Oil change frequency
Oil change frequency
I have a 2016 Ultra Limited Low and am wondering about oil change frequency. I've done the initial service and had full synthetic oil put in. When should I have my next one done?
Thanks,
Peter
Thanks,
Peter
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
U will get hundreds of opinions .....but no real answers. It depends how many miles you go. How hard u run it. Me I go 4800-5500 but do that in 3-4 months So I change it 3-4 times a year depending if I have good winter I can ride. If your running synthetic u can go way more than most guys will ever go.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Think how much Harley has swindeled with this.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
I do mine every 5,000 miles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 638
From: Up North
Every 2500 miles or 4000km. Go to a Harley Dealer and order the shop manual for your bike. It has tables outlining the required maintenance schedules.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
that's not gonna happen lol I would sometimes have to change oil every 2-3 weeks. Lol. It really does depend on how many miles u put on in a year. If only 2000-3000 a year it would be good to do twice a year.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 905
Likes: 51
From: New Jersey
The manual says every 5k miles for oil, 10K miles for transmission, 20K miles for primary. If you go to the dealer, they will say change all 3 every 5K miles. I did that on my last bike and still needed a transmission after 23K miles. Not doing that again. I use synthetics in all 3 holes and I'm following the owners manual. if something happens, the warranty and extended warranty can take care of it, cause I followed the manufacturers recommendations. If they don't, screw 'em. I'll ride a different brand from that point on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
HD recs what,5k mile motor oil & filter change along with 10k for prom & 20k for trans.
Well i do & rec 4k mile or so motor oil & filter change vs hd's 5k rec because the avg hd can really beat on the on stressing/sheering its viscosity in summer heat cond.
Also,due to multiple mech issues/failures HD's had in recent past with components in prim case & trans prematurly failing is why i rec changing prim case oil @ the 4k or 5k mile motor oil change vs hd's rec 10k miles for prim case .
And the trans @ 10k miles or 1 yr which ever comes 1st vs hd's rec 20k mile trans oil change.
Bottom line with my reasoning for above rec's is ensuring there is always cleaner fresher oil containing significantly less contaminants lubing the motor/prim case/trans @ all times should not only result in smoother operation in all those areas but should also increase srv'c of those components too.
Note,that's assuming oil used in motor/prim/trans is of proper grade & type (not motor oil in prim case,etc) thats specifically designed & formulated for use in each of the somewhat diff applications & requirements.
Scott