Oil went black too fast! What gives?

[mtelam]

I bought my used 2008 CBR 600rr with no mechanical issues and switched it from conventional oil to synthetic oil. I put about 500 miles on it and checked it. The oil looks like I've ridden 10K miles!!!! Its BLACK! What gives?

I'm reading that synthetic oil turns black faster than conventional, or slower. That it lasts longer, no shorter than conventional oil. I can't find consistent info and I'm a little freaked at black oil after 500 miles.

I need an knowledge!! Relieve my stress or send me to the auto shop!

[Derrick]

Mine does it in a shorter period than that. I don't know exactly why, but I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure someone will chime in with a more detailed answer. Now go ride!

[John]

It's doing its job. There is always some dirty oil left during a change plus the new oil should collect contaminant which are often smaller than what the filter will hold

[mtelam]

Derrick: um... OKAY!!!!! Gone!!!!! :)

[cudruln]

What john said. There is always a trace amount of old oil left in the motor that mixes with the new and changes it to black. I would possibly suggest changing the oil a little early just in case the previous owner didn't take care of it like suggested.

[John]

What john said. There is always a trace amount of old oil left in the motor that mixes with the new and changes it to black. I would possibly suggest changing the oil a little early just in case the previous owner didn't take care of it like suggested.

Pretty good advice also. May not hurt to run a little Seafoam to really clean things just before next change. Also be sure and use a Honda filter. Some aftermarket filters don't filter as well. I used to use Fram until I found out they were not much better than stuffing toilet paper in a beer can and screwing that on the bike.

[Bill3508]

The syn oil is cleaning out all the left over dino deposits. Totally normal, will slow down after a few changes.

[wallypiper]

As for what you've heard about oil, I believe the main advantage of synthetic oil is longer change intervals. Many people report better shifting with synthetic. That was my experience with an SV and VFR, not so much with the FJR.

[mtelam]

Thanks guys! I feel better and more informed. I will stick to synth and I will spend the astonimical money to change it early a few times.

I think you're right about the fram filter. It's what I put on and thought it was good. But I was checking the bike over and found the outside coating FALLING off!!! So... New filter too!!!! Well I guess I was goin to do that anyway...

So do I have to go to the dealership for the filter? Or is there a comparable one I can get for SOME savings?

[Derrick]

Thanks guys! I feel better and more informed. I will stick to synth and I will spend the astonimical money to change it early a few times.

I think you're right about the fram filter. It's what I put on and thought it was good. But I was checking the bike over and found the outside coating FALLING off!!! So... New filter too!!!! Well I guess I was goin to do that anyway...

So do I have to go to the dealership for the filter? Or is there a comparable one I can get for SOME savings?
I use k&n filters. I pick them up at cycle gear...I think they're about 15 bucks, plus they have a 'nut' on the end that you can use a socket wrench on as well as a hole through said nut if you're interested in safety wiring.

[John]

Thanks guys! I feel better and more informed. I will stick to synth and I will spend the astonimical money to change it early a few times.

I think you're right about the fram filter. It's what I put on and thought it was good. But I was checking the bike over and found the outside coating FALLING off!!! So... New filter too!!!! Well I guess I was goin to do that anyway...

So do I have to go to the dealership for the filter? Or is there a comparable one I can get for SOME savings?

Honda filters are one of the rare items that are hard to beat through the aftermarket. Ironically Harley OEM filters are better than any aftermarket. Usually there are better alternatives than OEM

[mtelam]

Motions here in Kennesaw has an oil filter for $12! I'm gonna run down there tuesday and pick one up. That's not as expensive as I was led to believe. Heresay is SO reliable...

John: What is special about a Harley Filter? The Harley guys at work would get a kick out of seeing their oil filter on my crotch rocket!

Thank you guys for the info!

[John]

Motions here in Kennesaw has an oil filter for $12! I'm gonna run down there tuesday and pick one up. That's not as expensive as I was led to believe. Heresay is SO reliable...

John: What is special about a Harley Filter? The Harley guys at work would get a kick out of seeing their oil filter on my crotch rocket!

Thank you guys for the info!

I didn't mean put a Harley filter on a Honda. I was just stating a point about how some OEM stuff beats aftermarket. Usually it's the other way around

[BadAssRX-7]

oil filter info and cross ref. (http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterXRef.html)

[mtelam]

John: Oh... I see.

BadAssRX-7: THANKS!!!!!

[DICKIEDOO]

Use OEM filters. The K&N filters are junk and not worth the money IMHO. The nut on the end is a nice touch though.

I run silkolene and love it with an EMGO or Suzuki filter.

[TLR67]

EMGO Here as well......

[mackja]

Motions here in Kennesaw has an oil filter for $12! I'm gonna run down there tuesday and pick one up. That's not as expensive as I was led to believe. Heresay is SO reliable...

John: What is special about a Harley Filter? The Harley guys at work would get a kick out of seeing their oil filter on my crotch rocket!

Thank you guys for the info!

Harley filters, filter down to 5 microns, and have a bypass valve built in.

[Carbon Can Kat]

You also have to remember that some synthetic oils have a blue or purple tint which leads to it appearing darker or to turn black faster.