I've got a 99 Sportsman 335 with 130 miles on it. I bought it a little over a year ago. Do you think I should change the oil yet? I only use it for bow hunting and bowseason starts in a couple weeks. It sits all summer long. Anything else you recommend that I do? I just greased it.

 

You should change the oil before hunting season starts. Best would be to take it for a short trail ride & dump it warm. Condensation can get in the engine over time and this will break down the oil, even with very few miles. In my opinion synthetic oil will protect a little better over long storage such as you described. It might seem un-necessary, but what are two quarts of oil to guarantee a happy engine?
Farmr

PS on our farm tractors they say to change oil before you use it after it sits 6 months even if it wasn't run.

 

130 miles isn't very much for a years worth of riding. Never the less I would change it once a year no matter what. I agree that right before hunting season would be a good time, especially if that's when you use it the most. By the way, how do you like that 335?

 

I like my 335. I know everybody says it's underpowered but I don't have a problem with it's power. I don't see where it needs more power. Plus I like the fact that it's not liquid cooled because of the sitting it does during the summer. It will haul deer out that's all that matters to me.

 

I have a '99 SP 335 and do all my riding on mountain trails on weekends and vacations. The oil is changed once a year along with a lube job. I really like the 335. It gets me where I want to go. Not much can stop it.

 

Benelli,
This is what I would do: Change the oil before hunting season, and then again just before you set it up for storage. Then, next year, I wouldn't change it before season, only after. If I sound confusing, I apoligize. What I'm getting at is that it has been a while since you changed the oil, and that is the reason for the oil change now. From what I understand about engine oil, it is always best to change right before storage. I prefer synthetic oil, however, I realize that you will have good luck with most any oil, as long as you change it often. From tech connection, greg recommends changing the oil every 4 tanks. Later,

Waylan