Hi Folks,

What engine oil should I use in a 1997 road king. Does it have a wet clutch?

I inherited the bike from my late Father and it has not been used for the last two years and I want to change the oil before I use it. The bike has only done 2000 miles so I think the oil filter will still be okay.

Please bear in mind that the brands of oil we can get here in the UK may be different from what is available in the US.

Mant thanks.

sax man

 

Change the filter with the oil change. If you are keeping the bike, pick up a service manual from HD. Your bike takes 20w50 motor oil. Put about 3.5 quarts in. It does have a wet clutch and you should fill the primary until the fluid just covers the bottom of the clutch basket (generally about 1 qt). The tranny takes 20-24oz and you should run 22oz. I would run a good 75/90 gear oil or something like Redline Shockproof Heavy if available over there. The primary you can use Dexron III ATF or some folks run motor oil in it or HD Formula+ I would also change your brake fluid. Do get a manual though because you should do all the critical fasteners, check chain tension, belt tension, etc.

 

Welcome to HDF from the UK. You can hardly expect north American owners to know what oil to recommend you use in the UK!

As suggested, change the oil filter with your oil. That really is a given. Change all the oils. You can get the correct oils from your local friendly Harley dealer or independent. If your dad had a factory workshop manual dig it out and refer to it for servicing info.

 

Thanks for your advice, it may seem trivial but my nearest Harley dealer is over an hour away.

I also ride a Honda Deauville which I don't think you have in the US but with that bike I can go to my local dealer and buy motor cycle oil to the spec in the handbook.

I'm pretty sure the Harley manual quotes Harley part numbers which doesn't help sort out the right grades.

 

For further help send me a private message (click on my name above).

 

I agree with changing the filter and getting the Service Manual, but get a Part Catalog too.

I strongly disagree with the suggestion that you use Automatic Transmission Fluid in the Primary. In the Primary there is a Chain and Clutch Plates to lubricate. ATF does not have the lubrication factors for the chain and has additives that can hurt the plates and seals. You can use Harley Oil or get Amsoil. When you get the Service manual, you will see the fluids to use.