Oil change every year or every 5,000 miles
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 75
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From: Nashville
Oil change every year or every 5,000 miles
The manual says every 5,000 miles for an oil change. Or....should we just do it once per years as it is very reasonable in cost if you do it yourself.
Thx
HOGan
Thx
HOGan
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
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From: Colorado Springs
You should try to ride more than 5,000 miles a year and then it wouldn't be an issue 
Seriously though, this is a good question because my son puts about 3,000 miles a year on his bike and I usually change the oil in the Spring and Fall on mine (I put more miles) and am wondering also if I should worry about his.
Seriously though, this is a good question because my son puts about 3,000 miles a year on his bike and I usually change the oil in the Spring and Fall on mine (I put more miles) and am wondering also if I should worry about his.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
You should change it at least annually regardless of mileage. Oil has a shelf life and starts to degrade as well as not wanting contaminates just sitting in there. I personally would say do it every six months, spring and fall are a good schedule.
Last edited by AWS2111; Feb 23, 2014 at 11:27 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
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From: USA
At a minimum you should change out the oil if/before you put the bike away for winter. Don't want the used oil sitting there with all the contaminates in it. The other posters suggestions are solid-can't go wrong with spring/fall changes.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: victoria bc
If your bike sits in the winter change the oil before you store it. Used oil sitting in your engine is bad for gaskets and engine internals because of possible acidity and high alkaline. If you ride less than 5000 miles just change it after your last ride before storage.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Newcastle, OK
I change mine every 5K, but in the summer I change it sooner when it seems to get dirty sooner probably from the heat and some oil breakdown.
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From: Stockbridge GA
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Maine
Will do the same for my FXDL.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Duluth, MN
I do mine every spring. During winter, you will get the ups and downs of the cold and condensation from sitting...
I will start it up, run it until warm (usually that first initial short ride) than do the oil change...as far as mileage, I use Amsoil products and our riding season is short, so for me, 6500-7500 a year is a good year
I will start it up, run it until warm (usually that first initial short ride) than do the oil change...as far as mileage, I use Amsoil products and our riding season is short, so for me, 6500-7500 a year is a good year