Oil Change In-Between
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
Oil Change In-Between
Hello all,
General question. I live in Michigan, so only get about 7-8 months a year riding. I've got about 6600 mi on my 05 Deluxe, and am heading out to Sturgis this year. I figure I'll put a total of about 2800 miles on the bike, so when I get back, I'll be only a couple of weeks away from general service and fluid change. However, after the change, I'm only going to be able to put maybe another 500 or so miles on the bike before it goes into storage. Can I just wait and go maybe up to 1000 mile past the service interval (11,000 miles) and just change fluids right before I store the bike, or can I change at 10,000 and store with slightly used oil/primary/tranny(don't like this option)? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Ted
General question. I live in Michigan, so only get about 7-8 months a year riding. I've got about 6600 mi on my 05 Deluxe, and am heading out to Sturgis this year. I figure I'll put a total of about 2800 miles on the bike, so when I get back, I'll be only a couple of weeks away from general service and fluid change. However, after the change, I'm only going to be able to put maybe another 500 or so miles on the bike before it goes into storage. Can I just wait and go maybe up to 1000 mile past the service interval (11,000 miles) and just change fluids right before I store the bike, or can I change at 10,000 and store with slightly used oil/primary/tranny(don't like this option)? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Ted
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Oil Change In-Between
Ted,
I change oil every 2,500 miles and the other fluids every 5,000 miles. I do this where ever I'm at, on the road or not.
If you are going to be in Sturgis, I don't recommend waiting. Sometimes it gets real hot there. I have seen it 100+. Also you will be doing some very slow riding because of traffic and that will cause heat. Heat is the biggest enemy of your oil.
In Rapid City, the HD dealer has a large area for changing your own oil, and they furnish oil dump service and drain pans, so you can change your own oil in just a few minutes with no waiting or high service charges.
Regards,
Bill
I change oil every 2,500 miles and the other fluids every 5,000 miles. I do this where ever I'm at, on the road or not.
If you are going to be in Sturgis, I don't recommend waiting. Sometimes it gets real hot there. I have seen it 100+. Also you will be doing some very slow riding because of traffic and that will cause heat. Heat is the biggest enemy of your oil.
In Rapid City, the HD dealer has a large area for changing your own oil, and they furnish oil dump service and drain pans, so you can change your own oil in just a few minutes with no waiting or high service charges.
Regards,
Bill
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Oil Change In-Between
I don't worry about mileage. I never put more than 10,000 miles a year on a bike, soooo I change oil twice a year (once at the begining of the riding season and once at the end). It is very important to have a full tank of gas (with stabilizer) and fresh oil change before you park your HD for any length of time. It may seem silly, but time takes its toll on oil whether the bike is running or not!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
RE: Oil Change In-Between
Thanks all for input. I think what I'll do is change the oil right before I go out, then change all fluids before I store. I run Mobil 1 V-Twin Syn for the engine, so it's probably in good shape, but having fresh oil for hot Sturgis weather and the entire trip is probably worth it. I know I shouldn't store bike with used oil, so your input just confirmed that. Thanks again for input.
Ted
Ted
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Motown
RE: Oil Change In-Between
I live in Michigan also.
My indy mechanic gave me a winter storage "checklist" of things to do when storing my bike. Nowhere on the list does it say to change the oil. In fact he is of the opinion that doing so is a waste of money, though he will gladly sell you, me, or anyone else, the oil and filter every fall. He says that you only need to change the oil at the recommended service intervals, period.
Having said that:
I still change the oil every fall before I store my bike.
My indy mechanic gave me a winter storage "checklist" of things to do when storing my bike. Nowhere on the list does it say to change the oil. In fact he is of the opinion that doing so is a waste of money, though he will gladly sell you, me, or anyone else, the oil and filter every fall. He says that you only need to change the oil at the recommended service intervals, period.
Having said that:
I still change the oil every fall before I store my bike.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Oil Change In-Between
I would not store a vehicle with used oil IMO.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
RE: Oil Change In-Between
I have never heard a mechanic say it's OK to store scoot with dirty oil, so I don't know about that. I have a checklist as well (clean the battery, etc.) and it includes changing all fluids, which I do myself. One less thing to worry about re: warranty. Thanks again for everyone's input.
Ted
Ted
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Oil Change In-Between
This post should be a sticky. Well said Ted.
ORIGINAL: billnourse
Ted,
I change oil every 2,500 miles and the other fluids every 5,000 miles. I do this where ever I'm at, on the road or not.
If you are going to be in Sturgis, I don't recommend waiting. Sometimes it gets real hot there. I have seen it 100+. Also you will be doing some very slow riding because of traffic and that will cause heat. Heat is the biggest enemy of your oil.
In Rapid City, the HD dealer has a large area for changing your own oil, and they furnish oil dump service and drain pans, so you can change your own oil in just a few minutes with no waiting or high service charges.
Regards,
Bill
Ted,
I change oil every 2,500 miles and the other fluids every 5,000 miles. I do this where ever I'm at, on the road or not.
If you are going to be in Sturgis, I don't recommend waiting. Sometimes it gets real hot there. I have seen it 100+. Also you will be doing some very slow riding because of traffic and that will cause heat. Heat is the biggest enemy of your oil.
In Rapid City, the HD dealer has a large area for changing your own oil, and they furnish oil dump service and drain pans, so you can change your own oil in just a few minutes with no waiting or high service charges.
Regards,
Bill