When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So like many folks in the northern states, my bike has been in storage for the better part of 3 months. I think I last rode it in September. It's been on the charger in my heated garage ever since...havent started it once.
When the weather finally starts to get nice again, I am going to want to ride the hell out of it.
Now I had the oil changed back last year after winter in the engine and the primary/tranny. The bike now probably has about 2200 miles on it. My question is do I need to change the oil in the primary/tranny again or is that good until 5000 miles? I know I need to do the engine oil for sure. But I just wasn't sure about the primary/tranny. I know the primary and tranny are on a shared lubrication on 1 quart of fluid and the motor takes about 3 quarts.
Also, I plan on getting the sportster maintenance manual to do all the service myself. I think most people say just get the Harley made one for $60. Anyone else have other suggestions?
Hmm, but shouldn't oil be swapped out after a year?
For the primary no as miles should justify that interval but yes engine oil should be changed prior to storage and dont run bike until you can ride long enough to burn condensation out at least a good 30 min ride.
Engine oil and filter should be changed each year (or sooner for high mileages), but the trans oil will be fine, as it doesn't have any products of combustion in it, or water vapour.
I agree technically with those who say not to change the trans, but I would change it once a year just for a cheap piece of mind and look for shavings, etc.
Now I had the oil changed back last year after winter in the engine and the primary/tranny.
Im in the camp that says change fluids before winter storage, not after. Maybe not a big deal but it makes sense to me. Plus then with the first nice day you jump on and go.
I'm in the same position as you. I'm looking at 2 sporties under sheets in the garage at the moment. I rode until November then, basically, did a 5000m service (including changing both oils) and in the spring (another 4 weeks, maybe) I plan on just riding them (well, 1 - the others my wife's). I'm not changing the oils again.
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.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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.
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.
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.