Hi, this is Jack and I am a new member of this HD forum. I just got my 2013 Harley Sportster iron 883 with 4000 miles. I am having a hard time to figure out what kind of maintenance that i need to do since the first owner didn't do any. Please give me some suggestions for what engine oil and transmission oil i should get or just go back to dealer. Is it hard to change those oil by myself?
I have another question about the exhaust. I am choosing between "Big Radius" and "Shortshot", please let me know your suggestions.

Thank you all

 

Congratulations on the bike ! I love the Irons. I want one in Big Blue Pearl or Beige /Sand color. I also prefer the Big Radius pipes. On oil changes that should be about every 5000 miles if you want to wrench yourself you might want to get a service manual for your model. Have fun and enjoy that Sporty.

 

Definitely stop by a dealer and order a service manual. Good investment of $60.

Maybe you should even consider taking a bath on the 5000 mile service and have them do it now, especially if the previous owner did not do any maintenance on the bike. At least you'll know you're starting from a good point.

Who knows? it may still have the factory oil in it! There are a lot of adjustments to make such as primary chain tension, clutch adjustment, drive belt tension, control cables, the list goes on... They should have been done at 1000 miles, and some again at 5000 miles. Plus, the oil should be changed every 2500 miles unless it's running synthetic.

 

Thanks for the information! I also want to know what brands are good for engine oil? i read some comments on Mobile 1 20W50. I live in SF. Dealer seems charge everything kinda expensive..

U like big radius because of the look or it gives better performance? I see people have complained that shortshot has some mechanic problem or it makes weird sound.

 

Recommended oil changes in my owners manual are every 5000 miles, dino or synthetic.

I also recommend getting a factory service manual, it will be money well spent if you can do some wrenching yourself. Since you don't know the history of the bike it would be a good idea to do all of the maintenance Motaman mentions in his post.

 

agree with what others are saying..some of the stuff you can do right away:
1)factory service manual
2)oil (I run Mobil 1 syn)
3)transmission fluid (I use Spectro)
4)Lube the cables
5)Adjust the clutch
6)Clean the air cleaner

All the above can be done with a service manual and basic tools. Its not that hard, and I think there are other posts regarding how-to's as well as Youtube videos.

for other maintenance jobs for your bike you can go here

Welcome to the forum, congrats on your buy