Change fluids after bike sits for a while?

Akshuneer · Feb 28, 2017

General question for everyone out there...

Because of work/travel, my 2013 Panigale S doesn't get ridden a lot - unfortunately. When I'm home, I'll go for spirited 60-70 mile sprints 2-3 times a week. But then she'll sit in the garage for 1-3 months at a time.

My battery is not a problem - I have a Shorai lithium one that stays on a trickle charger while I'm out of town. The bike starts up every time without a hitch.

My question concerns the fluids in the bike. Some people say that the bike's fluids should be changed more often if the bike sits for extended periods of time.

Should I be changing fluids (hydraulic fluid, oil) at regular intervals regardless? Or does the bike sitting for extended periods of time change things?

Your thoughts/opinions please...

youngR · Feb 28, 2017

Akshuneer said:
General question for everyone out there...

Because of work/travel, my 2013 Panigale S doesn't get ridden a lot - unfortunately. When I'm home, I'll go for spirited 60-70 mile sprints 2-3 times a week. But then she'll sit in the garage for 1-3 months at a time.

My battery is not a problem - I have a Shorai lithium one that stays on a trickle charger while I'm out of town. The bike starts up every time without a hitch.

My question concerns the fluids in the bike. Some people say that the bike's fluids should be changed more often if the bike sits for extended periods of time.

Should I be changing fluids (hydraulic fluid, oil) at regular intervals regardless? Or does the bike sitting for extended periods of time change things?

Your thoughts/opinions please...

It does change things. I would just change it every 12 months since you dont ride that much. That is what Ducati recommend also. 12 months or service interval, which ever comes first.

Its like 70 bucks with all of the oils, ring, washer. Its not a big deal. Have a beer or two and 1-2 hours it is complete (taking your time).

I change more often as I take the bike to the track. I probably change it after 4-5 track days.

MrBIgBiker · Mar 1, 2017

Akshuneer said:
General question for everyone out there...

Because of work/travel, my 2013 Panigale S doesn't get ridden a lot - unfortunately. When I'm home, I'll go for spirited 60-70 mile sprints 2-3 times a week. But then she'll sit in the garage for 1-3 months at a time.

My battery is not a problem - I have a Shorai lithium one that stays on a trickle charger while I'm out of town. The bike starts up every time without a hitch.

My question concerns the fluids in the bike. Some people say that the bike's fluids should be changed more often if the bike sits for extended periods of time.

Should I be changing fluids (hydraulic fluid, oil) at regular intervals regardless? Or does the bike sitting for extended periods of time change things?

Your thoughts/opinions please...

Hydraulic fluids (brakes & clutch) hate humidity so it suggested to change every 2 years. if you want you can change every 12 months with the oil, its not a big deal unless you never did that...

youngR · Mar 1, 2017

MrBIgBiker said:
Hydraulic fluids (brakes & clutch) hate humidity so it suggested to change every 2 years. if you want you can change every 12 months with the oil, its not a big deal unless you never did that...

True. Good thing about Brake and Clutch is that you case see the Darkness of oils and can feel how bad it is. Engine, you mostly cant.

outhouse · Mar 1, 2017

The Ranger method works great here.

Just suck out the res fluid and refill.

For the first since I owned my bike, I needed to let the air bubble out of the clutch yesterday.

If the fluid is to dark flush/bleed it all, if its clear the ranger method works great and its what we do on the track vettes.

SuperDuc29 · Mar 2, 2017

The biggest thing is the engine oil. If it collects too much moisture, the oil gets diluted. If you get the bike warm enough last time you rode it, it shouldn't be a problem because you would have boiled the moisture out providing you get it hot enough - 200F I believe. You may have to let it sit and idle a bit before shutting it off to get there.

Nathanhu · Mar 2, 2017

As mentioned above the biggest effect on oils are moisture and build up of acids. This is fought off by the TBN additives in the oil, and then decay over time or usage. So in effect the best 'time' to change your oil is before you store the bike rather than after the storage period.
But these thoughts are always a little controversial when paying for your own service items

Change fluids after bike sits for a while?

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