How often should you change the oil in your Harley-Davidson?
How often should you change the oil in your Harley-Davidson?
Are you a Harley-Davidson bike owner but unsure of how often you should change your engine oil? The recommended period of changing motorcycle oil is at regular intervals. However, you should consult your owner's manual to find the oil change interval.
But how often does Harley needs an oil change? Harley recommends changing the first oil after 1000 miles. Let's take a closer look at how often Harley-Davidson's motorcycle needs an oil change.
Harley-Davidson oil change how often should it be?
Motorcycle engine oil primarily keeps all engine oil's internal components lubricated. Modern motorcycle engines are complex, making oil a vital element in engine heat control. Without oil, the engine's internal parts will wear out because of overheating.
Since each Harley model is different, it means they also use different engine oil. The oil change interval relies on the type of oil in use. There are three types of engine oil;
Synthetic oils are the most expensive oil you can find. These oils are less volatile and are formulated to offer superior performance even in extreme temperatures. It has no mineral oils, and its longevity is outstanding even in harsh conditions. These oils need to change between 7000 and 10000 miles.
Semi-synthetic oils offer better performance than mineral oil. It's a blend of synthetic oils and mineral oil. So, if your bike uses semi-synthetic oil, you need to change it after 5000 to 6000 miles.
Mineral oil is a distillation of crude oil. A good example is conventional motor oil which is 100% mineral oil. These oils have impurities, making them prone to chemical degradation. Also, these oils do not function properly in extreme temperatures. Mineral oils need to be changed at least once every 2000 miles.
Generally, Harley-Davidson motorcycles use synthetic engine oils. It degrades with time and needs changing.
When should you change your motorcycle oil?
Changing your motorcycle oil is a DIY thing; therefore, no need for professional help. But, if you follow Harley's maintenance schedule, you can find a reliable dealership for bike servicing. Harley-Davidson maintenance service recommends five service visits within the first 20,000 miles.
Sometimes it's best not to wait to cover the stated miles before changing the motor oil. Always check your oil level to avoid affecting your motorcycle's performance. If your motorcycle oil is dirty, it's a sign it needs replacement with fresh oil.
How to tell if a Harley engine oil needs to be changed
Check if the oil has turned dark. Fresh motor oil is blue or brown. If it starts degrading, the oil changes to black, loses its consistency, becomes thin, and turns gritty because of contamination.
If your oil level keeps reducing, it has lost its mechanical and chemical properties making the engine consume more oil. Meaning it needs replacement.
If you can't remember the last time you changed your Harley's motorcycle oil, get it changed immediately.
Redline Harley-Davidson handles dyno tuning, oil changes, bike performance, servicing, and custom suspensions.