Change oil?
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 282
Likes: 62
From: Wilson, NC
Change oil?
Ok I don't get to ride a lot anymore and when I had my first service done on my bike I had them put the HD syn oil in. So this will be my 3rd riding season coming up and I'm still 1k miles from needing to change it millage wise. Should I change it anyway just because its been in there almost 3 years? thanks
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 635
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Some will say change it every 5,000 or once a year, whichever comes first. I use a top shelf synthetic, and change it every 5,000 or at least once every two years, whichever comes first. Without opening the dreaded 'oil thread' genie, there are better synthetics out there than HD Syn 3. So basically I am in agreement with Eastcoast Jim.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,877
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From: Yuba City, Ca.
Some will say change it every 5,000 or once a year, whichever comes first. I use a top shelf synthetic, and change it every 5,000 or at least once every two years, whichever comes first. Without opening the dreaded 'oil thread' genie, there are better synthetics out there than HD Syn 3. So basically I am in agreement with Eastcoast Jim.
Contact IB Sales to have your account opened
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 381
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From: WORCESTER,MA
Hey Todd, Never, Ever put your bike away with a Belly full of Dirty, Acidic Oil ! Oil is both the Life Blood & Sewage System of your Harley, Don't abuse it! If that bike was mine, it would be getting AMSOIL, 20W-50 motor, 10W-40 primary, & 75W-110 GEAR OIL in Tranny! I have a Hunch, that Bike turns into a version of Christine, the Crazy car! Beware, Be Smart, Be Safe, BJ
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
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From: Buchanan, MI
Hi Todd. I agree with Jim, change oil at end of season and at least once a year. My bike has always had HD syn3 in all three holes since day one by previous owner and myself. 2008 with over 100,000 miles doesn't leak or use oil, engine never been apart, great oil pressure runs like new. Primary was rebuilt due to compensator nut issues years ago, no problems since. Oil change is most important maintenance you can do, even if you don't put many miles on in a year.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Ok I don't get to ride a lot anymore and when I had my first service done on my bike I had them put the HD syn oil in. So this will be my 3rd riding season coming up and I'm still 1k miles from needing to change it millage wise. Should I change it anyway just because its been in there almost 3 years? thanks
1k miles in 3rys?,sell it!/LOL!
Anyway,It's a no brainer, with the obvious short trips & little use your bike see's you should have at the very least changed the oil @ 2yrs max.
But if it was my bike with such little use (WOULD NEVER HAPPEN!) i'd be changing oil & filter 1x yrly using less expensive std dino or sem-blend with such little use/low miles yrly on the oil.
Short trips and little use equates to more moisture/water buildup in crankcase & oil leading to more corrosion of internal engine components requiring more frequent oil & filter changes regardless of mileage on std /semi-blend or syn oil.
Scott
Last edited by wscott; Jan 3, 2017 at 06:54 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 282
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From: Wilson, NC
Thanks guys. I let them put HD syn oil in it because it was my first free oil change. From now on I plan to do it myself and will probably run mobil 1 since its available everywhere and can be used in all 3 holes. I know 4k in 3 years is pathetic and I need to get it out more often. Working night shift and seeing deer every night on the way to work is a main reason its not driven more.( I hit a deer on my last bike, not again!)
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Joe Kucinski
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
You'll be fine - the oil gremlins will not strike, despite the rumours. Check your owners manual, which gives you most of the advice you need. Before starting your own servicing get the factory service manual. Synth is over-rated and isn't necessary IMHO unless expressly recommended.
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