All in my head? (Oil change)
 

So I successfully changed the oil & filter for the first time on Saturday (4k miles, I didn't do the 600 mile service) and replaced it with Castrol bikey stuff.

All going well. Red oil = good, black oil = dirty.

Now, on the ride into work today, I was sure that the bike felt smoother, and seemed to be less rough in noise. Am I imagining it?

Secondly, and most importantly.

I thought changing the oil may have had a positive effect on the problem I have getting from 2nd to neutral, at a standstill. But no, its still nigh on impossible without rolling back and forth, then eventually giving in and hitting the kill switch, at which point it becomes simple, and effortless.

Any ideas?

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

As your bike is practically new, take it back to the dealer and have it sorted under warranty?

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

This happened on my pointy when i put too much oil into it. took some (150ml) out and she was as smooth as a smooth thing.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

i should get some new oil if its that good!

ermm it could just be the clutch, have you changed or adjusted it at all as theres alot of travel in it but the bite point needs to be quite pecific so it might not be fully disingaged, try fiddiling :).

then again i could be talking out my **** but just an idea.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

If it's in your head, then it's in mine too. Mine always feels smoother after a change. But then, when I do oil/filter, I also do air filter & plugs. Then I balance TB's and check TPS, and also throw in a chain tension check/adjust. Oh yea, lets not forget clutch/throttle cables. Maybe doing everything causes it to be in my head? (My bike may not be clean, but it's mechanically great!)

No clue, but as LP said, it's under warranty.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

Either to much oil, your clutch wants adjusting or your chain is to slack or to tight.

Oil level and or chain tension would be the first things I'd check.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

At risk of repeating what others have said:

1. Yes, it will be smoother - you should notice the difference of any service.

2. The most likely cause to your sticky gear changes, is clutch wear and cable stretch. Solution - adjust your clutch. This is detailed in the service manual, but it's best to be shown how. Best to do it at the lever and engine ends of the cable.

It could be an overfill of oil... but I've never come across this myself, but I know others have. If you got the oil between the lines when you refilled, then it's unlikely to be the problem - check and adjust your clutch anyway, it's a good practise thing.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

The chain seems OK but there is a fair bit of slack in the clutch movement, much more than 15mm as defined by Haynes.

I reckon thats the next thing to get checked.

I like the new oil. This could prove an expensive habit :D

Tempted to take it back to the dealership as its still under warranty, but then they'll say "we're not looking at it unless you get the 4k service done by us, as thats likely the fault"

Grr, thought I coulda fixed it meself.

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

Its not just neutral that its a problem Im finding now too, a change into 1st from either a standing start or a roll gives a pretty loud/forceful CLUNK

Clutch adjustment is suspect #1

Thankyou "team"


:D

Re: All in my head? (Oil change)
 

Kinda similar problem for me, since new, bike has been difficult to get into 1st every now and then. Tends to be if I've had to stop quite quickly for lights etc and am in a high gear 4th + and whilst stationery, have to run down the gears to get into neutral. Once I'm there and the lights go to green there are times where I can't for the life of me get into 1st without rolling back and forth a few times. Mentioned it on the 1st service and stealer said it would be OK after the service, although I've had it a few times since and it's ALWAYS when I'm sat next to another bike :(