oil change
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Breeze, Fl.
RE: oil change
I think oil changes are cheap insurance. It's an air cooled (hot!) engine with a three quart capacity and a dippy little filter - I don't care if it will capture 5 microns - and I'll be damned if I'd leave it in the engine even 2K miles. Call me **** squared. An oil change is also a great time to check fasteners and fittings while things are dripping. My $.02.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,072
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From: I been around
RE: oil change
ORIGINAL: Sammi
Book says 5,000 miles. Guys I ride with change after 2,500 and that's my plan.
Sammi
Book says 5,000 miles. Guys I ride with change after 2,500 and that's my plan.
Sammi
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From:
RE: oil change
I've got a friend who has'nt changed his oil for 16 years , 20,000 miles ,1989 fxr 1340 . just tops up .
I know its criminal but he just rides it dont care and dont even clean it .
Funny it dont smoke or sound bad
Proves you dont have to get to paronoid , although air cooled , its not that stressed .
I know its criminal but he just rides it dont care and dont even clean it .
Funny it dont smoke or sound bad
Proves you dont have to get to paronoid , although air cooled , its not that stressed .
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: oil change
It's so easy to change the oil on these bikes my real question is why not? Some guys I know only change 1 time each year but they only put 4 or 5,000 miles on. I changed at 100,500 and now at 1,000 for break in...then I'll go to 3,000 and probably use all redline products. But the redline tech told me you could leave the shockproof heavy in your trans for 2 years or 20,000 miles. The engine oil is more critical in a TC88 motor because of all the heat the engine creates.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 2
From:
RE: oil change
It also depends on the climate you run in. In the heat of summer in Florida, I change at as little as 2000 miles if I cook it in traffic. Ditto for dusty conditions, excessive short in town trips etc. Nothing beats clean quality oil in any air cooled engine and especially twin cams.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 458
Likes: 5
From:
RE: oil change
You can't go wrong if you follow the HD recommended change interval. Personally, I change my engine oil every 2500 miles, and the filter (K&N ONLY) every other oil change, unless I've been riding in very dusty conditions. I've been doing this on my bikes, cars, and trucks for many years. Oil is cheap... engine rebuilds are not. 
It only takes a few minutes.
I have always used Valvoline Racing oil 20W-50. I've used it on dozens of bikes with no problems. If I have to use synth (not very often), I use regular Mobil One. If you change your oil regularly as the book says, then you don't need any "special" oils. Another reason I like the cheaper oil is that it's more readily available. When I'm on the road, I don't want to be searching for hours for a certain type of oil. I do most of my oil changes while traveling, since it seems I'm almost never near home when it's due. If it's the proper grade and weight, then it'll work fine.
It only takes a few minutes.I have always used Valvoline Racing oil 20W-50. I've used it on dozens of bikes with no problems. If I have to use synth (not very often), I use regular Mobil One. If you change your oil regularly as the book says, then you don't need any "special" oils. Another reason I like the cheaper oil is that it's more readily available. When I'm on the road, I don't want to be searching for hours for a certain type of oil. I do most of my oil changes while traveling, since it seems I'm almost never near home when it's due. If it's the proper grade and weight, then it'll work fine.
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