Oil change needed???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
good suggestion to the op, but i would use blackstone labs myself.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
All oil companies recommend that the oil be changed in the vehicles service interval or one year which ever comes first. HD also says 5K or one year.
On the bikes that don't get 5K in one year I do go 2 as they are stored in climate controlled garage. It seems okay so far.
The oils additive evaporate or deteriorate over time. Oil in a unbroken sealed container are given a 5 year shelf life.
Air cooled motors are more severe duty that water cooled motors. The oil is more critical. But I'm with the side that says it can go longer.
I did just start using Rotella T6 for diesel engines. It is rated for wet clutches and many Shell employees have used it in their bikes for years now. I did the 5K service on the Vrod and the 30K on the UC last month. They are in storage until spring. I started the UC and went around the block to check for leaks. When I parked it in the garage I left it running. Put my ear close to the heads and listened. The top end was as quiet as I've ever heard it. Very quiet in the primary area also. But at 73 I maybe deaf.
On the bikes that don't get 5K in one year I do go 2 as they are stored in climate controlled garage. It seems okay so far.
The oils additive evaporate or deteriorate over time. Oil in a unbroken sealed container are given a 5 year shelf life.
Air cooled motors are more severe duty that water cooled motors. The oil is more critical. But I'm with the side that says it can go longer.
I did just start using Rotella T6 for diesel engines. It is rated for wet clutches and many Shell employees have used it in their bikes for years now. I did the 5K service on the Vrod and the 30K on the UC last month. They are in storage until spring. I started the UC and went around the block to check for leaks. When I parked it in the garage I left it running. Put my ear close to the heads and listened. The top end was as quiet as I've ever heard it. Very quiet in the primary area also. But at 73 I maybe deaf.
Last edited by lh4x4; Dec 16, 2013 at 10:43 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 4
From: MI
I think you will get a canned response at best from any of them. Would be a cool integrity check.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 57
Likes: 7
From: Alberta
Oil changes are cheap insurance. You buy a $20k (or more) bike then worry about a $25 oil change. Change it. The bonus is garage time getting quality time with your bike.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Just mention you need advice on oil...and all kinds of stuff comes up. Why is that? The instructions in the Owners Manual are pretty straightforward aren't they? Maybe mix in a little common sense for good measure and you're good to go. But send oil samples to a lab? Really?
