OT: Oil change interval for Honda ATV ?

 I have a Honda Foreman 450, which I use only when I am at our mountain
cabin.  In some years, I only put 200-300 miles on it.

I use the special Mobil 1  synthetic oil made for motorcycles and atv's.
The manual says to change the oil every 600 miles.   Even though this oil
allows for extended use,   I always follow the  600 mile rule, but I have
also changed it every year , even if I don't have the 600 miles on it.

SO,  here is my question..............  if the atv has only 250 miles on it
in the last year... and the oil looks brand new clean on the
dipstick......... do you think that I should change it every year anyhow ?
I guess another way of asking the question is whether the oil breaks down
after a year or so and should be changed even if you have NO miles on it?

What do you experts think ??

Thanks for any comments or input  !!


James

 
 Oil doesn't break down from sitting. If you run it once a year for a
couple hundred miles, I would change the oil at the suggested
intervals (600 miles? that seems way too soon). The best thing would
to be to run it for 20-30 minutes minimum when you do run it.

 

Bike Guy Joe wrote:

Doesn't break down from sitting, but the engine does collect
condensation and possibly some corrosion.  If it's been sitting for a
year, I'd run it hot and then change the oil just to give the engine a
good flushing out.  Also a good idea to go through whatever procedure
the manufacturer recommends for an engine that is to be stored.

--
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--John
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Oil doesn't "break down" from use, either.  It's only changed due to
contaminants, both particulate and chemical.

I'd change that oil every five years or so.  Really.

 Seth Hammond wrote:

If you investigate I think you will find that the additive package
degrades in use.


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