Hey guys, I am new to motorcycling and I just bought my first Harley. I was told it was very important to change the oil before putting it up for the winter. Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.

 

Yes, I pray we have a short winter.




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Theres so much crap in the old oil that will lay in the oil tank I allways change my oil in nov or dec allways

 

What is winter storage? If there isn't ice on the road go riding that's the best thing you can do for oyur bike!

 

Oh yea, and always change the oil before storage.

 

I also allways fill the tank with gas to stop water from building up in the tank. I put a good coat of wax put her away

 

I just changed my oil. What's this "storage" thing you are talking about?

 

My thoughts are not to change the oil but to put in an oil additive that helps to make motor oil stick. An example is STP Oil Treatment. Run the bike about 15 or 20 minutes to warm it up, put in the additive and run another 15 or 20 minutes. Store the bike. When the bike is ready to come out of storage change the oil then. I am saying this thinking you are just winter storing (3 or 4 months) your bike and not something like a a year or two. There is no need IMHO to change oil and then change again when coming out of storage. And under no circunstance drive the bike very long with the oil tratment in it after storage. This is what we did with lawnmowers, tractors and other small engines when storing them and never had any major problems with the engines. There is just not enough acids or contaninants in normal bike oil to cause corroison in your engine.

 

Not so much. Here in MD we get a little riding in the winter, so I just go by mileage.

 

Heard and read both ways... I will ride if we get decent sunny day during the winter... like to see at least 48-49 or higher temp....and theres no snow or ice and the salts been washed away....