Breaking in a Springer
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Rapid City, SD
Breaking in a Springer
Although I've done everything by the book on all of my bikes, a co-worker said that he changed the oil at both 50 miles, then 500 miles, prior to its 1000 mile service on his Yamaha FJR1300. Is there any rational need for this (other than peace of mind)? Being a Springer, my bike goes in at 500 miles for it's first service. After tomorrow, it'll have 200 miles on it. Any reason to change the oil now, since it will be completely serviced at 500?
Also, is there a drainage tray for Softtail oil filter removal that anyone makes?
Thanks!
-Carl
Also, is there a drainage tray for Softtail oil filter removal that anyone makes?
Thanks!
-Carl
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: Breaking in a Springer
Howdy Carl. I am not an authority on Harleys or mechanics, but when I bought my Springer last year, I just followed what my manual said. So far, no problems doing that.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Breaking in a Springer
no reason to change the oil that many times unless you like wasting money, especially if you are using harleys syn3 (one fluid for everything) like i am at almost ten bucks a quart it won't be cheap oh and on the drainage thing i believe jp cycles carries one if not search the web they do exist i've seen them good luck hope this helps
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 0
From: Johnston County, NC
RE: Breaking in a Springer
Odds are your friend changed the oil like that because there is a common thought that early in the break-in process you are knocking some metal off of the cylinder...
On my cars... I will typically remove the craptastic oil that it comes with brand new. On the Harley I just let the dealer tell me when to deal with the maint. on the bike. When I bought mine I got the first three years of service with the bike. If I recall, I had the dino-oil done at 500 and at 1500 ( I could be remembering this wrong). and I also had another change to syn3 at 2500. I believe my next change is at 5000 (at 3800 right now).
It was just suggested to me to stick with the "normal" oil for the first two changes. On Syn3 now.
On my cars... I will typically remove the craptastic oil that it comes with brand new. On the Harley I just let the dealer tell me when to deal with the maint. on the bike. When I bought mine I got the first three years of service with the bike. If I recall, I had the dino-oil done at 500 and at 1500 ( I could be remembering this wrong). and I also had another change to syn3 at 2500. I believe my next change is at 5000 (at 3800 right now).
It was just suggested to me to stick with the "normal" oil for the first two changes. On Syn3 now.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
RE: Breaking in a Springer
Most important oil change you can do is the first one in the life of the engine. You'll find there is a lot of "slag" inside a motor casting and in the oiling system and it's best for you to get that out after a few break in miles. It amounts to a few dollars to do this but so is the cost of the bike or a new engine.
I did mine ant 100/1000/2500 complete with a filter and synthetic oil and have followed this on every motor I have owned with good service life and no problems with oil consumption.
I've never found a way of changing oil in these bikes without making a mess. Just clean the bike after you change the oil and it takes less preperation than trying to catch all the oil which you will not succeed in doing.
You may find this topic interesting for your oil change... https://www.hdforums.com/m_254963/mp.../tm.htm#254963
Mike
I really do not classify this as a waste of money any way you look at it , especially if you plan on keeping the bike for any length of time.
PLEASE do not use the Syn 3 in your transmission as you infer here. Use a GEAR oil in the trans like Mobil 1 75/90 or Redline shockproof heavy, but NOT an engine oil. Problems with the transmissions running Syn 3 are starting to show up and you'll find that HD does not advise the Syn 3 to be used in the trans in the 06 bikes any longer.
Furthermore, you'll find that Syn 3 is not a full synthetic regardless of what they try to tell you. The other brands like Mobil 1 and some others are a full synthetic oil that is not formulated starting with a dino oil. Food for thought.
I did mine ant 100/1000/2500 complete with a filter and synthetic oil and have followed this on every motor I have owned with good service life and no problems with oil consumption.
I've never found a way of changing oil in these bikes without making a mess. Just clean the bike after you change the oil and it takes less preperation than trying to catch all the oil which you will not succeed in doing.
You may find this topic interesting for your oil change... https://www.hdforums.com/m_254963/mp.../tm.htm#254963
no reason to change the oil that many times unless you like wasting money, especially if you are using harleys syn3 (one fluid for everything)
I really do not classify this as a waste of money any way you look at it , especially if you plan on keeping the bike for any length of time.
PLEASE do not use the Syn 3 in your transmission as you infer here. Use a GEAR oil in the trans like Mobil 1 75/90 or Redline shockproof heavy, but NOT an engine oil. Problems with the transmissions running Syn 3 are starting to show up and you'll find that HD does not advise the Syn 3 to be used in the trans in the 06 bikes any longer.
Furthermore, you'll find that Syn 3 is not a full synthetic regardless of what they try to tell you. The other brands like Mobil 1 and some others are a full synthetic oil that is not formulated starting with a dino oil. Food for thought.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Breaking in a Springer
i just thought the 50 mile mark was a bit much, now ya got me thinkin about the trans fluid i also thought it seemed a bit thin to be going in the tranny but they assured me it was ok maybe i'll change it when i change all the oil this spring if that ever gets here
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
RE: Breaking in a Springer
ORIGINAL: evo springer
ok while we are on the oil subject what kind of filter do you use
ok while we are on the oil subject what kind of filter do you use
I only use the HD brand. They are specked for the engines and built by a manufacturer to those specs. There are a few factors to be considered in filters such as filter media size, bypass spring tension (not all the same here) type of end caps (cardboard) and method of attachment plus more than meets the eye for most.
You'll find some interesting posts here in the oil section of the DIY that may prove helpful in answering some questions you might have, take a look in particular into the "oil filter comparisons" 7 up from the bottom of the page.
https://www.hdforums.com/forumid_249/tt.htm
I try to be somewhat impartial and base my decisions on what I have found that works well and not to be biased by dealer talk (hype) and price savings between chosing brand X and the name brand. I probably waste more money on items than most by over servicing things, but I feel strongly about keeping quality parts and the best oil that I think will give me the results I want regardless of the cost. My bike is a bit higher in price than some and I really can't justify trying to save $3 on an oil filter at this point. JMHO
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
