Oil change intervals

[Lakeman]

I did a search on this and did not get much, don't know why. I use Mobil 1, 20W-50. How long (miles) do you go before you change your oil?

[Geezzer Glide]

Harley recommends changing the synthetic oils (which Mobil 1 is) every 5000 miles. That's how often I've changed the oil in my HD's and haven't had any troubles.
Most people I know do the same.
So every 5000 miles is what I say.
Regular oil changes is just cheap insurance as I see it.
Dan

[arnie]

I use mobil 1 v-twin 20w-50.I change mine every 2500-3000 miles.

[thunder struck]

I change mine every 5000 ..right now I am at 13,351 so another is due soon
Does anyone know if I can have it changed else were other that Harley and not void my warranty?

[Lakeman]

Yes you can have it serviced anywhere you like, just keep your receipts.

[whitefatboy]

Amsoil EPT, 5000 mile changes, however some times have gone 5600-6000.

[Lakeman]

This oil change has been in the trike for a year, don't like that either.

[Geezzer Glide]

You state "This oil change has been in the trike for a year".
As I said before every 5000 miles but if one don't ride enough to get 5000 miles in a year then I would change it no less than every year regardless of the miles.
Dan

[Sloufoot]

This oil change has been in the trike for a year, don't like that either.

If you put the trike up for the winter, you should change the oil out if nothing else to get rid of the acids in the used oil setting in one area. Not good. If you only get low millage on the trike, try & schedule the change when you put the trike up for the winter. Then you will be ready for the coming spring. Also you will be protected for the winter. Regardless of the millage.

[msocko3]

I've always changed every 5,000 miles, when using a good synthetic changing any sooner is just throwing away perfectly good oil. I do not matter how many miles are on the oil change it at the end of the riding season. Around here once they start putting down the salt the riding is over until spring rains wash it away.

[Lakeman]

Yes it was changed in Sept 12 and I will change it now, just happen to put 5,000 miles on it in a year. If I change it now it will have 1,000 - 2,000 miles on it just before winter is over. Here in SC we have nice days in Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb where we can ride a day or two now and then. We will have some 70* + days to ride so it will not just set up in the colder months.

[Texan]

I run Amsoil 20-50 and have for several years. I chg the filter every 3,000, oil and filter every 6,000. Never experienced a problem.

This year at Sturgis I picked up a K&P Engneering oil filter system. Thinking, with this new filter, might even start changing the filter every 2,000....

Custom Oil Filters - Reusable Oil Filters - Cleanable Oil Filters - Green Oil Filters

o~\o

[g.aholt]

I never put over 3500 to 4000 miles on mine before I change the engine oil. I use the same oil !!

[GARYD]

I wish I had the money that it costs to change every 2500/3000 miles. That would cost me a fortune each year. You might as well just use dino oil.....a lot cheaper.

I usually change twice in the summer then once again in Nov. with Amsoil mcy oil 10-30 for winter riding. then back to Amsoil 20-50 in March. The dealer tells me I don't need to change to 10-30 in the winter, but it starts so easier with it....especially when it gets down into the teens and twentys.

[msocko3]

If a person wants to see how their oil and engine is fairing they could do an oil analysis, I've used Blackstone Labs. Here are 2 oil reports on the 2010 Triglide I used to own.