I run Amsoil in my bike (2014 FLHTK) and my wife's(2013 FLHR). We both ride around 3,000 miles a summer on average. My question is should i change the engine oil before winter or can i get away with getting another season out of oil before changing engine oil. Any and All answers appreciated. Thanks, PaUltraBob

 

Check the owner's manual

 

With only 3 thousand miles yes you can get away with it but I always change my oil before I put it up for the winter. I don`t like the idea of that old motor oil staying in the bike for 5 or 6 months.

 

Oil doesn't care if it's winter or summer. It cares about the mileage.

 

When you change the tires summer air to winter air, change the oil too.


JK: I change the fluids after it comes out of storage.

 

I come from the school of change your oil before letting it sit all winter. There's supposedly bad things lurking in the oil that can wreak havoc on your engines internals. Since you average 3k a year why not change it before you put it up for the winter and then you'll be ready to roll in the spring?

 

What is this storage, you speak of?

 

I'm with TSheff, what is this storage thing? Surely you don't mean like parking the bike for several months, and not riding it...

 

Well we live in southwestern Pa. and we can get some Snow and Ice for a few months. Most people put their bikes away in storage for winter or do projects to their bikes in the down time of not being able to ride. I'm not one to venture out in Cold weather therefore I put my motorcycle in storage. Thanks, PaUltraBob

 

Fully understand, I was just joking with you.

I've always read/heard you should change the oil and filter before parking a bike. Used oil can contain acids that can attack internal parts.

Some will remove the spark plugs, spray a fogging oil into the cylinders, or pour a small amount of oil into them, reinstall the plugs and crank the engine over to coat the cylinder walls.

Fill the gas tank to protect the inside from rusting, some will add a fuel stabilizer. I put a stabilizer in the gas during the winter since there are times the bike might have to sit for a few weeks because of snow/ice/salt, etc...

Hook a battery tender to the battery, I like to put something between the tires and the damp concrete floor, and you should be good to go as far as storage.