The MFG also recommends a suggested retail price for the bike.
I didn't agree with that either.

 

my primary oil is black at 3k , no way I'd go 10k

 

1,500-miles or 6-months for engine oil/filter, primary and trans....Better safe than sorry!

 

I change all three at 5k intervals, and I use synthetic in all but the primary.

 

The techs at Zion HD do the transmission and primary at 10,000 mile intervals, and engine at 5,000. I just checked the engine oil yesterday at 4600 miles, and it was 1/2 quart low, and looked as clean as when it was changed last. This was the standard HD oil. I run Syn3 in the warmer temperatures, just for grins.

IMO if you feel better about doing the changes more often, do it. I don't see the need.

 

I change my oil and filter every 2500 miles......and I use SYN.....cheap insurance....

 

I would definitely find out why your primary is black at 3000... there is something wrong going on. Black is usually an indication of "burning the clutch"... either it is not adjusted properly or you slip the clutch when taking off or sit still with it slipping and ready to go.

With the state of the art synthetics available today, longer intervals between fluid changes can be and should be adhered to... changing more often is wasteful.

 

You need to get that checked out...

 

I don't think it's BAD to change oil sooner than what the manufacturer recommends... I just think it is not really necessary... I have had no issues in 43000 miles and my fluids come out looking pretty clean for the way i drive. Plus 20000 miles per years i would be changing my fluids way too often. Again... i am not saying it's bad to change it earlier, Hey i know guys how ride 1500 miles a year and they change their oil once a year... If i only put tat many miles a year on a bike i guess i would change it at 1500 mile intervals. No use in throwing away perfectly good fluids. MSRP has nothing to do with bike maintenance,,,just saying.

 

I do all 3 with below fluids at around 7500 miles or twice a year. Oil analysys say I can go longer, but figure do all at same time and forget about.
Amsoil syn 20-50 engine
Amsoil syn 75-140 trans
H-D Formula+ primary