So tired of the $60.00 oil changes!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
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From: Potsdam, NY
That's what the oil filter is for, to remove suspended particles. It is not the oils job to suspend contaminates.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
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+ 1 paranoid when you change oil too often...waste of money. Got a friend who used Harley DINO oil, then switched to HARLEY synthetic oil...did it at 5000 mile intervals , Bike now has 135000 miles and never had any issues. I know sounds incredible , but true story... done normal maintenance, still runs strong...Harley Rocks!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Southeastern Michigan
I change mine every 5000 just like the manual says however I might change the filter more often. I never put the bike away for any period of time without having the oil up to temp for at least 30 minutes to make sure that the condensation has been removed. No short runs in cool or cold weather. The oil is always clean in appearance, never dark. Mobil 20 - 50 V-Twin Oil. IMO.
Last edited by Gator454; Apr 9, 2011 at 05:42 PM. Reason: Added Brand of Oil
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
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From: Charlotte, N.C.
It removes larger particles not smaller contaminates like carbon and it also does nothing to remove moisture and acidity. This is why oil gets dirty weather you change the filter or not note the black color and the thicker viscosity when you compare used oil to new.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
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From: Charlotte, N.C.
I didn't mean to come off rude. I meant that it seems cheaper to me to put a little more money into maintenance than to have to make potential engine repairs. Times are tough for all of us and IMO a little extra maintenance seems like the more economical route. Just my .02
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Sacramento, CA.
I'm running HD dino & when I get to 5000 miles I'll use Redline & change every 5000. I would keep running the HD dino but want that extra cooling & protection. I'm running Redline Shock Proof in tranny now & HD F in primary. Oil is cheap compared to all the money spent on goodies. I'd rather spend the money on top shelf oil than a bunch of chome parts that don't do **** for your bike. Just my 2 cents.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Since PACCAR (Peterbuilt Kenworth) recommends severe service oil changes at 8,000 miles with dino oil on the new Paccar engines I don't see a problem with most any oil for 5,000 on Harleys.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
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From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
There's been a million threads on oil changes, and I'm one for clean oil. Mine is changed every three thousand no matter what. With over 81K, I'm satisfied that frequent changes make for a sound, long lasting motor. Old school, maybe; but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm using Mobil 1 15W50W in the crank, Redline Heavy duty Shockproof in the gear box, and Harley Primary oil. It just works!