I want to change the primary oil in my 2004 Road King. It will be the first time that I change it myself and I was wondering if I could just do that by only taking off the inspection cover instead of the derby cover. I don't need to adjust the clutch, so I have no reason for taking the derby cover off other than to put new oil in. Any advice out there? Thanks

 

The reason to remove the derby cover is to visually check the oil level. If your confident in just adding the recommended amount without seeing the level is correct, you don't have to remove it.

 

Since this is your first change yourself (just bought the bike, or just started doing oil changes), open the derby up and fill per the manual to see your oil level. Then you're golden for future changes as the volume will not vary significantly. Then go for it. drain from the drain bung and fill where you mentioned. make sure to put in the amount that you normally fill it to.

 

Yes, thats how I do it, fill thru the inspection cover

 

Yes,thats the best way. While you are there check the tension on the primary chain. Im sure you have the manual that will give you the hot and cold specs.

 

Only takes 2 minutes to take off the derby cover as long as someone before you hasn't cranked the bolts down so hard that you strip the heads.

Use a 27 torx driver and carefully remove the bolts.
You will then be able to see the fluid level.

Just barely snug the bolts down when putting the cover back on, no need to make them killer tight, cause you'll strip the heads next time.

 

Thanks for the replies.
One of the reasons I didn't want to take the derby cover off was to save me a trip to the dealer for a new gasket if needed.
Thanks again.

 

The gasket is cheap. Its easy to take off and put back on. Plus you get to take a look inside and see how it all looks in there. You would only save a few mins if you didnt remove it anyway.

 

There is no other way to fill the primary and/or check the level - you HAVE to remove the derby cover.
The gasket is reusable until it starts to leak. I always keep a new one on the wall for that reason. I get mine from a local independent shop (cheaper and just as good).

 

I think he has an 88, and yes only the inspection cover needs to be removed. I wish the 96 and newer engines still had inspection covers.

Beary