78 Suzuki gs1000 oil change

[Guest]

I'm doing an oil change on my bike next month and it's nearly empty wat type of oil I should use and oil filter? Should I be concerned it was so empty when I got it?

[alke46]

You should be more concerned you didn't take the time to do a search. There's a gazillion threads on this very subject.

Oh and by the way, welcome to the forum.

[Downs]

Pick whatever you want in 10W-40 that's NOT "energy conserving", which you shouldn't find in a 10W-40 anyway. I personally use a MC Specific Semi-Synthetic that I can find locally easily on the shelf for a good price. But I've used everything from SuperTech wal mart oil to Amsoil to Shell Rotella T. They've all worked just fine and oil analysis shows that nothing bad is happening internally using even the cheap oils.

As for filter, again doesn't' really matter here either. You can get FRAM (Not a favorite due to filter construction techniques) from Auto Zone and probably Wal Mart. If you want to order online that opens a ton of options. I'm not usually a fan of FRAM filters but their CH6000 (the one for these engines) is pretty well built and I don't have a problem running it in the GS. I usually stay away from their spin on filters though.

[salty_monk]

SHell Rotella T diesel oil (yes seriously). Either the 15w40 dinosaur version or the 5w-40 synthetic. It's VERY popular amongst all the older motorcycle riders (older bikes not riders).

The Gearbox "cuts" the long chains in the multigrade oil. 15w40 lasts longer than 10w-40 because it's not a multiple but you could use a 10-40 motorcycle or Diesel oil (or even a real cheap oil that's not energy conserving). Diesel oils are better as they have more zinc in them. Don't ask me to explain the actual chemistry!

I buy the K&N filters off Amazon because they are as cheap as any other but I've used all different brands.

There is a shed load of info on here or if you really want to check out the website "Bob is the oil guy"

[Brendan W]

How are you deciding it's nearly empty ?
How much can you see and is the bike on the main stand when checking ?
Is it running and is the oil pressure light working ?
I use 10W40 and 15W40 dino or semi-syn, preferably a formulation for light diesel trucks or cars built in the 90s.
I use Hi-flo filters. Cost about 3 or 4 Euro.

[azr]

You need to make sure you're measuring the oil level properly. Level ground, side to side and front to back. On the centre stand. It's doesn't take much at all to show that's it's empty or over full. DO NOT over fill the crankcase. Rotella 15-40 (diesel) any decent oil filter will do (Fram).

[chuck hahn]

I use Rotella oil and HI FLO filter. Part number HF 133

[Nessism]

The Suzuki specified method for checking the oil involves having the bike on the center stand and the engine cold. Start up the engine and let it run for a min. or so and then shut down, then check the oil level after allowing the oil to drain back down to the sump for a min. or two.

[Bjones89]

I've heard really good things about rotella t diesel oil I'ma pick up a jug

[Bjones89]

Thanks this forum is proving invaluable on my build

[Bjones89]

I'm finally getting my oil and filter change done...but I need 3.8 liters of oil wat kind of measuring cup I need for that type of measurement?

[Steve]

You don't need a measuring cup, just the gallon jug.

Google "3.8 litres", you will find that is the same as 1.00385 gallons.

Yep, just dump in the whole gallon, just be sure to put the drain plug in first.

.

[chuck hahn]

A GS 1000 doesn't take 3.8 LITRES !! It takes 3.8 US QUARTS !!!.

Put in 3Quarts and start the bike for a minute to fill the new filter and shut it off. Wait 2 minutes and fill to the F line on the clutch cover. Bike is on the center stand while filling.

[Steve]

A GS 1000 doesn't take 3.8 LITRES !! It takes 3.8 US QUARTS !!!.

Very true. I responded to the question without checking the accuracy of the numbers.

My 850 has the same capacity, I just dump in the whole gallon.

.

[chuck hahn]

Yes you can dump in the whole gallon with the only thing being the oil will fill the sight glass to the point there will be very very little air bubble at the top. The extra oil wont hurt the engine any.

HOWEVER..the good visible air bubble ( and knowing the oil is right at the "F" mark ) gives you two known visual "markers" to look at. And if for some unexplained reason the level goes up and becomes noticeable this is a good signal that "just maybe" the rise in oil level may be due to gas getting to the crankcase and a red flag should be going off in your brain to investigate things.