New To Me Tiger Oil Question.

[Shaggy5991]

Hey guys! I just picked up a 13 Tiger 800 from my local dealer with only 9k miles. They said the serviced it and changed the oil. I’ve put just over 400 miles in the week I’ve had it, checked the oil last night and it looks a little strange color wise, bike runs great just checking. I run Motul in my Bonnie so I’m sure it’s probably me just being paranoid with the new purchase. What you guys think?

oil

 

[Rocky]

I use Motul in all my modern bikes and it tends to run a bit dark, but I've never had a problem with the current fleet and those before them.
I don't think you have anything to worry about, but I'll let the Tiger guys offer an opinion.
Do you know what oil the dealer used?

Welcome to TT, BTW

 

[Shaggy5991]

I’m not sure what they used I’m going to call them today and ask, I’ve already ordered some Motul oil to just change it to be safe. I just wanted to make sure it didn’t look like an issue. I’ve always run Motul 7100 in my Bonnie since new so I’m used to it being red I was just surprised the oil wasn’t translucent at all.

 

[Shaggy5991]

I use Motul in all my modern bikes and it tends to run a bit dark, but I've never had a problem with the current fleet and those before them.
I don't think you have anything to worry about, but I'll let the Tiger guys offer an opinion.
Do you know what oil the dealer used?

Welcome to TT, BTW

Called they use Castrol, I think I’ll switch it over to Motul just because I use it on my other bikes, I was just worried about the almost milky look.

 

[Rocky]

I'm surprised about the milky look.
Castrol is great oil and I used it for many years before I changed over to Motul about 15+ years ago, but to ease your mind it's probably a good idea to change over to Motul and keep an eye on it.

 

[Qship]

Checked mine a couple of days ago and has that almost same look. Used Amsoil on my last oil change before winter storage. Only had about 200 kms on the oil.
Must be the site glass causing it to have that look.

 

[brooke]

I am still using the Shell diesel oil and it acts in a similar fashion . After just one ride it’s lost it golden colour and gone to the dark side of brown . A couple of rides later and it’s almost as dark as it will be at oil change time . Think it might be a synthetic oil thing , my old Honda called for Castrol GTX , a car oil , and it would brown gradually over time but with just a few k kms it could still be quite golden . I checked the Brides Rav 4 last week , almost time for an oil change , and it’s was still golden . Supposedly , they are putting a full synthetic in it . I change the lawn tractor whenever it’s not golden enough any more and that seems to be at least every 5 years . Using the diesel stuff in it too . But to your point my Tiger seems to dirty the oil quickly and looks a bit foamy as well

 

[Rocky]

I am still using the Shell diesel oil and it acts in a similar fashion . After just one ride it’s lost it golden colour and gone to the dark side of brown . A couple of rides later and it’s almost as dark as it will be at oil change time . Think it might be a synthetic oil thing , my old Honda called for Castrol GTX , a car oil , and it would brown gradually over time but with just a few k kms it could still be quite golden . I checked the Brides Rav 4 last week , almost time for an oil change , and it’s was still golden . Supposedly , they are putting a full synthetic in it . I change the lawn tractor whenever it’s not golden enough any more and that seems to be at least every 5 years . Using the diesel stuff in it too . But to your point my Tiger seems to dirty the oil quickly and looks a bit foamy as well

Good reply brooke
I don't think he has anything to worry about.

 

[brooke]

Good reply brooke
I don't think he has anything to worry about.

Thanks Rocky , nice to know someone’s got my back . I very seldom have any earth shattering news , so my tid bits must be stretched and embellished to be considered a chapter .

 

[Shaggy5991]

Thanks Rocky , nice to know someone’s got my back . I very seldom have any earth shattering news , so my tid bits must be stretched and embellished to be considered a chapter .

Thank you!! That was my concern I just didn’t feel like my other bikes changed the oil color so quickly!

 

[Shaggy5991]

Last update, changed the oil just to bad safe and look at the oil closely (put some in a clean cup) the oil looked great no water or junk in it was clean and normal outside of the engine. Changed over to Motul 7100 (other 3 bike run it so keeping consistent) and took 100 miles looks clean and clear, just oil as normal

 

[brooke]

Last update, changed the oil just to bad safe and look at the oil closely (put some in a clean cup) the oil looked great no water or junk in it was clean and normal outside of the engine. Changed over to Motul 7100 (other 3 bike run it so keeping consistent) and took 100 miles looks clean and clear, just oil as normal

Exactly what I would have done when I was younger and had ambition .

 

[hemibee]

On my '13 I have trouble seeing the oil. I run She'll Rotella and it seems to remain clear in the sight glass. I've never seen anything as you described.

 

[brooke]

On my '13 I have trouble seeing the oil. I run She'll Rotella and it seems to remain clear in the sight glass. I've never seen anything as you described.

Your just trying to be a trouble maker ....

 

[hemibee]

Your just trying to be a trouble maker ....

The only complaint I have about my 800 has been the oil sight glass. Well the second complaint would be not being able to ride it enough.

 

[Rocky]

The only complaint I have about my 800 has been the oil sight glass. Well the second complaint would be not being able to ride it enough.

I agree, oil sight glasses are a bit of a pain. I have three bikes with them. Oh well, whatcha gonna do

 

[brooke]

I’m getting to like the glass oil inspection site . Having a flashlight with you helps if your in the garage .