i regularly commute my 748 a 14 mile round trip. after a recent oil change it appears that my 'chocolate milkshake' coloured oil maybe due to moisture/water in the oil caused by the engine not getting hot enough. is there a particular oil grade that'll help with this issue??
What viscosity are you using? one that gets to temperature quicker might help. If the oil is too thick and sluggish it might not be circulating as well as it could. I take it your trip is only 7 miles one way and then back, if so, that won't help as it looks like the engine isn't getting hot enough to remove the condensation. I use Shell Advance 10-40W in my 748S with a 748R engine in it and that seems to be pretty good after about a 10 mile run.
I use Motul 300v 15/50 the bike iskept in the garage when not in use and I have had no problem with condensation ever. Famous last words Steve .
Cornish Duke Try removing the oil filler cap after the run to allow any condensation to escape. Obviously don't forget to replace the cap. When I do this I put the cap in a prominent place so as I can't possibly fail to see it and drive off without it fitted!
If Im doing short trips on my carby I tape the oil cooler up to get the engine up to temp quicker, a bit of cardboard taped in front usually does the trick! This principle should work for your 748? You have the thermostat to stop any water being circulated before the engine is up to temp but the oil is still open-circuit from the minute you hit the starter?? Try it!
Motul 300 15/50 in all of mine but I don't think your problem is the oil so much as not a long enough journey to really get the engine hot as opposed to warmed up. I would suggest you take it out for a longer run than normal, give it a good 50 miles or so and perhaps ride it fairly hard to really get it up to temp for a decent amount of time and you should see the situation improve. I ride my 748 all year round in all conditions but always make sure that it does a decent distance each time and have never seen a trace of milky residue in the oil. Good excuse to use it and enjoy it a bit more.:biggrin:
Cornish Duke - with all respect if you need a commuter for a 7-mile journey each day then get yourself a 125 or similar and save the duke for sunny days! Continual short journeys/cold starts are going to fk your bike up.
my 1000 gt takes 7 miles before the temp guage gives a reading, I guess covering the oil cooler would be a good idea, I may give that a go myself. Thanks.
+1 to the above and +1 for Motul 300V 15-50W in 748 - 916 - 996 If you're going to use Motul or any other brand, it might be an idea to run some half decent oil through it first to flush out all the yuck in there, and then refill with Motul and a new K&N
