When to Change Oil?

I've always targeted spring time to change my motorcycle oil.  I've been thinking though how wise that was.  I mean, wouldn't it be better to change oil in the fall after the many rides in the summer, or to change it in the spring after your motorcycle has been sitting mostly in the garage?  I think I've been doing it at the wrong time all these years.  After rides in the summer, the oil would have broken down more and might become more acidic.  The oil would become less viscose and with lower temperature of the winter, the oil would become thicker than usual.  It would be better for the engine if it were bathed in new oil while sitting mostly idle in the winter, no?  ChatGPT thinks so. 

This is what ChatGPT thinks:

It is generally recommended to change the oil of your motorcycle before winter. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Contaminants: Over time, oil can accumulate contaminants such as dirt, dust, and metal particles, which can cause wear and tear on your engine. Changing the oil before winter ensures that the engine is running with fresh, clean oil, which reduces the risk of contamination-related engine damage.
2. Protection: During the winter months, your motorcycle is exposed to colder temperatures, which can cause the oil to thicken and become less effective at lubricating the engine. By changing the oil before winter, you ensure that the engine is protected with fresh, winter-grade oil that will provide optimal lubrication and protection in colder temperatures.
3. Storage: If you store your motorcycle during the winter months, changing the oil before storage can help protect the engine during the period of inactivity. Old oil can become acidic and corrosive over time, which can damage engine components. Fresh oil, on the other hand, is less likely to break down and cause damage while the motorcycle is in storage.

Overall, it is better to change the oil of your motorcycle before winter to ensure optimal engine protection and performance. However, if you have already missed the opportunity to change the oil before winter, it is still important to change it as soon as possible to minimize potential damage to your engine.

The Repsol oil bottle in the picture above has a spout with a built-in funnel/tube for easy pouring.  You can use the same tube to suck oil drained into an oil pan back into the bottle.  This is what I usually do to dispose of the oil.  It's clean and quick.  No mess. 

You can get a gallon on the Repsol 10W40 from Amazon.com here:  https://amzn.to/3BeoJvV