Oil at 65 miles

[TrailSnot]

I did my initial Oil change today at 192 miles and installed a magnetic Gold Plug. Glad I didn't wait for the 600 miles. Clutch was little out of adjustment but the chain was still right on target. Put a little lube on it and called it good.

View attachment 5990

Definitely better to get that crud outta there. Selfishly glad I wasn't the only one with chunks in the first flush.
My chain was slack from new and I just got around to tightening it. Naturally it's just a hair tight after tightening the axle nut. 1 1/8 play versus the 1 1/4" they want, close enough for me, new chain gonna stretch anyways.

 

[cmb23trail125]

For me the ultimate answer is "Oil and filters are way cheaper than a rebuild or new motor" so i change after a long Dirty Ride or just because i am bored.

It may have been answered elsewhere but i finally found the Honda Oil Filter PN 15412-MGS-D21 (Please correct if am wrong). I read it is used used in nearly ever Honda motorcycle and SXS but couldn't find what model or year.

 

[BaldRider]

It may have been answered elsewhere but i finally found the Honda Oil Filter PN 15412-MGS-D21 (Please correct if am wrong). I read it is used used in nearly ever Honda motorcycle and SXS but couldn't find what model or year.

I know it is in the current generation (2018+) DCT Goldwing.

 

[cyb3rbyte]

My chain seems to have a good amount of play, can definitely hear it now at 150 miles. Gonna tighten that up for sure today, and check my oil as well. Ordering a gold plug.

*edit* My oil was low, so I don't know if dealers just aren't checking / going over everything or what. Adding some GN4. No issues running or odd noises.

 

[TrailSnot]

My chain seems to have a good amount of play, can definitely hear it now at 150 miles. Gonna tighten that up for sure today, and check my oil as well. Ordering a gold plug.

*edit* My oil was low, so I don't know if dealers just aren't checking / going over everything or what. Adding some GN4. No issues running or odd noises.

If so many bikes are being found with low oil it definitely makes you wonder what the dealers are really checking. It also makes me wonder what is going on in the factory that they are under filling them.

 

[oldskool]

If so many bikes are being found with low oil it definitely makes you wonder what the dealers are really checking. It also makes me wonder what is going on in the factory that they are under filling them.

Someone at the factory may not know their job and may be filling the bikes up until it indicates full with the dipstick fully screwed in?? Who knows, the big question is why so many dealerships are letting bikes out the door without even the simplest yet important checks done properly.

 

[Cardinal Direction]

Someone at the factory may not know their job and may be filling the bikes up until it indicates full with the dipstick fully screwed in?? Who knows, the big question is why so many dealerships are letting bikes out the door without even the simplest yet important checks done properly.

Because they don’t give a hoot. People will buy the product anyway and if something goes wrong with the bike it’s an opportunity to take more of your money. Dealerships seem to have forgotten that the best way to sustain profitability is to have repeat customers.

 

[NMCoyote]

Jumping in here a bit late but a couple things to consider. Changing the oil during break in earlier then scheduled isn't really saving you anything and actually is delaying the break in process. As the oil gets a bit dirty it becomes a bit abrasive which it supposed to do as it picks up macroscopic particles from wear, this becomes somewhat of a polishing paste and help give the new components a nice fine smooth finish. I'm not saying leave it in there for a couple thousand miles but replacing it too soon isn't really getting you any better break in results and it will take longer to complete.
And another thing, When you are seeing shiny particles in the break in oil, keep in mind you are also breaking in the new clutch friction and wear plates and that is where most of what you're seeing is coming from so don't be too freaked out about it. Change the oil in these on a regular bases and you can expect 200,000 miles of service.

 

[cyb3rbyte]

I think the larger issue people are upset with is that the dealers are CHARGING for this setup of filling oil, checking bolts, attaching battery and mirrors, etc. If they weren't then maybe so many people wouldn't be beaten up about oil being a bit low. I know I'm going to be contacting my dealer and informing them of this, and asking if I can get some money off the setup fee or if I can have some other free service voucher (for parts or first service).

I mean the other thing to consider is these are Hondas. They can and will survive basically anything.

Am I jazzed about a brand new bike I just purchased having less than the minimum amount of oil by 10oz? No, but at least it had SOME oil so as not to catastrophically seize. It never once complained about low oil or made any weird noises. I think the best we can do is to put a PSA on the forum about it so that people know their 2023 may not be entirely full with oil and to check upon pickup or slightly thereafter.

