500 Mile Oil Change?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 30, 2009 | 01:34 PM

#11

Squee

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 216

Likes: 1

From: Upstate, NY

I think if you plan on going outside of the manual break in OR if the bike will be sitting a while in between rides, it may be a good idea to change it out at 500 miles.

Personally, I didn't but looking back on it now, I would have. It isn't alot of money and the engine can only benefit from it with whatever shavings (if any) being taken out.

Jul 30, 2009 | 02:08 PM

#12

reesestewww

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 2,368

Likes: 10

From: FL

Thanks guys,

I'd prefer to do it myself, that way I know its done correct and with care. Should i continue to use the non-synthetic oil, just keeping with what HD recommends through these first two services? HD Oil and filter from the dealer?

Jul 30, 2009 | 02:13 PM

#13

Vinsil

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,333

Likes: 3

From: Jefferson, Oregon

I used the HD filter and their oil (regular...no synthetic yet) for the 500.

I plan to switch over to full synthetic (all three holes) at the 1000. I've read it both ways, I just figured the regular oil is in there in such a short amount of time why bother with the expensive stuff?

My reasoning for the HD filter and their oil was purely warranty based...which could be unfounded but hey...they can't say other wise if something did go wrong.

YMMV.

Jul 30, 2009 | 03:59 PM

#14

jamman

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 837

Likes: 1

From: Radcliff, Ky

find a new dealer. you only get 1 lie to me. save your money do the service yourself , keep your reciepts..

Jul 30, 2009 | 04:04 PM

#15

thedonthere

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 2,419

Likes: 1

From: Ashland Ore.

I just recently did some motor work (heads,cams) and after I put my motor back together I changed the oil after 50 miles.I used basic HD 20-50 then dumped it and went to my normal Amsoil after. A 500 mile change should be mandatory with a new bike. JMO

Jul 30, 2009 | 04:12 PM

#16

BobStreetBob

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,882

Likes: 1

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arcane

I agree with Jay Stronghawk, changing the oil at 500 miles is not required in the manual but it is not a bad move. Most of the metal loss in a new engine occurs well before 500 miles. As for the dealers BS, have him produce it in writing or show you where it states that the dealer must perform any or all services in order to maintain your warranty

exactly.

Jul 31, 2009 | 10:15 AM

#17

H20DOG

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 2,250

Likes: 0

From: St. Cloud Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayStronghawk

As far as warranty claim stuff thats crap can do it yourself .. but changing at 500 and 1000 is a good idea..

I agree, we changed at 500 during the break in period. Get all of the metal flakes and such. Then we did it at 1000K. The hubby changes all of our fluids, there has never been an issue with the warranty. If you can change your fluids then do it. Saves a lot of money.