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[bbrown]

I just changed all synthetic fluids about 1500 miles ago. Do I need to change again before I put it away for the winter???  What do others do??

[Heatwave]

I wouldn't change after only 1500 unless it was the first 1500 miles on the bike.

[DESERTBEAR54]

Sorry to hear that you have to put it away for the winter!! I forget its that time of the year again.   

[Boatman]

X2 to both responses.  (I wouldn't change them).

[110tHunDer]

 
Maybe it depends how anal you are.  If it was a couple hundred miles, I might not, but at 1500 I definitely would.  You could easily have some combustion-related acidity and/or condensation in the oil in that amount of time.  Put it away with clean fluids, sleep better during those long winter nights knowing the insides of your motor aren't being slowly attacked, and look forward to riding longer in the spring before screwing around with a fluid change.

[Eagle Eye]

If it's going to sit several months, it's a good idea to put Sta-bil fuel stabilizer or the equivellant.  I use it in my chainsaw...   My bike gets used year round here in Cal, so lack of use is not problemo...

http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=Fuel+Stabilizer&FORM=HURE

There are products made for oil too:  
http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=Fuel+and+oil+Stabilizer&p1=&form=QBRE&aq=Fuel+and+oil+Stabilizer&aid=&ct=&qs=n&pq=Fuel+and+oil+Stabilizer&sp=&rt=Completions&tk=&spv=&sl=E&sc=&st=&ast=

While I'm sure there are many mechanics and other otherwise more qualified to answer this than I, this is what I'd use if not running a vehicle for extended periods.  Another option is to drain the oil and gas, but not my choice.

By the way, if you're running synthetic oil, disregard the oil stabilizer.  It's best used with dead dinosaur fluids.

[jamnflhxse2]

Yes I would! After 1500 miles there is no doubt there are contaminants/ acids in the oil. It may not hurt but for peace of mind I would and do! Just my 2 cents worth. I'm afraid I am not to far behind you.... Damn winter!!!

[2harleys]

I would NEVER leave 1500 mile oil in my bike sitting over the winter. New Mobile 1l and a new filter ALWAYS go on my bikes before storing for the winter, even though I do still ride on the nice days over the winter. Very cheap "insurance" to keep the polutants from sitting in the crankcase to corrode vital parts. IMO

[erniezap]

I wouldn't put the bike away!  Keep riding it!

[2k]

Boy you guys must be bored!!! Let my 2000 FXST (built to the gills) sit for 2 yrs. Battery tender and nothing else. One shot of starter fluid in carb and fired it up. Smoked for bout 5 seconds and then run like a striped ape. You spend your money.....I'll save mine. All fluids were 2 yrs old. After a 150 mile ride, changed all fluids. Cranks on 1st bump.....if I remember to push in compression releases.

[HD4CPA]

I wouldn't completely unnecessary IMHO.

[2harleys]

Boy you guys must be bored!!! Let my 2000 FXST (built to the gills) sit for 2 yrs. Battery tender and nothing else. One shot of starter fluid in carb and fired it up. Smoked for bout 5 seconds and then run like a striped ape. You spend your money.....I'll save mine. All fluids were 2 yrs old. After a 150 mile ride, changed all fluids. Cranks on 1st bump.....if I remember to push in compression releases.

I had a neighbor in the late 80's that had a Trans Am that he bought new. At the time he bragged about never changing the oil. He had over 50,000 miles on the car. I guess he was saving his money also??  IMO that is not a very good practice, but to each, his own. I think I will "blow" my money on an oil change before I store a bike with 1500 miles on the oil. Why would you want to leave corrosive materials in your crank case all winter just to "save" a few dollars on an expensive engine?

[dlaws01]

Put another 1000 miles on it, even in the cold, then change fluids and park. until the next day

[NorEaster]

I ALWAYS; change all the fluids, wash & dry the bike, put in fuel stabilizer, hook up the battery tender, and put on the cover before I tuck my baby away for the long cold winters up here in New Hampshire. 

Since it will be hibernating for 5 - 6 months, I prefer to have it clean inside and out before putting it away.  The other advantage of this approach is when spring finally gets here all I have to do is take off the cover and unplug the battery tender and I'm ready to ride. 

[willyB]

Never put away your scooter UNLESS you can only ride your snow mobile.