first fluid change
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
first fluid change
Did my first total fluid change on my 08 RK. Did it at around 900 miles. No big deal except for that friggin oil filter. Not easy to get off if you don't have Harley's "special tool". Actually a PENZOIL STRAP WRENCH did the trick.
I did find that the manual says how much oil to put in and that's what she takes. There has been debate on this forum about changes and amounts but the BOOK seems correct.
I did find that the manual says how much oil to put in and that's what she takes. There has been debate on this forum about changes and amounts but the BOOK seems correct.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
RE: first fluid change
You mean \\;a book \\;written by the people that made the thing was more accurate than a forum? \\; I don't believe it. \\; You might need to \\;go back and read the debates again... \\;
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
RE: first fluid change
Ah, Channel Locks. No need for me evr again. K&N has a nice little nut on the end. Only prob is that it takes a 17mm socket or open end. Damn metrics.
So far not spitting chunks of metal and all levels are correct so it's the book for me.
So far not spitting chunks of metal and all levels are correct so it's the book for me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
RE: first fluid change
You can buy the oil filter removal "thingamajig" at any auto parts store for a few dollars. I took my new chrome HD oil filter with me and bought one the correct size, but black (not chrome), for about four bucks as I recall. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
RE: first fluid change
Yea, just go to the auto store with your new filter in hand. \\; You'll find one that fits on the end of a 3/8" rachet extension, and you're in business. \\; CCRyder  \\; And it's not metric!
Trending Topics
RE: first fluid change
Since I still have my 4 stroke outboards the oil filters are the same size that are on my RK..so it all fits,just stay away from the JB Weld and you will be ok..
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,994
From: King George, VA
RE: first fluid change
When ya go to the auto parts store, just don't mention that you're getting the oil filter wrench for a Harley. \\; They will insist that ya have to go to the Harley dealer.
I tried the filter strap then bought the filter wrench. \\; A lot easier to work with and ya can get a shield under the filter so the oil isn't running down onto the front engine mount. \\; The book says the oil will deteriorate the rubber engine mount so ya may want to design something to protect it.
I tried the filter strap then bought the filter wrench. \\; A lot easier to work with and ya can get a shield under the filter so the oil isn't running down onto the front engine mount. \\; The book says the oil will deteriorate the rubber engine mount so ya may want to design something to protect it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Wa.
RE: first fluid change
Congrats on your first oil change! Not trying to undermind you or be disrespectful but I hope you are not going to assume everything else is OK just because the bike is new. Please go down the list for your first service \\;in your service manual and check everything that is listed. It will scare the hell out of you on how many bolts and nuts you will find that are either loose or need retorqued, clutch and drive belt adjustments, and don't forget to grease your steering head bearings or check the swing-by. Good luck getting a standard grease gun on the fitting MOCO installed. I switched mine out to a 45 degree fitting and no problems greasing it now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
