I have been changing the oil in my ATV (2001 Sportsman 400) once every year ever since I bought it. I usually run mine about 150 miles per year, if that. I always go with the Polaris synthetic oil and their filter. But since I only ride it around 150 miles per year, is it really necessary to change the oil once a year? The oil is around $7.00 per quart, and the filter is almost $11.00 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

So am I really wasting money, good oil and a filter by changing oil when it hasn't even been used enough yet? Or is changing once a year regardless of how little useage, the correct way to go? Thanks?

 

once a month need it or not [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Never [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Never have to adjust my valves either[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] If I had a 4-stroke and used it as little as you do, I'd change every 6 months regardless of mileage. They do get condensation in 'em just sitting.

 

I use my bikes alot,and change fluids about every 1000 km.If I'm into alot of dust,I'll change it sooner.
I'll also blow the air filter out after every decent ride.

 

As far as hours go..........every 50 hrs is a standard to keep in mind. But really, conditions dictate how often. Dusty conditions will cause the oil to get dirty quicker........alternately, cold/warm cylcles will cause condensation in the crank case. Both conditions require monitoring and oil changes. Synthetic oils are great but remember.......they still get dirty.......it's the dirt ( or contamination by condensation) that does the damage and your changing the oil to get rid of the dirt. I changed my oil once before the winter and once after the winter because I could tell some condensation had developed.

Good Luck, Bob

 

i change it as soon as its a really dark forest green

 

as much riding as i do, usually about 700 miles... the manual recommends about 1000 miles

 

i change my counter balence oil every 20hrs,seeing as 1 quart will do about 10 oil changes i dont mind changing it if it needs it or not..i change the tranny fluid once a month about..

 

But what Backinthesaddleagain didn't tell you is he is a MUD SISSY !!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I'm not sure he would drive thru a mud puddle if the Cowboys cheerleaders were waiting on the other side [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img] Back on subject I change mine every 100 miles or right after I dump it in the river [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

Hi Bob
Been riding ? Come on over, we have lots of mud now.

 

I change the oil in my predator about once a month, if i have been beating on it hard racing then i change it every other dune or mx track ride.


TR