5000 mile service
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Coal Township, Pa
I always found it interesting that dealers want to drain all three holes, and there service recomendations are something different. Don't you have to maintain it by the book to keep your warranty intact??? When I drain my transmission I almost feel like crying cause it comes out almost looking new. The primary on the other hand you tell tell there has been some friction going on, thats why it's supposed to get changed at 10k. I have a friend that uses his used motorcycle fluids in a used work car he owns, and it has been going strong.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 2
From: Quebec
Like the majority of those who replied, I do all 3 every 5000 km, allows me to check those magnetic plugs for metal residue, check the tensioner and basically a visual check up of the bike in general, all this while having a beer and listening to my music. Better be safe than sorry later.
Have a good ride!
Have a good ride!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 7
From: SLC, UT
Lots of good input. I appreciate it. I can see both sides to doing it or not. My bike is brand new, bought it in Sept. Even now at 4400 my oil is still a dark golden color. I do plan on doing the work myself so I guess there's no harm in checking out all 3. It'll give me a good idea what it all is supposed to look like and give me something to go off of next 10k service.
Happy riding, spring is almost here...
Happy riding, spring is almost here...
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Just hit 5k myself. I changed the engine oil only. I guess I just don't see the need to change fluids that are not required. I use Redline oils in all three boxes and I feel confident that the oil in the transmission and primary are still fine. The engine is subject to combustion gasses and fuel vapor that can make there way in to the oil. The other two boxes are sealed and that's why I trust the oil is fine. There is no way that any of the oils have broken down in five thousand miles. Or four thousand in this case. Even with that said I will change all three at 10k just for piece of mind.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
I change the motor and primary at 5,000. Transmission at 10,000. Clutch pack wear discolors primary fluid by 5,000 miles. Look for yourself. That discoloration is friction particles.
Last edited by Harleyboyddk; Feb 7, 2013 at 11:20 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I follow the book. Seems to me that HD engineers know more of what to do than I so I do what they say.
Never experienced any problems over the years with my bikes. Never any warranty work for failures.
Never experienced any problems over the years with my bikes. Never any warranty work for failures.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I do my engine every 5,000, primary, transmission every 10,000.
The primary is nothing but a oil bath. Since I have 3 Harley's I buy my oil by the case.
A good full syn. Is good for 10,000 miles.
I let have the dealer do my first 2 changes then I do it.
My dealer goes by the check list very good.
Although the manual says engine oil only, they inspect a lot of other things. Things may be missed at the plant.
Engine oil is all that is required by the manual.
The primary is nothing but a oil bath. Since I have 3 Harley's I buy my oil by the case.
A good full syn. Is good for 10,000 miles.
I let have the dealer do my first 2 changes then I do it.
My dealer goes by the check list very good.
Although the manual says engine oil only, they inspect a lot of other things. Things may be missed at the plant.
Engine oil is all that is required by the manual.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
The primary and tranny are one quart each. It's not that expensive to change them along with the engine oil every 5,000 miles.
The best syn oil money can buy is still cheap insurance. $20 give or take in oil to change primary & tranny every 5,000...money well spent IMO
The best syn oil money can buy is still cheap insurance. $20 give or take in oil to change primary & tranny every 5,000...money well spent IMO
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
Greetings all. I am a relative newcomer to DIY motorcycle work. I'm going to change out my bars and cables on my 2012 FXDWG soon(hopefully no issues) , But I'm a little leery about doing the oil change. Is it really that much different than changing the oil in a car? and what do those techs check during initial services? Seems like a rip off to me. Any thoughts....?