FE/FC 2015 fe 350 oil questions

Just bought a 2015 FE 350 and picked up 2 quarts of Bel Ray Synthetic Ester 10W-50 Thumper per dealer and manual. I noticed the oil change schedule was 1 hour, then 3 hours then every 15 hours. Is this 1 hour change very important? I plan on riding this Sunday and we go on 100 mile loops usually a 4-5 hour day. Should I ride it before then and get the hour in and change the oil before my 100 mile Sunday ride?

That first hour is a big one IMHO. I'd ride it around your house in the yard or street for an hour then change the oil. These motors are super tight and you need to follow the schedule to get the best results.

Thanks for the info I will take your advice these bikes are expensive to buy and fix if they break.

10W50 is too heavy, we suggest either M1 0W40 or T6/Torco 5W40.

i found a needle roller atatched to the magnetic sump plug , on inspection it came from the clutch hub bearing , how it got out of there baffles me , there wasn't a mark on it or the bush.

So we now don't go by the manufacturer's oil recommendations. Got it. Why Tinken all do respect.

I would like some info on that one too. Seems like a good way to void the factory warrenty.

No worries, I answer this question all the time. The heavier oil will push the oil pressure up, which on many KTM's has collapsed the oil filters. At start up temperatures, most of this higher pressure oil just flows past the bypass back to the crankcase anyway. The lower viscosity oil still allows for plenty of oil pressure, even when raced hard in hot weather and will increase your flow to vital parts of that engine, especially the rod bearing which is critical. High flow, high bearing separation, high cooling, race tested.

Just as I recommended stainless steel oil filters to the KTM reps, I also recommend them to you. My KTM race bike was originally designed for 10W30. I use twin SS filters and 0W40. As with all of the race bikes here at ZipTy, we use either M1 0W40, T6 5W40 or SR5-5 5W40. Most KTM teams I know of use T6, regardless of what is printed on the outer bottle.

Just wanted to add my two cents and I'm not arguing here, as you have a valid point Tinken, just adding new information which came up recently.

It seems that the collapsed oil filter issue is indeed and oil pressure issue. Following recent issues with the 1290 superduke engine the problem seems to arise from a stuck pressure regulator valve (commonly know as bypass valve) in the engine. A few engines had the filter and the metal filter screens collapsed and some have had as a results damage to the engine due to oil starvation. One engine had the oil pressure so high it leaked everywhere.
Another engine came right after fresh filter and oil and while starting up a bang was heard, which in my opinion was the plunger of the bypass valve freeing itself. Either the tolerances on this part are too tight or a too heavy spring is used.
My personal opinion is that the tolerances are too tight as some engines run fine with whatever oil and never have any problems.
As usual nothing is confirmed neither denied by KTM.
Some pics here and information. http://superduke.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=25023

Thanks Sparky, I hadn't seen the issue on the duke before, only on the 350-501's. Never the less, that was a pretty good read. You're right, KTM is secretive like the CIA. The filters aren't my main concern though. My point being more of flow characteristics. Even at normal temperatures around 300°F, we actually double the flow across the bearings switching from 50W to 40. Even 40W is pretty heavy, like I said, plenty to keep the oil pressure high at higher temps. I've gotten about 8000 race miles out of my 525 and probably 6k out of the '04. With good flow, these newer engines last a very long time.

Thank you for your reply Mr. Tinken. At what intervals do you recommend oil changes using T-6? Also please explain the cleaning procedure of the SS filter if you would please.

300-500 miles. I spray my SS oil filters with brake cleaner first, then wash in hot soapy water. I use compressed air to dry them, spraying from the inside > outward. Filter lasts the life of the bike.

Now for my next question. Which brand of SS filter do you recommend?

The 350S actually uses the same filter I use in my 449/511. I use a PC Racing 167 because it's cheaper ($22 with CH10 discount code), but you may also use the 2167 which is about $70:
http://www.ziptyracing.com/pc-racing-stainless-steel-oil-filter-167/

What PN (SS filter) for the 2014 FE250?

Do I use 167 for my 350 FC?

2014-2015 FE250 and FC/FE350 use same PC167

M1 0-40w is automotive oil?

Kool-Aid and ss filter. Shhhh.... Don't tell marketing we are using their car oil and pay $25 for 5 QT's.

automotive oils have friction modifiers - which one doesn't want in motorcycle (on clutches) when noted on the round circle energy conservative etc. Does that pass/exceed Jaso?