 5L Halfords semi-synthetic works out at reasonable value.

Jambo
Sent from my thingie

[stuR]

That sounds pretty gd rictus if i cant use my freinds stuff. Cheers all

[Merv121]

I check every 2 days as im filling up between 500ml and 700ml every 1-3weeks depending on how I ride, short oil burning issue been going on since I bought the damn thing

[stuR]

Blimey over how many miles??

[Murley.]

Check mine once a week. Tend to have a good look over the bike as well. Better to find any problem before it turns into anything serious. Oh, and I buy my oil from halfrauds. 10/40 fully synthetic.

[Merv121]

Blimey over how many miles??

not entirely sure on the mileage as I do between 300-650 depending on how much I work/ go out riding with friends, but I have done between 13,000 and 14,000 miles since I bought the bike in September (currently on 41,400 miles) and have used over 19L of oil in that time (not including the 3 services ive given it)

[rictus01]

are you saying you've used 19ltr of topup oil in 14k ? so your oil level has dropped to minimum several times between services ?

[Bibio]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MILLERS-ZSS-10W40-SEMI-SYNTHETIC-MOTORBIKE-OIL-5LTR-/160646929987?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleani ng&hash=item25674d9e43

[Merv121]

yeah I am saying I have used about 19litres or there abouts, ive had the engine tested for compression etc and it was clear on everything bar the valve seals which haven't completely gone yet, it goes through stages where ill check it nearly every day and doesn't move then I don't check for about a week and no longer in the sight glass which is highly annoying

[veenee]

this is the one I bought 2 months ago - 5 litres of Motul 5100 for £25 incl p&p
http://r.ebay.com/LDYWyG

I check the level every week or two, never really changes...