Thought I would start doing at least my own engine oil changes through warranty period. Every other interval will take it in for scheduled service (except engine oil/filter). If this doesn't save me much for every 10,000 mile service appointment then I will start doing all three holes myself.


Did oil and filter yesterday. Compared to other bikes I have owned the TG was super easy! The whole process took about 30 minutes.

 

I just did the 15k on mine. All 3 holes probably took a little over an hour. Not to hard at all but I did decide I need to buy a lift

 

Something to help make it easier if you are new to it, and avoid some of the potential mess of removing the oil filter....

1. Drain the Crankcase oil.
2. Break lose the oil filter so you can remove by hand when empty but not enough to cause it to leak. (usually a 1/4 turn or less)
3. While the crankcase oil is finishing its drip, slide a 1 qt ZipLock baggie over the oil filter all the way to the back.
4. Pull the top part of the baggie back towards you so you can access the front end of the filter where you slide the wrench on.
5. Use a sharp punch and hammer to punch a hole in the bottom front edge of the filter and another at the top and pull the baggie back up and to the back.
6. Let the oil drain from the filter into the baggie until it quits dripping.
7. slide the top of the baggie forward a little so you can use your fingers to touch the filter while holding the bottom in place and slowly unscrew the filter and let it slip into the baggie.
8. Zip the bag shut and toss in trash.
9. use a little fresh oil on your finger tip to wet the rubber gasket on the new filter.
10. Optional but I always do this step. Fill the filter about half way with fresh oil and screw it on.

 

Good on ya!! It's not rocket science and if you take your time to do it yourself, at least you'll know it's done right. A lift does make things a lot easier but not really required (very expensive for a trike lift) and a manual is a great, if not essential addition to your workshop. A great feeling to work on and know your own bike - you will save money!!
Cheers and happy wrenching...

Doug

 

This is nothing more than a motor like changing oil in anything else...buy the HD low profile drain pan...drain the oil and remove the filter...don't worry about the filter oil and the front of the engine dripping in the pan...spray the front of the engine with a degreaser (it was dirty to start with) and let drip dry or wipe with a rag ...35 yrs no problems...

 

I had the Harley enclosed oil pan and oil filter wrench. The oil pan worked really good. But I was dumb enough to pay $19 for the Harley filter sleeve that has the little piece of hose. It is suppose to let the filter oil run down into the hose and then into the pan. Well it let the oil run the other way too so I got some down around everything else, which was okay because I had stuffed a wad of paper towel under there just in case plus the oil pan was under the area. Anyway, I did end up spraying that area with degreaser to remove some left over oil stains.


I'm giving away the nice orange $19 filter sleeve and trying the freezer bag next time. I use the freezer bag catch when I change oil on my RV and it works really well.

 

I elevate the right rear tire on the trike with a2x4 or jack it up on the frame to give it a little tilt , Then punch a top and bottom hole in the filter to drain onto a section of 2" diameter pvc which directs the oil out to a drain pan. Works better than the stupid orange thing. Still get a little mess which paper towels will cure. The filter relocation kit from DK is the answer , but if your warranty leary , Harley will frown on it ! I ask ! Ebert

 

I am using "The Wench" by Rivco for the oil filter...

 

A half gallon milk jug with the end cut off works great too.

Bubba

 

I took my new HD filter into Pep Boys and bought this for $5 .