Using Oil
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
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Using Oil
I have a 2009 softail standard which i love, but i have noticed that it is using a small amount of oil between changes and i am wondering if this can be normal as my previous Harley didn't use any. The bike is using a bit over half a quart in 5000 miles. Rather than get a bunch of different opinions on the reasons a bike can and will use oil, i am wondering if anyone else actually owns a near new bike (up to 20,000 miles ish?) that is using oil and whether you find it acceptable ??
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Escondido, CA
I've got 25,000 on my 07 Heritage and it doesn't use any oil that is measurable between 5,000 mile changes. I use Mobil 1 V-twin, 20w/50. I used a different oil in my 99 Heritage and found that when I changed to Mobil 1 it used about 75% less oil between changes. My 07 did use some oil, about a fourth of a quart, between the 1,000 and 5,000 mile change but since then doesn't show enough of a drop to add any.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Haymarket, VA
Some Harley owners say their bikes never use a drop, but any internal combustion engine will use some oil. My '07 Deuce uses about what yours does in 5000 miles, which is considered perfectly acceptable. If you're using dino oil, a switch to synthetic may lower your usage. I use Amsoil 20-50.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
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I am using Mobil 1 V twin and it was using the same amount with the dino oil before i changed but it's good to hear someone elses bike uses a bit. I know it's not much usage and I'm not overly concerned but i just thought I'd ask the question while the bike is under warranty.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Haymarket, VA
I am using Mobil 1 V twin and it was using the same amount with the dino oil before i changed but it's good to hear someone elses bike uses a bit. I know it's not much usage and I'm not overly concerned but i just thought I'd ask the question while the bike is under warranty.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: El Cajon Ca.
If you are filling it all the way to the full mark you will lose some out the breathers. it's burning it but not in the way you think it is. It's getting blown out the breather and then sucked into your intake. I always fill one half qt. low for this reason.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Haymarket, VA
I fill mine to the full mark, so that is probably what's happening, thanks!
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Driftless Area
Now isn't that some interesting crap, hd don't know this or what? why don't thay reduce required oil amount and move the full level mark?