Much better shifting after oil change?

[LukeMacPU]

Never experienced this with any other bike, but my shifting was dramatically smoother after changing the oil this weekend.

 

I had noticed my shifting getting a bit clunky and stiff when the bike was hot. I was due for an oil change so I took care of that this weekend. First riding since was today and the hard shifting was gone or at least much better.

 

What gives? Same oil, nothing different there. Is this a common issue prior to oil change? My first one after getting the bike running 5000 miles ago. I was surprised it made such a difference.

 

 

My thumbs did this on a tiny keyboard so cut me some slack!,

[Freebird]

I don't think it is unusual at all. I've experienced with every Venture I've owned, first and second gen. That is also why I run Mobil 1 Racing 4T. Other synthetics may do the same, I don't know. I know that long ago when I bought my '99 brand new, the first service was included in the deal. I left on an extended bike trip the next day. No more than 1500 miles later, I was looking for a place where I could do an oil change. Went right back to Mobile 1 as I had used in my previous bikes and have never used anything else since then.

[Karaboo]

Yeah, the viscosity modifiers are an additive, and the additives are the first thing to break down in most oils. People say oil is oil, but the additives make all the difference in the world.

[bongobobny]

Yup! Many people have noticed smoother shifting after an oil change! I guess a good indicator of needing an oil change is how it shifts...

[LukeMacPU]

Good to know I'm not crazy, and it sounds like the bike is normal. Thanks for the feedback. Ride on!

 

 

My thumbs did this on a tiny keyboard so cut me some slack!,

[gaj1917]

I must try the Mobil 1 Racing 4T. Hadn't heard of it before. I've always used Castrol 20W50 motorcycle oil in all my bikes over the years. Always seemed to work fine.