How often do you change your oil? I just changed mine at 2800 miles and it was sure dark! This was only with 1800 miles since my 1k service. Tells me that every 2,500 miles should be the answer.

 

There are a million threads on this subject, but I'll play. Cranckcase-5,000, primary and trans-10,000. SE syn.

 

I change mine using Amsoil every 5,000 miles. No sticker, just change it at 5,000 mile increments on the odometer.

Unless you use some type of scavenging system, you're leaving almost a quart of old/dirty oil in your motor every time you change it. 3.5 quarts of new/clean oil doesn't take long to look diry when mixed with a quart of old/dirty oil.


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Wouldn't the oil have been changed at your 1k service which was only 1800 miles ago.

I change all my fluids at the recommendations in the manual. 5k, 10k, 20k.

The filter doesn't filter out dark so I don't go by by oil color.

 

I'm going with my long time HD riding expert and change the oil around 2500 miles on my EVO. The extractor process intrigues me almost to the point of making one and giving it a go just to get rid of the old oil that's always left in the motor.

 

The color of the oil has no value in determing the quality of the oil. If you're really that concerned, get a UOA (used oil analysis) conducted. THAT will tell you what you need to know. Otherwise, ride it like you stole it, change it by the book, and don't lose any sleep over it. And no...your engine will not lock down at 50K if you don't use synthetic.

 

I change oil every 3000 miles and trans and primary get changed every 5000.

 

I fell for the dealership line on changing every 2.5k for awhile.
Why would those professional techs mislead me ?

I went to Blackstone Labs for a UOA.

First UOA was with 3.36k miles on the Syn3. They said it looked good.TBN of 6.1,"try 5000 miles next time and check back for another look at wear."

I changed Brands.
Second UOA was with 4.98k miles on Mobile 1 V-Twin 20w-50.
"There was still plenty of active additive left in this fill with a TBN of 5.1 so you could have easily run this oil longer.Try 6000 miles next time and check back for another look at wear."

Stayed with Mobil 1 and will have it checked again at 6000 miles.

 

I change my crankcase oil at 2500. I change primary at 2500. I change transmission at 5000 to 10000. I change fork oil twice a year. I run synthetic in everything. HD's recommendation is for normal usage---Texas heat is not normal for a Yankee bike. JMO