Oil Change Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,523
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
and check the age of the tires.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
So the oil has 400 miles on it, and might be 3 years old.
Personally, Im more concerned about miles on my oil than time. So, Id let it go. But thats me.
Slight counterpoint, an engine that doesnt fully warm up tends to build up water and sometimes some acid in the oil. I have seen acid etching on bearings from this, but it took many years of dedicated neglect.
Personally, Im more concerned about miles on my oil than time. So, Id let it go. But thats me.
Slight counterpoint, an engine that doesnt fully warm up tends to build up water and sometimes some acid in the oil. I have seen acid etching on bearings from this, but it took many years of dedicated neglect.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 2,117
From: W. MI.
Everybody has their own opinion about starting a bike in the winter and letting it warm up. Then there is the, should I change for storage or not? Same thing, opinion. I agree with removing the current fuel and try finding some nonethenol gas to put in it along with a stabilizer of your choice. I wouldn't put Stabil in a push mower, (experience & opinion) but to each their own.
Last edited by Bass Player; Dec 4, 2020 at 01:48 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
We have 4 bikes (actually 3 bikes and 1 trike), three of which use SYN3, and the EVO is filled with "dino" oil.
The EVO sits "a lot" and the fluids haven't been changed in three years (or so) but it has not been ridden very much (perhaps 50 or so miles.
From my experience with our bikes (that sit) I have more problems with fuel than I do with lubricants, mainly in the the carbed EVO and not much at all with the EFI bikes.
If I start the EVO (at least once per season) it seems to be fine but on two seperate occasions I allowed it to sit too long and I had to remove the carb and completely disassemble and thoroughly clean if in order to make the engine run correctly.
I've also had issues with my generator due to putting Stabil in the fuel tank so no more of that for me but I will start the generator more often and replace the fuel annually
JMHO, it's better to start an engine (occasionally) and let it run long enough to get up to operating temperature and put a few (easy) miles than it is to let them sit indefinitely.
My wife's '08 Heritage has SYN3 in it and the oil is as clean as it ws when I changed it a little over two years ago.
I can't see changing the fluids (and filter) even annually just to let the bike sit (which I used to do),
The EVO sits "a lot" and the fluids haven't been changed in three years (or so) but it has not been ridden very much (perhaps 50 or so miles.
From my experience with our bikes (that sit) I have more problems with fuel than I do with lubricants, mainly in the the carbed EVO and not much at all with the EFI bikes.
If I start the EVO (at least once per season) it seems to be fine but on two seperate occasions I allowed it to sit too long and I had to remove the carb and completely disassemble and thoroughly clean if in order to make the engine run correctly.
I've also had issues with my generator due to putting Stabil in the fuel tank so no more of that for me but I will start the generator more often and replace the fuel annually
JMHO, it's better to start an engine (occasionally) and let it run long enough to get up to operating temperature and put a few (easy) miles than it is to let them sit indefinitely.
My wife's '08 Heritage has SYN3 in it and the oil is as clean as it ws when I changed it a little over two years ago.
I can't see changing the fluids (and filter) even annually just to let the bike sit (which I used to do),
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 20
Oil change question
I looked in the back of my shop manual and it looks like everything was changed on 1/6/2019. Since it had less than 1,000 miles on the fluids I elected to not change the primary and gear box. I picked up the syn oil, filter and "O" ring today and am dropping it off next week for the oil change and checkout of the tires, belt, and cables. Brake fluid and fork oil was changed at last service. If I decide to sell, it will be good information to have, and if I keep it, then its ready to roll.
Im sorry for taking up everyones time on an issue that should have been a no brainer.
Roll Safe.
Im sorry for taking up everyones time on an issue that should have been a no brainer.
Roll Safe.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 30
From: Newcastle, California
Hey HAWGMAN, You are not taking up any ones time on here.That is what this board is for helping each other out.I hope your medical issues get better so you can ride that bike. Have a great holiday !