1st Harley maintenance question/s
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Oil has its own forum in the Tech section - probably the most over-done subject in HDF. Dyno and synth oils are all made to meet the same specs, so spend your money on whichever takes your fancy.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Amsoil in the crankcase, Redline V-Twin in the trans and Redline in MTL in the primary. That's been my choice for years. Can't go wrong with good synthetics fluids as long as they are the right type/weight for the application. Tons of different opinions on what to use.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 4
Since my bike is still under warranty I put in exactly what the manual says.......done it on all three Harleys I've owned and never had a problem. 
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 3
From: Sherwood Park AB Canada
While ATF in the Primary is good for clutch operation, it is not so good for the compensator. If you wind up with a problem with your comp while under warranty, HD may not cover it due to your use of ATF in the primary.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
Removing the filter can be sloppy and I leave the bike in the Jiffy stand, use tinfoil under the filter usually doubled up and then form a lip that goes toward the block and form into a trough to direct oil out past the footboards. Also have tried using a plastic water bottle , cuttin out a portion to allow it to slip over the filter and capture the oil. It worked pretty slick. Or you can spend some $ for a special filter drain gizmo which probably works really well.
I learned another method on this forum (I think MKGuitar - thanks!) about punching a hole in the bottom and top of the filter with a screwdriver after making a foil funnel. That drains the oil in the filter. No more oily mess!
As for types of oil, I get the non-VTwin Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 15-50 (about $25 for 5 quarts at walmart), HD Formula+ for primary and Redline Heavy with Shockproof. Engine oil change every 5K, the others at 10K. All running like butter. The key to not screwing up your extended warranty is to keep records and receipts of when you do the work.
You'll get lots of opinions here. Get the Service Manual and good luck.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Bristow, VA
Redline products are great, especially in the primary.
+1 on the messy oil filter replace. Have tried a bunch a different methods (might try punching the holes method next), but bottom line be ready for a little clean-up.
I also replace the gaskets on all plugs and primary (derby cover).
In addition to the manual, I also invested in Fix My Hog videos and internet videos. They are great to use! Watching these prior to service prevents a lot of screw-ups and provides time savers. I also watch YouTube videos, but just use a little caution they may not be in accordance with factory specs and also may be working on a different year/model than your bike.
Enjoy! I just started doing my own maintenance at 20K, and is second only to riding in my enjoyment of Harley's.
+1 on the messy oil filter replace. Have tried a bunch a different methods (might try punching the holes method next), but bottom line be ready for a little clean-up.
I also replace the gaskets on all plugs and primary (derby cover).
In addition to the manual, I also invested in Fix My Hog videos and internet videos. They are great to use! Watching these prior to service prevents a lot of screw-ups and provides time savers. I also watch YouTube videos, but just use a little caution they may not be in accordance with factory specs and also may be working on a different year/model than your bike.
Enjoy! I just started doing my own maintenance at 20K, and is second only to riding in my enjoyment of Harley's.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
If and when you try the punching holes in the oil filter trick, which works well especially if you let the warmed up bike drain over night, When you punch the second hole watch out for oil spraying out the first hole.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
One other thing...make sure you check all the fasteners. It takes about an hour or so and a couple of beers and is well worth it. Don't miss hidden spots like where the shift linkage connects to the transmission, mounts for saddlebags, etc. I just go through every 5K or so to make sure things are snugged up. Simple stuff that the dealer may or may not do as part of a regular service.