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Time between Oil Changes

 
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  #1  
Old 03-30-2008 | 09:23 AM
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TimC
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Default Time between Oil Changes

I generally change the oil in my bikes about every 5,000 miles and use Syn3. Last summer I ended up car pooling with my son quite a bit and so did not put too many miles on the bikes. So now I'm wondering if I should change the oil based on time rather than mileage. I know oils can also breakdown over time due to moisture intrusion, etc
 
  #2  
Old 03-30-2008 | 09:33 AM
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Mike1433
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

Hey Tim,

I'm no expert, but I'll share my view on the subject with you. I change the oil in my Dyna, which is my daily rider, every 3000 miles. I know the manual says every 5K, but some habits are hard to break. In those lucky times in my life when I have had a second bike that did not get much mileage, I changed the oil once in the spring and once in the fall.
 
  #3  
Old 03-30-2008 | 10:44 AM
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Lost1
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

If you ride less than 5k a year, then change the oil annually. Over 5k a year then do it every 4k-5k miles.

I ride 8k-10k miles a year, & I change it every 4k-5k miles using synthetic.
The OL's Softail and my kid's Sportster only see about 3k-5k a year, so they get the oil changed annually.
 
  #4  
Old 03-30-2008 | 12:03 PM
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

I always start off every spring with fresh oil, then every 3k.
 
  #5  
Old 03-30-2008 | 12:06 PM
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jerseyjeff62
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

ORIGINAL: Lost1

If you ride less than 5k a year, then change the oil annually. Over 5k a year then do it every 4k-5k miles.

I ride 8k-10k miles a year, & I change it every 4k-5k miles using synthetic.
The OL's Softail and my kid's Sportster only see about 3k-5k a year, so they get the oil changed annually.
with the current gas prices most will put more than that on thier bikes i would think.
 
  #6  
Old 03-30-2008 | 12:25 PM
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Lost1
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

ORIGINAL: jerseyjeff62

ORIGINAL: Lost1

If you ride less than 5k a year, then change the oil annually. Over 5k a year then do it every 4k-5k miles.

I ride 8k-10k miles a year, & I change it every 4k-5k miles using synthetic.
The OL's Softail and my kid's Sportster only see about 3k-5k a year, so they get the oil changed annually.
with the current gas prices most will put more than that on thier bikes i would think.
I agree 100%. My OL & kid will definitely be putting more than 3k on theirs this year... [:-]
 
  #7  
Old 03-30-2008 | 04:44 PM
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KBFXDLI
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

ORIGINAL: Lost1

If you ride less than 5k a year, then change the oil annually. Over 5k a year then do it every 4k-5k miles.
+1 change the engine oil at least annually due to moisture & combustion corrosive by products. If you are running synthetic 75w90 or higher gear oil in the trans then 15-20,000 miles or every 2 years. Primary 5000 or annually
 
  #8  
Old 04-12-2008 | 03:57 PM
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madcritter
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

when I was using dino oil in my 92 FLTC I changed about every 2,500 to 2,800. I changed to Amsoil but will still change it by 3,000 miles I'm pushing 38,000 miles still running strong. Oil it's the life blood ofmy bike and I'll keep it changed all three holes at the same time. Might be over kill but if it breaks it will not be because of dirty oil if I can help it.
 
  #9  
Old 04-13-2008 | 07:50 AM
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WildBill2566
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

Anything from 4000 to 6000 miles depending on when I am able to get it done, if I'm on a trip I dont loose any sleep if it has to go 6000.
 
  #10  
Old 04-14-2008 | 09:01 PM
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iclick
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Default RE: Time between Oil Changes

Using a synthetic you can go 5k or more unless you ride on dusty roads or make numerous short trips where the oil never thoroughly warms up, both of which are hard on oil. If you don't make 5k in a year I would make one-year my interval.


 


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