[tomcat]

Hi, I just purchased the crf250f, which is my first powersports anything, and got a quick question. I didn’t plan well enough to get the oil so I could change it after my break-in period. So, with all dealers being closed for the next few days, is there another brand/type that would be good for me to use that would be easily available in stores? I was looking at the Maxima Pro Plus Engine Oil, which they have at my local Cycle Gear. Or with this being a new bike, should I just wait and order the Pro Honda GN4 4-Stroke Motor Oil?
Thanks,

[JimDirt]

Welcome to the site !!

Unless you plan on putting a lot of time/miles on it over the next few days , I would personally wait and use the Honda oil for the first few changes .... then once you have some time on it , then change it ... basically buy the big jug ... when you use that up , then switch to whatever you like , or any bike related synthetic , but keep the detergent petroleum oil in it for the first few change cycles , then go with what you prefer as long as it meets the manufacturer requirements listed in the manual (it should be MA/JASO for Wet Clutch Applications) ....But that is what I would od , I doubt you will put enough time on it to make much difference , it if it is 5 hours , or 7 , it is fine , just don't go 15 , but you get the point ..

[tomcat]

Hey Jim, thank you for the information and glad to be part of the family! I put about an hour or two on it yesterday. It’s just the reading I’ve been doing, everyone seemed to go with the practice of changing the oil after your first ride. I guess that all depends on your ride time maybe? Anyway, I just didn’t want to risk tearing it up. I want to be super cautious as I’m still learning...
Thanks,

[JimDirt]

Basically the guys that are changing after the first ride are racing ... some of us do change right away , but I went for a bit , and even now (I do use full synthetic now that it is broke in) I change oil about every 10 hours , and I track ride my 2020 , I am now at 62 hours on it as of today , and I don't baby it .... I take care of it , but I do not hesitate to hit 10,000+ rpm and do it several times every moto , and I do 30+ minute motos , and plan on continuing with the same maintenance routine , till I change the piston at 100 hours (won't be much longer the way I am riding , I average 1-2 hours per day every weekend , sometimes we ride 4 times during a week

I am betting your manual says first change around 100 miles , that is a lot of riding if you think about it.... , so if Honda is not worried any sooner than that , I wouldn't either .... unless you are riding in a dust storm nonstop , you should be fine waiting for a few days till things open up ..

What is funny is my bike , since it is a "race" bike , says change oil every 15 hours .. BUT... it also says replace piston every 15 hours ..... to me that is too long on the oil change , and too soon on the piston .... again , those recommendations , are for "racing" , so like I mentioned , I change my oil every 10 hours , and will be replacing the piston at 100 .....that to me is feasible for anyone other than a Pro racer with a unlimited budget or some sponsor footing the bill ......

[tomcat]

Thanks again for the info Jim, much appreciated. I’ve got some ordered and should be here tomorrow. And yes you’re correct, the manual says 1st oil change 100 miles or 1 month.
Thanks,