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After Winter Storage Maintenance Question

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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 01:08 PM
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Default After Winter Storage Maintenance Question

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?

Thanks ahead of time.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 04:11 PM
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If it's been climate controlled, you're fine to just ride and change the fluids on regular intervals.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 09:18 PM
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Hmm, but shouldn't oil be swapped out after a year?
 
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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by blackknight883
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.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2014 | 05:20 AM
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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.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2014 | 05:27 AM
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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.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2014 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by blackknight883
Now I had the oil changed back last year after winter in the engine and the primary/tranny.
I’m 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.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2014 | 08:43 AM
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I would change the trans/primary oil...it's one quart and so easy to change...piece of mind IMO.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2014 | 06:40 PM
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Thanks guys. I will probably end up doing the trans/primary along with the engine. Might as well!
 
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Old Feb 13, 2014 | 08:04 PM
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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.
 
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