Ethical question
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 340
Likes: 26
From: New Jersey
I wouldn't bother calling the PO myself. At lest not about what brand/type oil. Not that important, IMHO. As someone previously noted, when I bought my HD from the dealer (used) they had done the 5000 service on it before they put it on the floor. I read the manual and decided to use one of the recommended oils when I changed it. No problems.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
I quickly ran through some of the replies...
But, not all. Not sure if it has been stated, but what if the previous owner is no longer with us? Might cause some grief to whomever answers the phone?
Myself, I always change oil and other fluids/filters on newly purchased motors, so that I can be sure of what is in there. To me, that is the best policy...
But, not all. Not sure if it has been stated, but what if the previous owner is no longer with us? Might cause some grief to whomever answers the phone?
Myself, I always change oil and other fluids/filters on newly purchased motors, so that I can be sure of what is in there. To me, that is the best policy...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 5,175
From: SWMO
If you didn't buy it from him, don't call and ask questions.
I traded a real slick, low mile pickup to a dealer years ago. About a week later I start getting calls in the evening asking me about the mileage on the truck, and was the engine original, etc. All the callers said the dealership gave them my name and number.
I drove to the dealer and expressed my displeasure with what they had done. I also explained that if I was going to help sell that truck, I would need some of the $ the sales force would earn on it.
They apologized and stopped giving out my info.
I traded a real slick, low mile pickup to a dealer years ago. About a week later I start getting calls in the evening asking me about the mileage on the truck, and was the engine original, etc. All the callers said the dealership gave them my name and number.
I drove to the dealer and expressed my displeasure with what they had done. I also explained that if I was going to help sell that truck, I would need some of the $ the sales force would earn on it.
They apologized and stopped giving out my info.
I don't see a problem with calling once and leaving a message if there's no answer, but if you never hear back, I'd leave it there.
At everyone saying it doesn't matter what oil the PO used: It's helpful to know, depending on how many miles the bike has. The main question is conventional vs. synthetic, as over time the gaskets and seals become conditioned to the type of oil they're regularly exposed to. It's not a huge issue, but switching to synthetic oil after running dino for 70,000 miles can cause minor leaks. The flip-side is, switching from synthetic to dino after the same amount of miles may help alleviate some minor leaks that have cropped up over time.
At everyone saying it doesn't matter what oil the PO used: It's helpful to know, depending on how many miles the bike has. The main question is conventional vs. synthetic, as over time the gaskets and seals become conditioned to the type of oil they're regularly exposed to. It's not a huge issue, but switching to synthetic oil after running dino for 70,000 miles can cause minor leaks. The flip-side is, switching from synthetic to dino after the same amount of miles may help alleviate some minor leaks that have cropped up over time.
Man I really didn't expect the backlash.
I guess I should have been more specific. I prefer to run full synthetic in everything I own. Several people, some who are Harley mechs, have told me to find out because if the previous 1 owner ran only dino oil switching to synth at 50K can start leaks.I called the shop. Turns out previous owner was an Amsoil rep and that is all that has been run in it.
Man some of us have some serious PMS ( Parked Motorcycle Syndrome ).
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
...because if the previous 1 owner ran only dino oil switching to synth at 50K can start leaks.
The only drawback these days with switching from dyno to syn oils, according to the same article, might be synthetic oil cleaning out any sludge that had accumulated around an older seal which may have hardened and possibly even have cracks in them that the sludge kept from leaking.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
An article I read a few years ago, stated this is no longer true. During the time synthetics were first introduced, there had been some problems, but since then the newer synthetics have been chemically altered so as to not cause harm to the older materials used in the making of seals. Newer seals have also been changed to accommodate less problematic usage of synthetics.
The only drawback these days with switching from dyno to syn oils, according to the same article, might be synthetic oil cleaning out any sludge that had accumulated around an older seal which may have hardened and possibly even have cracks in them that the sludge kept from leaking.
The only drawback these days with switching from dyno to syn oils, according to the same article, might be synthetic oil cleaning out any sludge that had accumulated around an older seal which may have hardened and possibly even have cracks in them that the sludge kept from leaking.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 504
From: Lake County, IL
It's not a question of ethics, but of courtesy. That really comes down to a personal choice, balancing your perceived need against your perception of potential discourtesy. If you call, you just lead off with asking if he minds talking to you about the bike. If so, "Sorry to bother you, goodbye".
Any ethics that come into it are for the dealer and the shop, and whether they give you information about someone else's business.
Any ethics that come into it are for the dealer and the shop, and whether they give you information about someone else's business.