Oil change?
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2
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Oil change?
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 \\; Harley certified mechanic said it is a waste of money to change oil before 5000 miles. Using regular 20w-50 in crankcase. For an air cooled engine this seems like alot of miles between changes to me. Please respond.
 \\; Harley certified mechanic said it is a waste of money to change oil before 5000 miles. Using regular 20w-50 in crankcase. For an air cooled engine this seems like alot of miles between changes to me. Please respond.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
RE: Oil change?
I don't what he's certified in, but it ain't in engine longevity. \\; He's smokin' crack if he thinks MOCO 20-50 will do the job after 5000 miles.  \\; It's too long in my opinion even for synthetic. \\; To each his own, but go turn the key on his bike and see how many miles he's got. \\; That counsel is NOT wise, but then again, it's your motor.... \\; I'm bettin' that 90% + on this Forum say that's too long to run oil. \\; Your call. \\; CCRyder
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Central Arizona
RE: Oil change?
I think it depends on miles driven per year, type of riding, and other conditions, just as much as total miles logged on the odometer. \\; If you only put 2,500 miles on the bike in a year, would you wait two years before a fluid change? \\;
 \\;
Common sense is often purchased at an uncommon price.
 \\;
Common sense is often purchased at an uncommon price.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
RE: Oil change?
Mine 07 FLHX \\;goes 5k, and still looks decent! My carbureted Softail looked very bad @ 1K though....my 2 cents
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Sparks, NV
RE: Oil change?
After I bought my 07 SG I took it in for the 1K \\;service. \\; At that \\;time, I took in 4 quarts of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20-50 synthetic oil, 1 quart of Redline Severe gear synthetic for the tranny and Harley Performance plus for the clutch. \\; \\;I change the engine every 5,000 miles and all 3 holes every 10,000. \\; Now have over 22,500 miles and no problems what so ever. \\; My \\;fairing mounted oil temp guage \\;runs \\;at 230 degrees when it is hot out as it is now, about 100 degrees. \\; When it's cooler \\;outside, it runs about 180-190 degrees. \\; No worries! \\;
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
RE: Oil change?
 \\; Change the oil as manufacturer suggests.......use viscosity or equivlant.......
and how can you go wrong?
 \\; Or you could change your oil every weekend......
 \\; I change my fluids a little sooner than needed.
 \\; Are people so **** about automobile tranny fluid changes?
Differential oil changed this decade?
 \\; I think 5000 miles is fine for some bikes......but most would qualify as
being used in "extreme conditions" and oil should be changed more frequently.
and how can you go wrong?
 \\; Or you could change your oil every weekend......
 \\; I change my fluids a little sooner than needed.
 \\; Are people so **** about automobile tranny fluid changes?
Differential oil changed this decade?
 \\; I think 5000 miles is fine for some bikes......but most would qualify as
being used in "extreme conditions" and oil should be changed more frequently.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
RE: Oil change?
I ditch my oil about every 3000 miles or so. I never keep an accurate estimate of mileage, but it's certainly sooner than 5000 miles.
I run Red Line fluids, all 3 holes.
6 1/2 qts. Oil
1 qt. Primary
22 oz. Tranny
And last but not least, a groovy K&\\;N oil filter with that cute, yet \\;worthless, 17mm nut on the end.
 \\;
Chrome, of course!
I run Red Line fluids, all 3 holes.
6 1/2 qts. Oil
1 qt. Primary
22 oz. Tranny
And last but not least, a groovy K&\\;N oil filter with that cute, yet \\;worthless, 17mm nut on the end.
 \\;
Chrome, of course!