Oil changes
Thread Starter
|
Gonzy
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 7
From: Foggy Coastside California
Oil changes
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
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.
.
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.
.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
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 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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: WireGrass, AL
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.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
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.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
I change oil every 3000 miles and trans and primary get changed every 5000.
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 Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 3
From: Texas
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.
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
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