This is bugging me

[Rickrod3]

I replace my oil often every 1500 miles. mostly with the filter may have skipped the filter once or twice.
I have put about a little over 10K miles on this bike.
When I change the oil it seems not to stay clean for very long.
I'm happy with the way the bike runs, does not seem to make unusual noises.
Is this a concern?

TIA
Rick

[vintagemcyclegu]

Having a durty air filter will effect your oil quite a lot. Make sure air filter is clean and oil filter is changed every oil change.

[James England]

Mine's the same, even with a new air filter. I change mine every 1,000 or so and it's usually getting darker by then. I always change the filter at the same time.

[bikerphil]

If you want to flush it out a bit, before your next oil change, run some Seafoam in the crankcase before draining the old oil out. Let it idle for a few minutes but do not rev or ride it that way until the oil has been changed.

[DGXSER]

I've never tried it, but been told adding ATF will clean it out the same. Not sure if it would be any cheaper than Seafoam.

[Rickrod3]

I have a K & N filter that I clean at in the spring. According to K & N they say every 40K. I probably ride about 7K a season so; it gets done more often.
I mean I could live with it as long as its not a concern.
I guess that is what I was asking.

I'm a little paranoid about trying the seafoam. I have heard a lot of horror stories of people flushing out an old engine.
I'm sure some have done it with no problems tho.

Tia
Rick

[James England]

It's definitely not a cause for concern. Definitely not

[Rickrod3]

It's definitely not a cause for concern. Definitely not

Thats good cause I have enough of those

[79XS11F]

Its not a concern. I would be worried if the oil came out clean.
Rob

[BA80]

I've never tried it, but been told adding ATF will clean it out the same. Not sure if it would be any cheaper than Seafoam.

BAB IDEA DON!!!! The friction modifiers wiil cause clutch problems. But you are right about cleaning. ATF is about the highest detergent out there.

The reason the oil gets dark quickly is BECAUSE of the clutch and is normal. I change my oil about every 3000 miles and I'm having no problems. DO change the filter at each oil change. It picks up all the crap the clutch sheds and is real cheap insurance

[fredintoon]

- - - I'm happy with the way the bike runs, does not seem to make unusual noises. Is this a concern? - - -

Sorry Rick, I know it's not what you meant but it is what you asked
Yes, you should be concerned. The bike is 3 decades old and irreplaceable parts could fail at any time leaving you stranded.

[jeffe]

If you want to flush it out a bit, before your next oil change, run some Seafoam in the crankcase before draining the old oil out. Let it idle for a few minutes but do not rev or ride it that way until the oil has been changed.

I've done this The oil with the Seafoam will look like black ink because of all the gunk it removed. After the first time the oil will not get as dirty. Also as a benifit my clutch worked much better after the Seafoam.

[WMarshy]

Color of oil has nothing to do with how well you oil is providing protection. Sure it darkens as it ages but its nothing to be concerned with...

[ManagerMike]

Wet clutch with an air cooled, carbureted engine will get you some discolored oil. No worries.