Experienced HD Riders Please Assist
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 867
Likes: 17
From: Brentwood, TN
I'm planning on picking up some oil tonight to change out the break-in stuff. I'll have just shy of 500 miles on by the time I get home. That being said, I think I'm going to stick with dino oil because I come from the school of 3000 mile oil changes. Always have and always will. Plus, I've been reading some things on this site about the use of synthetics too early increasing your chances of leaks. Not sure what to make of that but I guess standard dino oil has been around running our motors for years and years. I guess I'll stick with that. That being said, what dino oil comes the most highly recommended?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
All those sounds are normal (damn I sound like an HD service writter now).
Keep your r.p.m.s above 2,500 when cruising. Lugging these motors is the worst thing you can do to them.
FYI: Dawg is the most reliable, reasonable HD intelligent person we have on this forum. You would do no harm in doing anything he says.
Keep your r.p.m.s above 2,500 when cruising. Lugging these motors is the worst thing you can do to them.
FYI: Dawg is the most reliable, reasonable HD intelligent person we have on this forum. You would do no harm in doing anything he says.
1) You're going to hear a lot more engine noise especially with a fairing. I'm assuming your prior Yamaha didn't have a fairing.
2) Unless you've changed the gearing on the bike, I wouldn't shift into 6th gear until 70-75mph.
3) Could be the auto chain tensioner you are hearing or the compensator.
2) Unless you've changed the gearing on the bike, I wouldn't shift into 6th gear until 70-75mph.
3) Could be the auto chain tensioner you are hearing or the compensator.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Everyone has given you some good advice, especially Dawg. But listen, at about a thousand miles, (I did it at 500) drop that transmission fluid, and throw in some Redline Heavy Duty Shockproof Gear oil. Just so you know it's the right stuff, it will look like Pepto Bismol. You will notice an immediate improvement in your transmission, and the clunks, and bangs while shifting. I've got easily 500,000 miles with Redline products and Harley's, and I've never had a single problem with any of my transmissions. Once you're broken in, you'll probably switch to Synthetic Oil as well. You'll be surprised to find that with that your engine will even get a little noisier. I'm running Mobil 1 20W50W, and that combination seems to work very well for me. Keep us posted on what happens. You'll get used to the different sounds. Good Luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
I'm planning on picking up some oil tonight to change out the break-in stuff. I'll have just shy of 500 miles on by the time I get home. That being said, I think I'm going to stick with dino oil because I come from the school of 3000 mile oil changes. Always have and always will. Plus, I've been reading some things on this site about the use of synthetics too early increasing your chances of leaks. Not sure what to make of that but I guess standard dino oil has been around running our motors for years and years. I guess I'll stick with that. That being said, what dino oil comes the most highly recommended?
Also nothing wrong with HD Dino other than it's price. Many users self included run good quality heavy Duty engine Oil (HDEO) with a combined (CI-4 plus/SL) diesel and passenger car rating.
My 09 manual says in the event of non availability of HD oil to use a diesel spec CF-4 or CG-4 or CH-4 or CI-4) however the first 2 are fairly outdated specs.
This tells me that the HD dino is actually a diesel spec oil in my opinion. I run CI-4 plus/SL spec with great results.
As to what is recommended is a minefield. I suggest you do some research on the BITOG site http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
Lots of "good oil" info there and a motorcycle specific lube forum.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Thanks to everyone for the excellent replies. I picked up some HD 360 20w50 last night and made the quick change. Now that I have the break-in oil changed and over 500 miles on the bike I wonder if I can open it up a bit more?? I'll probably play it safe and keep doing what I've been doing until after my 1000 mile service.
This site is certainly another good one. I didn't think I'd find as good of a site than I belonged to before but it appears I did. I look forward to many years to come.
Thanks everyone.
This site is certainly another good one. I didn't think I'd find as good of a site than I belonged to before but it appears I did. I look forward to many years to come.
Thanks everyone.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
I've been varrying my speed as much as feasable. Generally I'm at or above 2500 RPM. The bike hasn't seen an RPM higher than 3300 yet. I'm fairly sure there's been no 'lugging' to this point.
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Buckeye, AZ
Hey Chief! Welcome! We also came from Yamaha in '07, Royal Star Venture to a Road Glide, now with a Street Glide. We ride 2 up all the time. Both bikes have stage 1. I don't use 6th gear unless 75 or better, and flat or downhill, just lugs the engine. Noises are normal, except clattering, ie detonation, avoid that! Have fun putting the miles on!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 12
From: Idaho
Chief congrats on the new ride. I have a 2012 rode king and I am adjusting to the noise it makes as well. What I have learned is that the valve train adjust auto as well as the primary. As for shifting not knowing drove me nuts too so I installed the combo tac speedo that harley sells. total cost out the door was 330. At 70 the tac is at 2800 rpm. So the advice on shifting between 70-75 is spot on. In 5th gear at 70 I tac 3k. At 80 in 6th gear I tac 3k too. At 500 miles I just started riding as I always do and I find I rarely go over 4k. The engine noticably changes sound between 3500 and 4k.