(Correct section???)

I just did another oil change tonite, it had been 2000 miles since the last one. I am gonna ask a few different questions here, kinda all over the wall! First, how often should one do an oil change?

Here is my Sportys service history since purchase in late August 05.

10/1/05 - 1160mi Oil Change w/ Syn3

(Sometime in between) - 1300mi, 1k HD service, Oil Change w/ Syn3 and 1k stuff.

1/14/06 - 3383mi Oil Change w/ Syn3 SAE 20w50 (Question 2, is this the right oil???)


This is all I've done to the bike. Do I need to worry about tranny fluid? Fork fluid? Etc??? Do they do some of that in the HD 1k service?

Also, Harley installed my pipes and stage1... (Which is still carb farting... bleck.)

Any input would help, am I taking good care of my sporty? I'm tryin... :D

Also - I added 3 quarts today - and the dipstick shows 85% of the way up in between the two lines... is this good?

Lastly - I have an 05 sporty - I check the oil ON THE JIFFY STAND right? On the jiffy, not level like the older ones... I am almost sure of this already.

THANKS!!!

Gotta go wash my damn hands.

:smoke

Maintenance preferences vary between different people, but I like to do the following:

Engine oil & filter every 2500 miles.

Tranny oil every 5000 miles.

Fork oil once per year or every 10,000 miles.

Check/adjust primary chain tension every 5000 miles.

Check tire pressure at least once a week.

Check drive belt tension at every service.

I use 3 full quarts of engine oil when I change it, and it comes up 2/3's to 3/4's on the dipstick.

'04's and up get checked while on the jiffy stand.

Very well. I have been on par or better for oil changes then... I think I am going to have my local indy or HD do my 5k service... I will do oil changes in between.

Thanks.
Just cleaned her. Ha.

OK, I am by no means an expert on this subject .But isnt one of the benefits of using synthetic oil the fact that it lasts longer?Does it need changing every 2000 miles ,remembering that the 04+ bikes have a recommended service interval of 5000.

I intend to do my own servicing.If I change the oil every 2000 would it make more sense to stick with mineral oil?

OK, I am by no means an expert on this subject .But isnt one of the benefits of using synthetic oil the fact that it lasts longer?Does it need changing every 2000 miles ,remembering that the 04+ bikes have a recommended service interval of 5000.

I intend to do my own servicing.If I change the oil every 2000 would it make more sense to stick with mineral oil?
Not to me. Synthetic is going to flow better when cold, and hold up much better when extremely hot, regardless of whether it's changed at one, two, or three thousand miles.

I guess its not so bad for you guys in the U.S
Over here in U.K one quart of SYN3 is around $14.
If you want amsoil you can get it from one place at a cost of $20 per Quart + Delivery on top.

1/14/06 - 3383mi Oil Change w/ Syn3 SAE 20w50 (Question 2, is this the right oil???)

According to my indie mechanic 20W50 is the ONLY oil to use. I wish I could remember his expanation, but it sounded pretty convincing at the time! Also mineral (Revtech), rather than synthetic and to change it every 2,500 miles. He also said that he wouldn't use synthetic oil in the primary (can glaze the clutch plates?). Revtech Gear and Chaincase Lube (same as HD Sport-Trans Fluid) is the one he would go for (and yes he does sell it!) and he said to change it twice a year, but I suppose that depends on your mileage. I'd do it every other oil change or annually.

I know that synthetic seems to be the way to go, especially with the newer bikes, but I am yet to be convinced that it will be the right thing to use in my bike.

Hope this helps.

I just changed my oil (first change on a bike for me) used Revtech Ultimate protection 20w50 oil (dino oil) <-- supposed to exceed HD recommendations. And Revtech's chain and gear lube for sportsters. @ over $4 a quart it had better be good stuff :) Synthetic or Dino oil is really a personal preference (and how deep your willing to gouge your wallet) Ive never used a synthetic and probably never will. <---- MY OPINION!!! (no i didnt write the bible):shhhh :roflblack