I’ve got a 2005 XL1200C and I’d like your thoughts and suggestions on oil and oil change. In the Owner’s Manuel, it states to change your oil every 5000 miles. When I talked to the service department at the dealer where I purchased the bike, they suggested that I change the oil every 2500 miles. I understand the concept of the more you change your socks, the less your feet stink, but I’m a little confused as to which way to go. They said that if I go with changing my oil every 2500 miles, then I need to use regular oil, if I go the 5000 mile route, then I need to use synthetic oil. What are your thoughts, and if you lean towards the synthetic, what brand do you use?

 

Dakajun,

I have a 2004 Sporty 1200 that I like to change the oil in every 2500-3000 miles with Mobile One V-twin Oil. I am also looking into a system that screws into your oil filter thread to empty your dirty oil that is stuck in the engine when doing an oil change. There was a thread about it recently but I don't recall the manufacturer. Of course let us know if you need oil change help and better yet why not invest in a manual.

 

I change my fluids and filter every 2500 miles and run synthetic. Why cut corners on a $15-20,000 bike. Same same with my vehicles, I change every 3000 miles.

I use Mobil 1 20W-50 V-twin oil in the primary and crankcase. It is one of the best synthetics and I can get it at Wallyworld for $6.88 a quart.

 

I got a 05 1200R and started out by changing oil every 1000 miles but will now up it to 2500 miles. I Use Amsoil 20w50 in Both the motor and the tranny. So my advice is every 2500 miles and use synthetic.

LV

 

I use Mobil 1 V Twin and do the oil at 2500 mile intervals. You could go more miles on it but I feel that it is cheap insurance to change it more often