how do i change the oil & filter on my bike?
those people who want to anwser by "why is someone who owns a harley asking this question" don't bother anwsering,becuse there was one time when you first changed your oil.
just trying to take care of my bike.
2007-01-23 09:15:17 · 9 answers · asked by The Purple Jesus 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
here is a step by step as i have a 1200r sportster.
highly suggested u give it a good run...about 15 miles to get the oil nice and warm. that way, the oil will flow alot easier. then do the following steps.
1: under the frame, u will see a rubber tube. this is held by a clip. unclip from frame. u will see it has a hose clamp on it. loosen clamp and u will find its actually a plug. pull plug from hose, and the old oil will drain. u will need a container that can handle at least 4 quarts. while it's draining, opening up the oil fill cap will allow it to drain sooooo much easier. near the end of draining, sittin on the bike straight up will completely drain the tank. after it's drained, replace the plug, tighten clamp, and clip it back on the frame.
2: take new oil filter. add fresh oil till its slightly over 3/4...or that u can be able to screw it on without spilling. put a thin bead of oil around the gasket.
3: take a 1 liter plastic bottle that the has about 1/4 of the top cut off at an angle. hold this under the oil filter while taking off the old oil filter. in this way, u will avoid having oil spill all over ur scoot.
4: replace oil filter from step 2. once the gasket makes contact, all u need is an additional 1/2 turn. do not use a wrench to tighten.
5: dump in the new oil. 1st use the can u used to fill the oil filter with. then dump in another 2 quarts. replace oil dipstick.
5: start the bike. verify there is no leaks anywhere. if u see no leaks during warm up, recheck the stick. on my bike, the bike should be on the kickstand. if oil is at least between the 2 'hash marks', u are fine. take it for a run, and recheck bike for leaks and oil level. be advised: our bikes require motorcycle oil in the 20w50 range. only if u live in a very hot area like...tx or az do u go any higher..like, 20w70. NEVER use oil that u'd use in the car. at minumum, always use 20w50.
ez maintainece....would u belive the harley shop would stick ya for at least 90 bucks for this?
2007-01-23 09:51:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
2003 Harley Davidson Sportster
2016-09-30 06:05:41 · answer #2 · answered by youngman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learning hands on can be the best way. This time, do what Sandman says, because he knows where he speaks. For all the rest, get a Service Manual. The Owner's manual is less useful than TP. Mine said "remove the drain plug", but did NOT point out which one was crankcase and which was tranny. (new Dyna's oil tank is under tranny) All capacities listed had the word "about".
Been riding for years, but new to HD, so I'm doing the same thing myself.
I have a 2006 FXD35 Superglide. Which is why I did not tell you how to change the oil in your common-case Sportster. Not the same.
2007-01-23 13:17:45 · answer #3 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing wrong with getting to know your bike inside and out. I'm not a Harley expert, but would think you have some type of owner's manual. It will show you the location of the oil drain plug and filter. Go to the section on engine specs. and it should tell you how much oil to put in after you've drained the oil and replaced the filter. Make sure you coat the new oil filter with fresh oil before installing so it seats properly.
2007-01-23 09:54:08 · answer #4 · answered by Ellwood 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
one caveat you may want to consider,is the amperage draw of the light you choose. the Sportster charging system will have to be able to handle it. I like the Harley HID setup.Oncoming cars don't.I also have the driving lights mounted on the Engine guard,with the right one canted into the weeds a bit. This set up has saved my bacon a couple of times.I only use the driving lights in the country, my Friends tell me that they are rather annoying,if I follow them with them on.
2016-03-28 23:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an old Sporster and I'm sure it is different so I'm not going to try to answer your question.Just wanted to let you know there is nothing wrong with the question and welcome to the "harley World". You made a good choice.I own 4 Harleys and have never been disappointed with any of them.Good Luck.
2007-01-23 13:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by bill b 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'm not a HD guy but i am a biker. buy a clymers manual for your bike. you'll be able to learn to do more than change oil. at the prices a shop will charge by the hour the manual will pay for itself in 1/2 hour.
2007-01-23 13:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by thelovebuzzard 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
haynes, clymer and the hd all are good shop manuals to have for oil changes and much more. sandman has a good set of instructions here. good luck
2007-01-23 21:44:23 · answer #8 · answered by mycle1000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this forum-----www.groups.msn.com-HarleyTechTalk--
Go to the Sportster page and ask there, the guys on this forum are all well informed and you will not get any of the smart-alec comments that are all too common here.
Good luck and welcome to the world of the Harley Owner
2007-01-23 09:36:20 · answer #9 · answered by percylenain 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