Winter Storage
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
One day my friend, one day.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
OP: not to worry my man - your motor will not self destruct in 2-4 months of storage because you didn't change the oil. Just change it out on regular intervals and you'll be fine.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I can't help but wonder what the annual mileage is on those that keep bringing up that they can ride year around because they live in the south. I just passed 20,000 miles for the year and am still going. Last year I put them away early and the winter was so mild that I could have went out every month.
I cut the insurance off when they go into storage so I can't just go out it the weather is good.. This year I will leave two insured and one is the 2WD Ural. Can't wait for the first big storm!
I cut the insurance off when they go into storage so I can't just go out it the weather is good.. This year I will leave two insured and one is the 2WD Ural. Can't wait for the first big storm!
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
Hi!
I just purchased a 2011 Ultra Classic and have put only 1,500 miles on the bike since my purchase. At the time I bought the bike the dealer serviced the bike (changed engine, transmission, and primary oil). I usually put my bike in storage over the winter months (Nov-March). Since the bike's oil only has 1,500 miles of use, should I still change the oil and filter before I store the bike for the winter? Thanks! RLJ
I just purchased a 2011 Ultra Classic and have put only 1,500 miles on the bike since my purchase. At the time I bought the bike the dealer serviced the bike (changed engine, transmission, and primary oil). I usually put my bike in storage over the winter months (Nov-March). Since the bike's oil only has 1,500 miles of use, should I still change the oil and filter before I store the bike for the winter? Thanks! RLJ
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,242
Likes: 3,262
From: west Michigan
I'd leave the primary and trans oil alone but change the motor oil if it looks much darker than fresh oil.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
If it is close to the regular interval I go ahead and change, otherwise I leave it as is. When the weather is good enough to ride in the winter months I like to take it out without worrying about running old oil.
I have always been a believer in changing out my oil/filter for winter storage but thinking this year will be an exception. I have 2300 miles on my oil from my trip to B/B/BBQ but my last ride was a 710 mile interstate ride home from Fayettville. With the improvements in todays oils I have no concerns about leaving it in the motor. Heck, even todays car mfr's have 5/6/10/15k oil change intervals. I'd just want to have the oil heated up to normal riding temps on the last ride to burn up condensation ...