I'm close to needing an oil change. This weekend I'm planning on going on a 250 - 300 mile ride.
Should I change my oil before I go, or wait until after I get back?
And why?
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gqiOrzM4nvA/0.jpg)
A 250-300 mile ride isn't a long trip...it's just a moderate day ride.
I'd do it after if the level is OK and you aren't quite to 3K miles yet. Going a bit over 3K won't hurt anything.
Do it after... as said, 250 is a nice day of it. If you're feeling saucy, have your oil change stuff set for you when you get home. Then you can drain the oil while it's still warm (wait for the bike to cool a touch unless you like oil burns) and any dirty stuff has had minimal chance to settle out.