100K WeeStrom Oil Analysis

[DSM8]

Just wanted to share an oil analysis I just got back for my 07 DL650. The bike has just shy of 100K miles on it, engine is bone stock, never been touched other than oil changes and air filters.

The oil is changed every 5K miles though this time it went further than usual. Just thought it might be interesting to other Strom owners.

Still gets 55mpg, used to commute year round in stop and go traffic, two up weekend trips and day time rides in the canyons. I was expecting to see more metal content due to mileage but it wasn't present. I add about 200ml over the course of 5K miles to top off. If that...

Oil Type: Ams Oil Full Syth 15/50 - Been the only oil used in the bike after the 600 mile break-in period with Dyno oil
Oil Filters: Stock, K&N or WIX when available (Wix is my go to choice, I have cut open all three and they are similar with Wix having the largest number of internal pleats)
Air Filter: I make my own using a modified WIX air filter glued to the stock air filter body after realizing the cost of stock was ridiculous. This has been my go to solution for the last 60K miles

[dman]

What kind of oil [edit: just saw that it's Amsoil] ... and filters?

-dman

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by dman

What kind of oil [edit: just saw that it's Amsoil] ... and filters?

-dman

Ams Oil Full Synthetic 15/50
I use either stock, K&N or as of late when able WIX

[Wolfgang55]

I used Puralator oil filer at $2.50 each.

[glasswave]

Thanks for the info. I am curious as to how much you paid for your oil analysis and the cost.

[larryboy]

Picking nits...you didn't include the 200ml make up oil in the test.

How does it compare to a test from say, 50,000 miles?

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by glasswave

Thanks for the info. I am curious as to how much you paid for your oil analysis and the cost.

The cost is 25 bucks plus the cost of shipping it to them, they email back the results.

I sent it on Sat, got the results Wed.

They will send the testing kit to you free, just go on their webpage.

All the info is on the bottom of the oil analysis.

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by larryboy

Picking nits...you didn't include the 200ml make up oil in the test.

How does it compare to a test from say, 50,000 miles?

Actually since I was doing an oil change anyways I did not have to add the 200ml make up oil. I replaced all of it.

Since this was the only test I did the assumption would be if there was wear taking place then it would be reflected in the metal content of the sample.

Since it was practically non-existent the results would have been similar.

What I will do when the time comes to put in the new crate motor I have for the bike is do a sample with the the dyno oil at 3K miles ( which would include the breakin time etc).

Then test again every 25K miles.

That will be interesting to see. I expect to see high metal content due to the break in for the first change, then it should normalize for the remainder till wear starts to take place again.

While the motor is running great I am starting to get more false neutrals since I have worn out the shifting drum inside the transmission. That will be the real demise of this engine.

#7

[larryboy]

Ahh, ok and now you know you could drop the 200ml in it and run to 7,000 miles.

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by larryboy

Ahh, ok and now you know you could drop the 200ml in it and run to 7,000 miles.

True but as the viscosity drops so the the ability to remain stable under shear.

I notice a significant reduction in the shifting performance of the bike even when new as the miles on the oil get over 5K. While not a deal breaker I prefer to change at that interval and I think in doing so the fact I have in effect what is still a like new motor is conducive to maintaining that practice.

Next step will be to perform a leak down test and see how the rings and valves are doing. Considering the valves have not needed adjustment in the last three valve checks I am not too worried.

[Reposado1800]

It looks like the eventual DL650 killer is either valve guides or shift drum. That is a very good thing in my book. The motor is solid.

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by Clayjars

It looks like the eventual DL650 killer is either valve guides or shift drum. That is a very good thing in my book. The motor is solid.

Yeah I don't know what the tell tale signs of the valve guides going would be beyond an increase in oil consumption. Maybe increase fuel contamination due to blow by from the combustion process, really no clue.

That would be interesting to find out.

[Reposado1800]

It shouldn't cost too much to freshen a 100k engine given that. Its not a KTM that shits out every bearing known to mankind.

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by Clayjars

It shouldn't cost too much to freshen a 100k engine given that. Its not a KTM that shits out every bearing known to mankind.

I have an 09 SV650 Crate motor sitting in the shop just waiting to go into this bike when I get around to it. When the shifting gets to the point it annoys me more than anything else will be the time I will swap them out.

The drum is an $80 part. So yeah not terrible to fix but I don't feel like putting that kinda time into it when there is a freshee sitting there waiting to be used.

[Albie]

Originally Posted by DSM8

Yeah I don't know what the tell tale signs of the valve guides going would be beyond an increase in oil consumption. Maybe increase fuel contamination due to blow by from the combustion process, really no clue.

That would be interesting to find out.

When my valve guides went it was a dramatic increase in oil consumption, as in all of it in about 1K miles.