PG has forgotten more about the ironhead engine than most of us will ever know, given a choice i'll take his advice over yours, technology notwithstanding. Jackass.

 

Heh-Heh, why does the name 09DynaMan make me think maybe this guy rides something other than an ironhead?
Or, maybe he has an ironhead and one of those shiny new chromed up fancy scoots as well.
pg

 

I did not realise that you would call me a jackass.
I now realise, as a result of this name calling, that there is no need to filter oil in a 1974 Sportster engine, and that PG has a right to make any statement he wants , correct or otherwise.
Thank you for being so helpful and mature.
Just for the record, I have owned numerous ironheads, AND HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ANYTHING.
You may be a little short in the knowledge and experience department, but I am not.
Why the name calling?????????
Please grow up.
Of course the oil should be filtered. Thats why they filter it now.
I will make no judgement about the bikes you may or may not ride. Why do you try to pretend that you know anything of the bikes I ride?
Why would you even want to?
An oil filter is a better option than constant oil changes.
Why argue?

 

I am a grumpy bastard, that's why I name call, that combined with I don't think you gave PG enough respect so that makes you a jackass in my book. Just personal opinion, no need to get butthurt over it. And I'm never growing up, being an adult sucks. Now that I've dispensed with that:

You know why an oil filter is a bad idea? Because frequent oil changes will keep the engine just as nice, without the cushion. You know, that " yeah I should change the oil in my scoot but I forgot to buy the dog food, I'll do it next check." Cuz it's not that an oil filtration system does't help the engine, although like PG points out, where the aftermarket system goes does make me raise an eyebrow, but that it keeps us from being lazy. And that's human nature, if we have an excuse not to do something, we aren't going to do it.

 

I agree with Pinion that 1k oil changes keep things running smoothly in pre-filter Irons. Heck, the so-called "horse hair" stock filter element fits in the drop-in can that goes in the side tanks won't filter anything much smaller than sand.

 

Oil change every 1k? Who can afford to change their oil every other week?

 

To this point, I had not mentioned the financial side.
I just wanted to stick to mechanical principles.
But, of course, you are so right, as most, I am sure, have already thought.
Far and away too expensive.
It is not oil degradation that is the mitigating factor for change intervals.
It is oil contamination.
A filter is essential on any engine.
HD know this.
That is why they no longer make any models without an oil filter.

 

To my way of understanding things is that in 1974 these machines were expected to burn 1 qt. of oil every 1,000 miles? If this being the case I would have to change my oil after it consumed only 1/3 of it's capacity? Sorry if you think I'm ignorant but to me that would mean every 3,000 miles you would be replenishing your oil due to consumption.

 

I use regular auto oil in my Iron, so more often changes, don't break the bank....I have a filter and change mine every 1500 miles.

I have the original owner's manual with my bike. It says a quart every 500 miles is normal....However, mine doesn't need oil added between changes.

 

The oil usage spec was in 1974.
It is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT NOW.
All that spec did was save HD a lot of warranty work.
It should never be construed as an acceptable guideline for any engine.
If you cannot build your ironhead to use only negligible amounts of oil, GIVE UP.