New here. =)

Well, looks like I'm the proud new owner of a 1996 Dyna Lowrider, my second bike (first Harley). It has been very well taken care of (the previous owner kept the most complete service records I've ever seen on a vehicle, and it was always serviced at the dealership). The mileage is 18k, not super high for a vehicle this old.

Besides a Thunderheader, a carb, and a maniacal paint job I can't wait to ride until I get tired of laughing at it and then spray over, it's all stock.

I rode it 270 miles home yesterday with no issues at all except that towards the end of the trip I noticed a small spray of oil on the top of the primary case, and a tiny droplet underneath.

By the time the trip was completed, it looks like there was a bit more spray back from there onto the left rear shock and the swingarm.

I should point out that the ride home was in 100+ desert heat and mostly non-stop except for gas and a couple of water breaks, but it didn't ever feel like anything got particularly hot.

The oil looks like motor oil, it isn't red like transmission fluid (although he may have been using some other non-red oil). I know the fluids were changed recently but I plan to do it again myself just to be sure (and to make sure they're what I want them to be).

I should point out that I haven't worked on a Harley before, so the concept of the dip sticks was odd (used to a sight glass) but after the ride I checked the motor oil (bike on kickstand, warm, not level) and it seemed significantly over full, so maybe it was spraying from somewhere. Didn't see any oil anywhere else, though.

Any thoughts on what it may be?

My goal is to go over everything and make sure it's all how it needs to be for the best operation / longevity possible.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to HDF and the Evo Harley world, from the UK. You'll get all the support you'll need in here. For servicing yourself buy the correct factory service manual, which will tell you much of what you need to know - probably the best manuals available for any brand of bike.

 

Welcome.

My story is similar....first HD recently, in my case a 1990 FXRS.

There are a few spots on mine where the engine weeps a bit. Around the front cylinder, etc. The bottom of the engine is fairly oily too.

None of that has turned into an actual drip on my garage floor, so I'm not going to do anything with it. Maybe after the season is over I'll give it a real thorough clean and see what's up.

I've had numerous bikes (mostly Suzuki) before the HD. This 24 yo bike is by far my favorite of them all.

 

Welcome to the EVO forum.

Excellent choice of bike (slightly biased opinion )!
As Mr. Brown suggested, invest in a HD factory service manual, it will pay for itself in short order.
I would go ahead and change the fluids in all 3 holes with a brand you trust ( no syn, though), and fill to the correct levels. Thoroughly clean any residual fluids off the bike, and watch carefully for leaks to see if you can catch where it is originating from.

Good luck, and enjoy the ride!

 

Dang those bikes are fugly...................bwaaaaaaaaaa............