Service Interval?

jberg · #1 10-06-2009, 09:27 AM

Dealer claims that the factory recommends 2,500 mi oil changes (all three) and 5,000 mi full services because we are assumed to be doing "rough service in this part of the country".
With synthetic oil I intend to follow the recommendations in the manual and do 5,000 mile oil changes and 10,000 mile full fluid changes. (Full service regarding adjustments, etc. at 10,000 miles.)
Is there any reasonable arguement for 2,500 mile full services with synthetic fluids?

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mainshaft · #2 10-06-2009, 09:51 AM

I don't see a reason for it, oil at 5K and tranny and primary every 10K along with other preventive measures and you will be fine.

hawg20 · #3 10-06-2009, 10:07 AM

I helped my friend change the fluids in his 05 RK yesterday. His manul said change all three every 5000. My manual 09 EG said 5000 engine, 10,000 primary, 20,000 on the trans. I was shocked at the difference. I know he has a 88ci, 5 speed verses a 96ci, 6 speed. I'll never let my trans go 20,000 miles, it only hold 1 qt. cost $10-$16.

Sandcrab · #4 10-06-2009, 10:32 AM

I believe it depends on how long you ride. If your rides are short, the weather cold, the oil should be changed sooner because of the condensation is not evaporated out of the engine.

But if your rides are longer, then the 5K mile interval is good.

todd-67 · #5 10-06-2009, 11:09 AM

I run synthetic and I am following the 5k-10k-10k intervals. I do agree with Sandcrab though. Typically my rides are 100miles or better.

Now the dealer told me the 2.5k interval thing (motor only) and not to switch to synthetic until the 5k service.

petemac · #6 10-06-2009, 11:14 AM

My dealer told me I need to change all 3 every 500 miles. I appreciate them looking out for me and my bike.

Our07Ultra · #7 10-06-2009, 11:30 AM

I do all 3 of mine every 5000. Syn in all 3 holes.
Fork oil every 15,000

jberg · #8 10-06-2009, 11:30 AM

I guess they would call that upselling. Every quick change oil center does the same thing. In their view all driving is "rough service" and requires frequent fluid changes.
My buddy puts about 1500 miles a year on his Heritage. He needs to change his oil every year.
I put close to 10,000 on mine. I'll stick to the 5K 10K scenario. Thanks again for all the great insight.

OhioSkully · #9 10-06-2009, 12:04 PM

I run amsoil the book says 5,000 engine, 10,000 primary and 20,000 on tranny i have always dropped the oil between 3,500 and 4 to 5,000 with no issues, on the primary i let started letting it goe closer to the 10k mark and this time on my tranny i let it go to 15,000 just to see. And the tranny have very little color change compared to new oil. Last time i let it go to 9,000 on the tranny and dropping new oil on white sheet and the 9,000 mile oil on the same sheet you could not tell a color difference barely between the two. I ride alot and have 40,000 on a 2yr old bike.

iclick · #10 10-06-2009, 01:03 PM

A 2500-mile interval on engine oil might be appropriate if you're running fossil oil, but synthetic can easily go 5k between changes. I suppose if you live on a dirt road or do parade duty every week, you might want to change more often, but the factory recommendation is fine for normal duty with synthetic oil.

The primary looks contaminated by clutch material at 5k, so I change it at that interval. How many manual-tranny cars have you seen that require any oil change interval? I haven't, but still plan on changing mine at 20k as per the manual. Fork oil will be changed every 20k as per my write-up.

If the dealer is recommending 2500-mile intervals for all three holes he is trying to gouge you, pure and simple.