From the owner's manual service intervals for Softails are 1,000 miles and then 5,000 miles, and then at 5,000 mile intervals. Springers steering head bearings lubrication recommended every 2,500 miles.

At least three different HD dealers I visited in the last year or so have a 2,500 mile full service. Some technicans say do it others say wait for the 5,000 mile point. What do you do: go by the manual (Table 30) or other? I understand more frequently if the bike is used for frequent short trips, water vapor leading to sludge and all.

My brother and I both have Crossbones Softails so at the very least we'll get a grease gun and lube the head bearings.

Thanks.

 

You can use the service manual intervals and most likely not have any problems. It depends somewhat on where you ride, and how hard you push the bike. I live in Florida, so ride in very high heat much of the time. For this reason I use full synthetic oil, and change it every 3000 miles or so. I have not done an oil analysis, but it would probably show that I am over servicing the oil. Since I do all my own work, I can afford to service a bit sooner. If I lived in a less extreme climate, I would go with the 5000 mile service, especially using Mobil 1 full synthetic like I do. I want this motor to last, and dirty oil and heat are engine killers.

I find the dealer services to be WAY over priced. Plus, depending on the shop, unless you watch them, there is no way to know if they did everything they are charging you for. None of it is very hard....Get a factory service manual, some basic tools and save big $$$. That's what I do.

 

"Hear, Hear" (Stands up, clapping)

 

88,000 miles on my 07 serviced every 5000 mi only with mobil 1 in the hot Cali sun with no engine issue at all.

 

I do 5k's and usually toss an extra oil/filter sometime in the summer. Probably don't need it but it makes me feel better, this thing gets heat abused.