You guys are awesome!

To RATROD HOG: my ride is a '98. guess i assumed you all might figure that out from my id but you know what they say...never assume. It has an aftermarket plug. Cap reads F&S Harley Davidson with the shield logo. Would it be a wise investment to get one with a temp gauge?

As for now, I best get off my butt and get to the parts store! I'm looking forward to doing this project as it puts me one step closer to what I've been wanting to do for two years now. Procrastination is over...it's time to learn about what I ride. I'll get a pic posted eventually.

 

Since it had too much oil and the cap blew off it's fine to crank her over as long as you haven't drained it yet. Even if the oil is low it'll be fine to let her idle for a couple of minutes to get what is in there warmed up, then follow everyone elses instructions as far as the oil change goes. Don't check it anymore when she's cold, if you feel you must check oil everytime before you ride, crank her up and let it idle while you lace up your boots and get ready for the ride then when your ready check the oil level. When the bike sits the oil will drain to crankcase so that's why you check while it's running or when you just get back from a ride.

 

An air cooled motor is just that. You really don't need a temp gauge. It's pretty hard to over heat them. I would go with 20/50w for summer. I don't know what climate you live in, or what time of year you ride, just remember to adjust the oil grade to that temp. range. Now Harley has there own brand of oils, but you don't need to use them. A good (diesel) grade oil works just fine. Try not to change brands, some of the additives in the oils can cause some problems if you mix them. (sludge). Now some will argue about the filter change on each oil change, but you can save a couple of bucks if you change the filter every other time. I go with 1500 to 2000 Mi. between changes. Clean oil is the key to a long life for a motor, any motor. If you let the bike sit over winter, you may want to get a trickle charge unit to keep the battery fresh. Start it once a week, let it run until it's good and warm. It will bake the condensation out of the bike. Store it with a full tank of fuel. Hope this helps, Keep it in the wind..........HOLLYWOOD