I have always felt it best to go to the Harley dealer for the first 1000 mile check up, but one of my friends has been trying to talk me into taking it to a shop that specializes in the Sportster. They are qualified or certified to do all the work, but if a warranty issue arises then it has to go to the Harley dealer. I have had some questionable dealings with the Harley dealer as one service manager tried to talk me into putting synthetic oil on the first change and I heard from others this is not a good idea. Consequenty, my opinon of the dealer is not the best. Any thoughts on dealer or local bike shop.

 

It's really your choice.
And my Sporty runs on Synthetic

 

I had the HarleySyn3 put in my 1200C at the 1,000 miles service, both the engine and tranny, the oil temp is a good 20 degrees cooler and0 oil consumption since. It used ahalf quart in the first 500 miles. I runSynthetic in all my vehicles, lawnmower, emergency generator, tiller and edger.

 

Well I think the dealer was steering you in the right direction, you can't go wrong with putting in syn at 1000 miles. The break in period is 500 miles for a sporty so everything should be fine by then. I would just take it to the dealer and let them do the inspection.

 

If they suck, they suck. It does not matter what they think, you are the customer & you were not wrong.

 

I think he was tried to steer you right I use Mobil1 oils in mine. I don't understand if you never dealt with the service manger why would you feel that way.

 

I understand why you think it would be a bad idea to go synthetic so soon but trust us, the engine should be completely broke in by the first 1000. Which is why you will hear some guys say that they will do the first oil change at 500 with dino juice and then synthetic at 1000. I guess it all depends on how you broke it in.
Harley dealerships are all recommending the same thing where it comes to the first 1000 change from what I have heard. I also run synthetic in all of my bikes. It's not too soon at 1000 miles.

 

I just took mine it since it was free and a nice 60mile ride crossing the miss. river into iowa

 

I'm pretty sure the V-rod comes from the factory with Syn oil.

I would use the dealer for the 1,000 mile service. Then, buy a Service Manual, a motorcycle jack, a case of locktite blue, a few toolsand do all future service in your garage.

 

Don't be skeered of syn3 HD oil.

I had the dealer use it when I got the Road King 1000 mile service done.....I'll have him squirt it in when he does the 1000 on my Sporty.

I'm an old fart who has used syn's since the 70's and never regretted it.

Oil is the life's blood of your engine, so give it the best....When it comes to HD warranty, they can't argue when you can show you had dealer install HD syn3.