Extending Mileage Between Oil Changes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Ride it, don't worry about,change the oil when you get back.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
I agree with the others, Graham. 2,500 miles is an absurdly short oil-change interval for a top-quality synthetic oil like Mobil 1. Syn oils do not lose viscosity and shear nearly as quickly as dino oil does. A good synthetic like Mobil 1 or AMSOil MVC 20W-50 (which is what I run in all of our bikes) can easily go 5000 miles and have PLENTY of life left. There is a lot of research available on the internet discussing the longevity of synthetic oils.
If you really don't want to have to go in somewhere on your travels and get an oil change, I would just carry an extra oil filter, and change it at 5000 miles if you go over that on your trip, and keep the same oil in the engine.
If you really don't want to have to go in somewhere on your travels and get an oil change, I would just carry an extra oil filter, and change it at 5000 miles if you go over that on your trip, and keep the same oil in the engine.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
As long as there is some in there to the correct level its fine .I don't know why everyone acts like if you go 1 mile over the recomended interval your oil instantly turns into clover lapping compound and destroys your bearings on the spot.I'd change it before the trip ,keep an eye on it during the trip , and change it when I got home.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I checked my S&S workshop manual before posting, to confirm the 2.5k oil changes, but didn't check my Harley one, otherwise I might not have posted! It has always seemed odd that S&S should call for shorter service intervals than H-D, but while it was under warranty and having cost me a fortune to buy and install it, I wasn't going to deviate from their schedule.
Thanks for all your replies, I can see the way ahead now - just get on and do it. I haven't come across any dust bowls in Europe yet, instead we have the prospect of crossing several mountain ranges, including the Transylvanian Alps - but not at night!!!
Thanks for all your replies, I can see the way ahead now - just get on and do it. I haven't come across any dust bowls in Europe yet, instead we have the prospect of crossing several mountain ranges, including the Transylvanian Alps - but not at night!!!
Last edited by grbrown; Jan 10, 2012 at 05:34 AM. Reason: Grammar!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 265
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
Have you ever had your oil tested? That alone might answer your longevity question. One thing that would cause oil to need to be changed is excessive gas in the oil .It tends to dilute the oil and lower the grade. Maybe at your next change catch a sample of what oil you normally use and send it off. That should tell the condition of the oil , flashpoint, and the tbn. A low flashpoint will cause higher oil consumption. Most oil when new will have a flashpoint over 400 degrees f. Gas in the oil will lower that number and cause consumption, as well as not giving the best lubricating quality. The tbn is how much life is left in the oil, based on remaining additives and dilution. If your using mobil 1 synthetic oil and your bike is in top shape, you'll probably be surprised how long you can really go with that oil. Oil testing is not slanted towards one brand or the other, just what holds up and what doesn't.,,
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I emailed S&S and you won't be surprised that they say our planned trip will be fine and we can use any oil intended for air-cooled engines. So we can all relax. Thanks for your input and apologies for throwing a rock into still waters! 
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
All good mate, you gotta question these things otherwise you may ruin you holiday by either worrying about your oil or getting an oil change done in the middle of nowhere and taking a chance on what they put in there....