Oil change question

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Aug 12, 2008 | 07:27 PM

spizzyman

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 958

Likes: 1

From: Birch Bay, WA

Oil change question

My "new" bike has been ridden under 300 miles since mid-2005 and its last oil change. It was changed with Harley Syn3 2050. I have the service records and until it got basically parked, the original owner had it religiously serviced; parts lubed, tightened, new tire and battery and the list goes on.

My question: will oil that old be OK for a 800 mile trip this weekend or does it require changing before I leave? Time is tight, so if I don't have to, I would like to change it when I get back. But I don't want to risk old oil damaging the scoot.

Opinions?

spiz

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:35 PM

klarson8

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Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 87

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From: aiken, sc

change it!

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:39 PM

jcbpa

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 1,750

Likes: 2

From: Bucks County PA

Change it, it will take 20 minutes and you will not second guess anything.

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:41 PM

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,675

Likes: 95

From: Billings,Mt.

With the bike sitting long,I would change it.Wouldnt hurt to change the other oils either.Also check your battery,tire pressure,etc-.

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:47 PM

ngoti8tor

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 2,206

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From:

It's a no-brainer! CHANGE IT !
There's always a chance that there was condensation from storage. Why take a chance for the small price of an oil change?

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:48 PM

spizzyman

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 958

Likes: 1

From: Birch Bay, WA

Yeah, I thought it might go that way. It's a good thing I will be taking Friday off. I can change it in the morning before I leave.

Thanks,

spiz

Aug 12, 2008 | 07:53 PM

Arizona

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,878

Likes: 17

From: The Desert SouthWest

Yeah it's not worth the risk. Since lubrication is the single most important thing to a motor it's just better to change it.

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Aug 12, 2008 | 08:03 PM

biz44

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,424

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From: Hoboken, New Jersey

If your going on a 800 mile trip on the bike, and it has been sitting for a long time without running. I would change all the fluids (engine oil, trans, and primary). I would also flush out the fuel tank....by draining the old fuel, and then pour in some fresh gas....splash it around in the tank a bit....spill it out, and then fill it with the fuel of your choice. I would REPLACE the battery....or at the very least, remove it from the bike, and take it somewhere and have it load tested. Lube all the cables, check the condition of the tires, and brakes. Make sure your air pressure is set. There are a few other things that you could be done just to be on the safe side, but I cant think of any more right now.