I am looking for info regarding oil changes. I have finally decided that I am going to use synthetic 10W-40 in my Monster 696. What I have done in the past is change bike oil and filter around 5000kms. I was wondering if I can go longer between changes if I use synthetic and is it necessary to change the filter every time I change the oil.
I'd change the filter each time.
One of the things you accomplish when changing both is to remove the combustion acids that can damage bearings.
I change the oil in my bike annually regardless of mileage.