[Honda199]

I would love to hear from the people with newer high mileage atvs

What brand they using
Just conventional oil or synthetic
How often you changing it( i was told every 250km) but that seems insane
Oem oil filters?

Highest mileage honda i seen guy said he always used non synthetic , and change it often said it was better then using synthetic, thoughts

 

[retro]

Motor oil is a personal choice matter more than anything else for stock ATVs in average usage & light duty work/trail riding conditions. The most important thing in caring for any motor over a long term is oil change frequency. Most conventional motor oils require more frequent oil changes than do good quality full synthetics. So basically, there are no hard & fast rules that must be followed... change the oil frequently enough, but don't waste money on changing it more frequently than is necessary. That sounds dumb, but its not in practice.

After the break-in period, if using a conventional motor oil (and you should until the motor is completely broken in) change the oil when it begins to turn dark. Because at that point the oil has become saturated with tiny carbon particles and cannot suspend (and hold in suspension) very much more carbon. Its done... get it out of there. Same goes for full synthetics (which are far superior oils and should be seriously considered after break-in)... when the oil has darkened its done, get it out of there.

So there are no particular oil change schedules or rules to follow that might yield the longest possible motor life. Be ready to change the oil and filter when the motor needs it, not when the calendar or odometer says so. Keep in mind that might mean the oil might need changing the following day if the motor is overheated or otherwise operated in extreme conditions.

 

[alloutdoors]

In the big picture, an oil change is relatively cheap compared to a failed engine part and like retro mentions frequency and oil signs gives you an idea when it needs changing. Personally, I change all fluids way before scheduled times. As an example, my John Deere tractor is a 2004 with 450 hours and the hourly schedule change is every 200 hours. This unit gets fully serviced every year even regardless of hours.

 

[mac102004]

Changing the oil + filter often is more important than what oil you use. But the fact is that synthetic oils are far superior to conventional oils, they are also more expensive. None of my newer machines are what I would consider high mileage, 2000km on the Rene and 3200ish on the Rubicant. Both get Amsoil 0w40 changed about once a year with OEM filters. My old beater 350 Rancher/Fourtrax that I've had since 2000, has gotten "whatever oil is around" and hasn't been changed all that regularly. It's burning a bit of oil now but it does have over 14,000kms on it. I think with regular oil changes and good synthetic oil it probably would have lasted longer. But that will give you an idea of what to expect even if you half arse take care of it.

 

[Bryan]

7k + miles on my old 2012 rancher, used Mobil 1 4t 10w-40 and the engine loved that oil, no burning or useage. Used a mix of k&n and OEM filters. Changed every 600-800 miles like clockwork which was literally every 3rd ride Lol.

6300 Miles on my 2014 Grizzly, Been using Yamalube 20w-50 in summer and 10w-40 in winter. Been changing it every 700-800 miles.