Time Between Oil Changes
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Some years I don't put 500 miles on the bike so it gets changed at the beginning of the season. Other years I change it after the big trip.
Regardless, I would not go 5000 miles, unless you did a trip that long. I would normally go 3000 miles and I use Syn3. Its not the oil that becomes the problem, its the filter. The more clogged it gets, the more the bypass activates and runs unfiltered oil through the engine. Think about that for a little while.
Regardless, I would not go 5000 miles, unless you did a trip that long. I would normally go 3000 miles and I use Syn3. Its not the oil that becomes the problem, its the filter. The more clogged it gets, the more the bypass activates and runs unfiltered oil through the engine. Think about that for a little while.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
At normal interval or one year whatever comes first. That is the standard no matter if syn or mineral. Amsoil states 30K miles or one year.
Nothing is gained by changing shorter intervals than the manufacturer recommends.
You can however waste money and a valuable resource - oil.
Nothing is gained by changing shorter intervals than the manufacturer recommends.
You can however waste money and a valuable resource - oil.
Last edited by lh4x4; Jun 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
At normal interval or one year whatever comes first. That is the standard no matter if syn or mineral. Amsoil states 30K miles or one year.
Nothing is gained by changing shorter intervals than the manufacturer recommends.
You can however waste money and a valuable resource - oil.
Nothing is gained by changing shorter intervals than the manufacturer recommends.
You can however waste money and a valuable resource - oil.
H-D recommends 5k intervals (no calendar requirement) using dino or syn, so I change at 5k. I'd change it annually anyway if mileage were less than 5k based only on my preference as a mechanic, knowing that not all bikes are garaged or otherwise protected from the elements.
I use Valvoline VR-1 dino, which has UOA's showing very good TBN remaining at 5k in TC96 engines with lower wear numbers than M1-VT & Syn 3, but I stick to HD's recommendation of 5k OCI.
I've never seen anyone leave Amsoil in to 30k in a HD, but would love to see a UOA w/TBN on it. I know it's a good oil and if it can walk the walk I'd be impressed...
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
I always change my oil before the bike gets put away for the winter. The acids that form in used oil don't do bearings and such any good for that long of a period.
Other than that, around every 4000 miles. If its near the end of the season and I'm already at 4000, I stretch it until I put the bike away.. even then I'm still under the 5K recommended interval.
Other than that, around every 4000 miles. If its near the end of the season and I'm already at 4000, I stretch it until I put the bike away.. even then I'm still under the 5K recommended interval.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 263
From: Southern California
6 months regardless of miles. Not so much because the oil might have worn out (which it hasn't) or the oil additive package has been consumed, (which I seriously doubt) but because I want to get rid of any accumulation of moisture in the system.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I definitely wouldn't say oil and filters are cheap for these bikes. $15 for a filter and $10 to $12 for a quart of Mobil 1. But I do agree, 5k miles for synthetic between oil changes.