LOW mileage oil change necessary?
#11
07-02-2008, 09:35 AM
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
The bike hasn't been ridden enough to have many break in particles in the oil. \\; If that were the case, HD would recommend changing the break in oil at 300 miles. \\; Granted it may have some moisture but a good couple of hours of riding will take care of that. \\; If you are really sweating it but want to save some money, just change the oil and leave the original filter.
 \\;
So, read all the recommendations here then flip a coin. \\; Heads... change it. \\; Tails... leave it be. \\; Either way, you'll be fine.
 \\;
So, read all the recommendations here then flip a coin. \\; Heads... change it. \\; Tails... leave it be. \\; Either way, you'll be fine.
#13
07-02-2008, 09:46 AM
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
Check the dipstick. Get a clean paper towel and wipe it off. The color should be a light amber color, just a bit lighter than honey. No particles should be seen. If thats the case, your doin alright! Oil needs be changed after the breakin period and like others have stated, your ok. Over actual running time, the oil will start to break down and will eventually get to the point that all the blow by particles (the stuff that turns oil dirty) cant get filtered by the oil filter. 300 miles I highly doubt thats the case. NOW GET OUT THERE AND RIDE HER! The bike that is. \\;\\\\\\;
#15
07-02-2008, 09:58 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
ORIGINAL: oldgeezer
The bike hasn't been ridden enough to have many break in particles in the oil. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; If that were the case, HD would recommend changing the break in oil at 300 miles. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Granted it may have some moisture but a good couple of hours of riding will take care of that. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; If you are really sweating it but want to save some money, just change the oil and leave the original filter.
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
So, read all the recommendations here then flip a coin. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Heads... change it. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Tails... leave it be. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Either way, you'll be fine.
The bike hasn't been ridden enough to have many break in particles in the oil. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; If that were the case, HD would recommend changing the break in oil at 300 miles. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Granted it may have some moisture but a good couple of hours of riding will take care of that. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; If you are really sweating it but want to save some money, just change the oil and leave the original filter.
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
So, read all the recommendations here then flip a coin. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Heads... change it. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Tails... leave it be. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Either way, you'll be fine.
 \\;\\\\\\;
The majority of metal particles enter the oil system on initial start up and the first ride... this is the foreign material that enters the engine at the build table. The filter should be able to trap this material. \\;\\\\\\; After the first 100 or so miles the only real foreign material will be from the seating of the rings.
#16
07-02-2008, 10:12 AM
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
I'm assuming when you say "only 300 miles" thats total since new?
If that's correct, I'd change it out.
Lots of metal shards in the break-in oil and it's cheap insurance.
 \\;
Krusr
If that's correct, I'd change it out.
Lots of metal shards in the break-in oil and it's cheap insurance.
 \\;
Krusr
#17
07-02-2008, 10:15 AM
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
As you can see, you're getting opinions on both sides of the fence. The main thing is - oil and filter change are cheap, makes you feel good, your engine will like you better - DO IT!!!
#18
07-02-2008, 10:21 AM
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RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
Lets see... 10 months... 300 miles.. averages out to 30 miles a month. I say the bike has rarely gotten up to operating temp and allowed to cool again, and condensing. Water in the oil isnt good. I would change it just cause I could.
bob
bob
#19
07-02-2008, 12:17 PM
RE: LOW mileage oil change necessary?
Harmful acids build up in oil when an engine is used,due to the oil absorbing acids from the exhaust gas. \\; When and engine is not run long enough to get to normal engine temperature for a reasonable period of time the condensation that may build up in your engine due to the engine cooling, is also bad for any engine. \\; \\; Your first oil change is very important, to remove foulings. \\; Your 1st oil change should have been at 1,000 miles. \\; The next should be at 5,000 according to HD maintenance manuals, and every 5,000 after for the engine oil.
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Change the oil, it can only benefit the life of your engine to do so.
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Change the oil, it can only benefit the life of your engine to do so.
