maintenance intervals
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
maintenance intervals
I took my bike in for the 1000K maintenance and was told that I should bring it in every 2500 miles for oil change etc. Is this necessary? The owners manual suggests 5000 mile intervals. I even switched to synthetics which are supposed to last even longer. I feel the smoke being blown up my a@@ from the dealer but I don't want to void my warranty either. Can I still do my own maintenance w/o voiding my warranty?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,920
Likes: 6
From: Upstate New York
RE: maintenance intervals
murph... books says 5000,,,,, but for peace of mind,,, I change at least motor oil and filter every 2,500..... hell your car does,, why not 2 cyl.engine..
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: maintenance intervals
Haven't had any experience with using synthetic motor oil in my Harley, but I 'normally' change the regular dino oil every 2500-3000 miles. All depending on how the bike was used, how hot the outside temps were, etc. If I'm just hammering down the interstate on a trip, I'll let it go to 3K. Around town it's more like 2.5K. Swap the primary oil at the same time also. Tranny oil goes every other change (I also do the clutch adjust then). The amount of time the oil has spent in the bike matters too. You can put 3K on in less than a week, or can take all summer to do it. The way I look at it, oil is cheap compared to a new motor. And an air-cooled motor needs it's oil to help with cooling.
As far as warranty issues, if the manual states 5K: Then I'd make certain that I had the oil changed at that point. Even if I'd done it at say 2.5K. I'm a bit paranoid of The MoCo and their 'stealers when it pertains to warranties, so I'd probably just have the dealer do it...I think it's supposed to be part of the 5K service...Isn't it? Follow their rules...Until the warranty expires. Then you own it.
As far as warranty issues, if the manual states 5K: Then I'd make certain that I had the oil changed at that point. Even if I'd done it at say 2.5K. I'm a bit paranoid of The MoCo and their 'stealers when it pertains to warranties, so I'd probably just have the dealer do it...I think it's supposed to be part of the 5K service...Isn't it? Follow their rules...Until the warranty expires. Then you own it.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
RE: maintenance intervals
Ok All...The Moco woke up in 2004 when they increased the standard warranty from one to two years on the bikes. The mainenance intervals were also doubled. They are not the same as they were and that is because of the quality of machine has greatly improved and that was the reason for the change. I change mine every 5000 like the book says and since I have synthetic oil, it still traps the dirt in the oil, but does not break down. Changing the oil is no big deal and should not be thought of as one. Just chnge the filter each time and you are good to go. Spend more time riding and less time wrenching.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
RE: maintenance intervals
being that I took it in for the 1K and now it's "due" for the 2.5K, that's only a difference of 1500 miles! That's why I feel like the dealer is blowing smoke up my a@@! When they switched Harley brand synthetics at 1K they said that the engine would run cooler (which it does) and the oil wouldn't break down as fast. They also used one type of oil for all cases. Engine, trans, clutch it's all the same. They said they do it on all of the bikes they service and have found that it greatly extends engine life. Synthetics in cars usually go up to 7k before a change.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: maintenance intervals
Posseride runs Amsoil in his bike. He changes it every 10k, I believe. It works for him.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
RE: maintenance intervals
I too believe if you run synthetic no need to change sooner than 5000 miles. I think the tranny is supposed to go 20,000 now and the primary 10,000. Sure won't see the stealer giving you a break because they no longer have to check the primary chain tension on 07's. They want to change the fluids because it takes very little effort and experise and makes them tons of money.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
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From: Vermont
RE: maintenance intervals
ORIGINAL: Sportshot
...they no longer have to check the primary chain tension on 07's.
...they no longer have to check the primary chain tension on 07's.