My "new" bike has been ridden under 300 miles since mid-2005 and its last oil change. It was changed with Harley Syn3 2050. I have the service records and until it got basically parked, the original owner had it religiously serviced; parts lubed, tightened, new tire and battery and the list goes on.

My question: will oil that old be OK for a 800 mile trip this weekend or does it require changing before I leave? Time is tight, so if I don't have to, I would like to change it when I get back. But I don't want to risk old oil damaging the scoot.

Opinions?

spiz

 

change it!

 

Change it, it will take 20 minutes and you will not second guess anything.

 

With the bike sitting long,I would change it.Wouldnt hurt to change the other oils either.Also check your battery,tire pressure,etc-.

 

It's a no-brainer! CHANGE IT !
There's always a chance that there was condensation from storage. Why take a chance for the small price of an oil change?

 

Yeah, I thought it might go that way. It's a good thing I will be taking Friday off. I can change it in the morning before I leave.

Thanks,

spiz

 

Yeah it's not worth the risk. Since lubrication is the single most important thing to a motor it's just better to change it.

 

If your going on a 800 mile trip on the bike, and it has been sitting for a long time without running. I would change all the fluids (engine oil, trans, and primary). I would also flush out the fuel tank....by draining the old fuel, and then pour in some fresh gas....splash it around in the tank a bit....spill it out, and then fill it with the fuel of your choice. I would REPLACE the battery....or at the very least, remove it from the bike, and take it somewhere and have it load tested. Lube all the cables, check the condition of the tires, and brakes. Make sure your air pressure is set. There are a few other things that you could be done just to be on the safe side, but I cant think of any more right now.

 

be sure to look over the tires too. i would be looking for dry rot or weather checking