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Whats happening all, I'm New here. Well its been about 30 years since I've ridden and started back up about a year ago on my 2005 fatboy, so my question is, I have about a 1000 miles left before I need to change all the fluids in my Oil, Trans and gear box. Its been stored in my heated shop (60 degrees) since the end of November. Will I be OK to ride when I get it out the end of March or should I just go ahead an change them now? Thanks for the input.
Hi, another new guy to the forum but a long time HD owner, you'll find there are quite a few different opinions so all I can do is give you mine I'm one of those frequent fluid change types, my '13 Wide Glide had just over 300 miles on her fluids when I dropped everything and prepped her for winter, I know she's going to sit from November until March and I'm uncomfortable leaving contaminated oil sit all winter so I always do a complete winter prep; all fluids, fog cylinders, fuel treatment, on a lift, the whole deal. I have no evidence it really makes any difference but I'm happy knowing she has fresh fluids, so I guess there's that...
You're only looking at a few weeks now, unless you can get out and warm up the bike well to change the fluids I'd leave it at this point. Once you finally can get out on that first ride warm her up then drop all the fluids and start the clock again...
Next year...change the fluids before winter storage. Better to have it sit still for a few months with clean oil on the surfaces, rather than older oil with more acids in it.
So change it soon as its warm enough in your garage...and then change and get 1x ride in (to coat all the surfaces with fresh oil) it before putting her away for winter.
Thanks to all for the info. I'm using synthetic oil. The dealer said I'm OK but wanted other opinions as well. That being said, I do believe I will change it before the next winter storage so she will start out fresh! Can't wait to put the Breeze between the knees!
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Fluid Change
I'm one of those frequent fluid change types, my '13 Wide Glide had just over 300 miles on her fluids when I dropped everything and prepped her for winter, I know she's going to sit from November until March and I'm uncomfortable leaving contaminated oil sit all winter so I always do a complete winter prep; all fluids, fog cylinders, fuel treatment, on a lift, the whole deal. I have no evidence it really makes any difference but I'm happy knowing she has fresh fluids, so I guess there's that...
