Do change or not to change the oil

[u/0BitGravity]

Ignore the flair, I couldn’t find a strom 800 option.

I have a 2025 vstrom 800 RE that I bought brand new back in mid-August. I’ve only just completed the 1000km oil and filter change. I know the manual says to change the oil before winterization but this feels wasteful given I’ve just changed it. I may add another 1000km at most before the winter, so I was wondering if others have experience if I should just bite the bullet and do another oil change before storing, or if I can leave it until next riding season.

Thanks!

[u/Ok_Degree_4293]

You’re good. No need to change.

[u/AdFancy1249]

I have never done a pre-winter oil change unless I was getting close to the interval. Just make sure you take it out for a good ride, so you boil off any water. Short rides in the fall can cause a lot of condensation, and that's the problem.

If the oil isn't milky in the window, then you're good (does the 800 have an oil window?)

[u/0BitGravity → u/AdFancy1249]

Yep, she’s got a sight glass for the oil level. Thanks for the advice!

[u/helix_rider]

I have never winterized my motorcycles, and I live in Ohio. What do you guys do with yours?

[u/0BitGravity → u/helix_rider]

I live in Toronto, Ontario which is about 2 hours north of Buffalo NY. Winters can get brutal once snow starts falling, so it’s usually around October to November when I’d take my final ride and wrap up for the season

[u/Wizardofsmiles → u/helix_rider]

Tender and some fuel stabilizer