Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

oil changes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 09:23 AM
  #1  
bobbsterkid7's Avatar
bobbsterkid7
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Default oil changes

I know responses will vary but what is the most optimal mileage for oil changes? every 2k? every 3k?

I have a 1993, that has just overabout 3600miles and the oil was changed at 1499 miles so I am wondering any and all thoughts?
 
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 09:27 AM
  #2  
Biker Trash's Avatar
Biker Trash
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 2
From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
Default RE: oil changes

I change mine once a month (during riding season) whether it needs it or not. Since it's easy to get 1000 miles in a weekend it's cheap insurance man. If you don't ride much... every 2-3000 miles should be just fine although harley says 5000 miles. Personally in an air-cooled engine that depends on oilfor cooling as well I'd feelsafer doing it a bit more often. Again, cheap insurance.
 
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 09:52 AM
  #3  
Thumper26's Avatar
Thumper26
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
Default RE: oil changes

It depends on several factors:

1. How many miles a week do you ride in riding season (if you have a riding season)?
2. Under what ambient temperatures do you ride the most?
3. How hard do you ride?
4. Is your bike kept inside or outside (condensation issues)?
5. On average, are your rides short (under 1 hour at a time) or longer?
6. Do you use dino or synth oils?
7. Do you ride on any dirt roads?

These and other factors come in to play, so I could not suggest a frequency for changing oil for you specifically. You know the answers to these questions best and can determine what answers should dictate the frequency of your oil changes and AC cleaning/filter replacement.
 
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 10:05 AM
  #4  
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Default RE: oil changes

HD says 5000 miles but I do mine every 3000. In your case, given the age & mileage on the bike, mileage is not the important factor, time is. The oil should be changed every year regardless of mileage.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
OzarkHarleyguy
Touring Models
41
Dec 5, 2016 01:56 AM
steelpix
Sportster Models
14
Sep 11, 2015 07:17 AM
TimC
Oil Archive (no new posts)
20
May 14, 2008 05:22 AM
Softtail Bob
Touring Models
13
Jan 25, 2008 09:14 PM
bobcowan
Oil Archive (no new posts)
3
Dec 10, 2007 02:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:28 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE