M8 Oil Consumption
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 956
Likes: 144
From: Old Bridge, NJ
M8 Oil Consumption
While I was aware of he sumping and migration issues before I bought my 19 RG, I was not prepared for the oil that my bike is using. I have about 3900 miles on her and have gone about 2800 since the 1K. Checking the bike over in preparing for a trip I was down about 1.5 qts. Run to the dealer and they say its normal and the motor company says one qt per 1,000 miles is allowable . So my question is is this just the motor breaking in, will it get better or worse and does it matter what oil I use (have the SYN3 in there now with Formula + in the tranny (which seems ok). Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,679
Likes: 11,472
From: State of Confusion
While I was aware of he sumping and migration issues before I bought my ‘19 RG, I was not prepared for the oil that my bike is using. I have about 3900 miles on her and have gone about 2800 since the 1K. Checking the bike over in preparing for a trip I was down about 1.5 qts. Run to the dealer and they say it’s normal and the motor company says one qt per 1,000 miles is “allowable “. So my question is is this just the motor breaking in, will it get better or worse and does it matter what oil I use (have the SYN3 in there now with Formula + in the tranny (which seems ok). Thanks in advance.
"TECH TIP: Feuling highly recommends staying off the rev limiter and running conventional oil in the M8 engines to help maintain ring seal and minimize blow by."
looking at your timeline of events it sounds like after your 1K service your first oil check was 3900 miles, which is a reasonable assumption since if you had been checking more often you would have noticed it getting lower all along and been adding as appropriate.. and yes, mine at least started life consuming more oil than it does now at 33000..hope everything turns out ok
Club Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 2,340
From: Tampa Bay Area
What the dealer says is "normal" ain't really comforting. I've heard exactly the same thing (1qt / 1k miles). That said, I am using regular oil, 20w-50, and seeing negligible consumption.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Here's what the Mo Co says, in a note from the Mo Co that I have personally seen: 1QT every 1500 miles (not 1000) is acceptable.
Quite remarkable, but true. Also, acceptable leak down is up to 25% (look in your service manual, I'm not making this up). More than that requires further diagnosis. Sad but true.
Quite remarkable, but true. Also, acceptable leak down is up to 25% (look in your service manual, I'm not making this up). More than that requires further diagnosis. Sad but true.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 632
From: NorCal Rocklin
I believe that 1 qt for 1000 miles is industry standard. Regardless of vehicle type. If you are experiencing high oil consumption, try using high mileage type oil. Remember you can use regular automotive oil since the engine is separated from the transmission and primary.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
Although that is the method Harley says to use, if you let it idle upright it will show more oil and be more accurate. Idling on the side stand will ensure more oil is left in the engine case.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Northern New Jersey
A quart every 1,000 miles isnt what you should expect from a properly machined engine , assembled with quality parts used in a passenger car of motorcycle.Once things wear out, yes.. But not during its normal expected lifetime.
I know HD says its normal.. But thats sad. That means they're saying, we cant maintain consistent bore size and finish , or valve guide clearance and seals such that oil wont get where its not supposed to get.
I could see if it was turning 20,000 RPM for those 1,000 miles yes, perhaps. Because those oil control components are seeing the same distance as an engine with 10,000 miles.
And even thats a push. You could make the argument that the air cooled barrels have trouble staying round once hot, but that can be addressed in the design, construction and machining process.
Sucks people have to deal with this crap.
I know HD says its normal.. But thats sad. That means they're saying, we cant maintain consistent bore size and finish , or valve guide clearance and seals such that oil wont get where its not supposed to get.
I could see if it was turning 20,000 RPM for those 1,000 miles yes, perhaps. Because those oil control components are seeing the same distance as an engine with 10,000 miles.
And even thats a push. You could make the argument that the air cooled barrels have trouble staying round once hot, but that can be addressed in the design, construction and machining process.
Sucks people have to deal with this crap.
