Couple quick maintenance questions
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Couple quick maintenance questions
Bought my bike this year (95 FLSTN) with just under 11k miles on her. Had HD go through the bike thoroughly right after I brought her home. I was told nothing needed to be done (shocking) until the 15k service. I should've done an oil change initially ( even though it looked fine) for piece of mind, but didn't until yesterday. With the bike now right at 15k miles, here are my questions: 1) I didn't do it, but should I have drained the oil pump return line in the process
i.e. run bike until clean oil appeared? 2) I used regular 20w/50 oil from HD, is this best for my evo? Side note: Original owner had a stroke back in 1999, and the bike was ridden by a friend only about 100 miles each year since then. I have the 5k and 10k service receipts from HD, but no oil change history. Like I said, I should've just done an oil change initially ( stupid).
Now for the 15k service. I asked HD what it included, and for $348 it was sounding like a waste of my hard earned money. I have yet to get a service manual, but I'm really thinking I might be able to handle this myself? Most of the things the tech mentioned were checks i.e.. air filter, brakes, etc. I'm actually enjoying the few minor fixes I've done on the bike thus far. What do you guys think? I always appreciate the input I receive on here, this time too.
Now for the 15k service. I asked HD what it included, and for $348 it was sounding like a waste of my hard earned money. I have yet to get a service manual, but I'm really thinking I might be able to handle this myself? Most of the things the tech mentioned were checks i.e.. air filter, brakes, etc. I'm actually enjoying the few minor fixes I've done on the bike thus far. What do you guys think? I always appreciate the input I receive on here, this time too.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
If you plan on working on your own bike you really need a service manual.
As for which oil to use you can use anything you want.
IMO 20w-50 is good for winter but during the summer you want a 50 weight or 60 weight depending on how hot it gets in your area.
As for which oil to use you can use anything you want.
IMO 20w-50 is good for winter but during the summer you want a 50 weight or 60 weight depending on how hot it gets in your area.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
For oil changes, get yourself one of these gadgets. I highly recommend it. It is easy to use, and worth every penny:
http://shop.roguechopper.com/product...-scavenger-kit
http://shop.roguechopper.com/product...-scavenger-kit
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
Hi Mark, every other oil change, I run the oil out of the case. It's not a big deal although you'll end up buying an extra quart of oil. Drain the oil like normal, but leave the filter off. when you've got your oil level right, fire the bike and watch for the clean oil to start coming out then kill it. you'll end up adding another half quart but then your system is clean! Not every time but every other will keep your evo running smooth to the U.P. for many years.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
For oil changes, get yourself one of these gadgets. I highly recommend it. It is easy to use, and worth every penny:
http://shop.roguechopper.com/product...-scavenger-kit
http://shop.roguechopper.com/product...-scavenger-kit
It may make the owners feel better, but the bike simply doesn't need it...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
......as to what to do now, MJHJEA, stop beating yourself, there's a good chap! Ride and enjoy - and when you have a sleepless night, read your new service manual! That's what you should spend on, and make it the factory book.
Last edited by grbrown; Jul 27, 2013 at 10:34 AM. Reason: Added para.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
2) I used regular 20w/50 oil from HD, is this best for my evo? Side note: Original owner had a stroke back in 1999, and the bike was ridden by a friend only about 100 miles each year since then. I have the 5k and 10k service receipts from HD, but no oil change history. Like I said, I should've just done an oil change initially ( stupid).
I don't recall when The MoCo switched to sealed wheel bearings (my 93 has the regular U-Packem type bearings), but one of your 'must purchases' should be a lift for wheel/tire work. You don't need to go overboard:
I used (and still use) a floor lift I got from Sam's, and a caster stand I got from the HD dealership for some repairs/maintenance.
Everything else is basic hand tools. I would also get a 3/8" drive torque wrench, if you don't have one.
Hack's Tip:
When you do your first couple of 'service jobs', keep a list of the tools you used. Those are the tools you might want to take with you 'on the road'. I've got a dedicated HD tool kit, that has all the size wrenches/sockets, etc. used for basic service/repairs. It's a low profile Craftsman plastic case that fits snuggly in the bottom of my saddlebag and takes up a minimum of room. I can pretty much do everything except a Dr. Hess motel top end with this kit....
Last edited by Hackd; Jul 27, 2013 at 11:09 AM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Johannesburg, South Africa
Mine has given many trouble free miles because I look after it my way, which is also good. So we are both happy.
Me, I like removing all the old dirty oil, and this gadget helps me do that. It may be overkill, but hey, I like it.
Cheers
KC
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
348 bucks to service an Evo???.....you'd be lucky, our local H-D dealer doesn't work on Evo's.....which is how I supplement my income from the day job....but really, anybody who has opposable thumbs and an IQ above 5 can service an Evo.