 

[oldskool]

Jumping in here a bit late but a couple things to consider. Changing the oil during break in earlier then scheduled isn't really saving you anything and actually is delaying the break in process. As the oil gets a bit dirty it becomes a bit abrasive which it supposed to do as it picks up macroscopic particles from wear, this becomes somewhat of a polishing paste and help give the new components a nice fine smooth finish. I'm not saying leave it in there for a couple thousand miles but replacing it too soon isn't really getting you any better break in results and it will take longer to complete.
And another thing, When you are seeing shiny particles in the break in oil, keep in mind you are also breaking in the new clutch friction and wear plates and that is where most of what you're seeing is coming from so don't be too freaked out about it. Change the oil in these on a regular bases and you can expect 200,000 miles of service. debris from assembly

I would rather not have the junk that comes off the clutch in the first 50 miles and any debris left over from assembly accelerating the break in. Oil is cheap engines not so much I don't care if it takes a bit longer to "break in" To each their own.

 

[TrailSnot]

Wanted to put the Gold Plug in and could've put it on its side and done it but decided to just drain it and toss some fresh oil in. Mileage wise it's nowhere near needing it but I don't mind $9 here and there. So second change right on the nose at 200 miles. No oil burnt/lost. No metal flakes like at 65 miles, but did get some sealant pieces that flaked off. Nothing concerning.
Stopped at gas station and topped to approx same level as last, rough calculations have me at about 89mpg.

 

[drew_g]

As expected, the drained oil was pretty dark, no glitter but I did get a few little metallic chunks settle in the bottom of the pan. Nothing discernible to the eye had collected in the filter.
Took about 900ml to fill to 1/2 way between the hash marks on the dipstick. All in all a good measure to flush the gunk early and get to know the bike a little better, something I do with every bike.
I'll probably do it again in a couple hundred miles just to see how it all looks.

I was told at the store to have the valve clearance checked at a 600 mile service, I don't see that on the service schedule, anyone have thoughts on that?

Probably going to do the same soon - did that filter fit? It looks a bit larger than the OEM in your photo.

 

[TrailSnot]

Probably going to do the same soon - did that filter fit? It looks a bit larger than the OEM in your photo.

Sorry for late reply. It's an OEM filter, same size, photo perspective and them being oriented differently just throws it off.

 

[Kev250R]

Jumping in here a bit late but a couple things to consider. Changing the oil during break in earlier then scheduled isn't really saving you anything and actually is delaying the break in process. As the oil gets a bit dirty it becomes a bit abrasive which it supposed to do as it picks up macroscopic particles from wear, this becomes somewhat of a polishing paste and help give the new components a nice fine smooth finish. I'm not saying leave it in there for a couple thousand miles but replacing it too soon isn't really getting you any better break in results and it will take longer to complete.
And another thing, When you are seeing shiny particles in the break in oil, keep in mind you are also breaking in the new clutch friction and wear plates and that is where most of what you're seeing is coming from so don't be too freaked out about it. Change the oil in these on a regular bases and you can expect 200,000 miles of service.

^ This 100% for me. Dirty oil just means it's doing it's job; contaminants are suspended in it. You want that, plus most manufacturers use a special 'Break-in' oil. Not sure if Honda uses that in the dirt-simple engine that the Trail uses but I know that it's used in higher-performance engines, like the ones in my KTM's use. When I bought my Duke a couple of years ago the Salesman, the Service Manager and the owner of the Dealer all stressed how important it was not to change the oil until the end of it's break-in period.

I guess a Blackstone Oil Analysis would put this matter to bed. I may do that the next time I buy a new bike just to see what the oil is actually like at it's first recommended change.

To each their own.

 

[m in sc]

its just a higher zinc content, that's it.

 

[dmonkey]

FWIW Honda Customer Relations say the bike doesn't come with break in oil either.

"Break In Oil" ???? 🤔

Didn't wanna hijack Backfill's thread any further. My oil level was below the stick before I changed it on Saturday. The proper warm up and check at top of threads procedure was followed to check it. I sent off an email to the shop and got a reply today, staff being off delayed the response...

hondatrail125.com

 

[m in sc]

break in oil, in general has higher zinc. i changed my oil at like 100 miles. theres no flat bearing surfaces/flat tappet cams so no need for break in oil on these motors. seat the rings and done.

 

[Tex68w]

I have a hunch that the reason for the low oil on the '23's is due to the change in the motor. The new motor holds more oil, like 200mL more and maybe they are still filling them to the old spec?

 

[TrailSnot]

I have a hunch that the reason for the low oil on the '23's is due to the change in the motor. The new motor holds more oil, like 200mL more and maybe they are still filling them to the old spec?

Very likely IMO

 

[dmonkey]

Anything less than checking where it lands between the marks on the dipstick is lazy IMO