How to Perform a Harley-Davidson® Oil Change
Let's say you've just bought a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and you want to take good care of it. Well, you'll want to get your motorcycle's oil changed for the first time at 1,000 miles, and then once more at 2,500 miles. After that, you should be either scheduling an oil change, or doing an oil change yourself, every 2,500 miles (or as your model's manual recommends.) That means that whenever you're due for service for your Harley-Davidson®, you'll have to decide whether to schedule service with a local Roswell area dealer like us here at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson®, or to change your motorcycle's oil yourself.
If you have the time and some basic background knowledge, the DIY route can be a rewarding experience that teaches you about your bike. The only things you'll need are a Harley-Davidson® oil change kit and a little know-how! Keep reading our guide for the knowledge you need to change your oil at home.
Harley-Davidson® Oil Change Kits
Of course, the first thing you need to do to change the oil in your Harley-Davidson® is to gather the supplies and tools necessary to do it. Thankfully there aren't too many. Much of the supplies you need can be found in the Harley-Davidson® oil change kit which contains the following:
- 4 quarts of oil
- A SuperPremium5 oil filter
- A replacement O-Ring
What Else Do You Need to Perform a Motorcycle Oil Change?
You may already have some of the tools you'll need around the house, but anything you're missing you can easily order from us.
- An oil filter wrench
- Needle nose pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Oil draining pan
- Oil fill funnel
- Oil catcher drain oil funnel
- Rags to wipe up drips
How to Do the Motorcycle Oil Change
First, find a well-ventilated space that is good for a motorcycle oil change. Gather your tools and supplies Then follow these steps:
- Remove the oil filter cap. A motorcycle oil change should always involve changing the oil filter. In most models, the Harley-Davidson® oil filter is located at the front of the bike near the engine. Don't remove the oil filter itself quite yet, as it's likely still full of oil.
- Use a frame jack to access the underside of your bike. Look behind the front tire to locate the drain tube, which should have a screw-type hose clamp.
- Position the oil drain pan and drain the oil. Position the pan directly underneath the drain tube, and then use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp. Unfasten the hose and allow the oil to drain completely.
- Remove the oil filter. Removing the filter can be messy, so this is where you want to use your oil catcher drain oil funnel, direct it to the drain pan.
- Prepare and install a new Harley-Davidson® oil filter. To prepare the filter, set it on a flat surface and drip a few ounces of oil into the center. Slide the new filter into place and replace the oil filter cap.
- Fill the oil tank with fresh oil. Using a funnel, fill the oil to the proper level. You should need about three quarts.
If you're not sure which kind of oil you need for your Harley-Davidson®, oil change experts at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson® can help you out! Contact our service center or check your owner's manual. Just a reminder, everything you need for a DIY motorcycle oil change is available to order from our parts department - the oil, filters, drain pans, and more.
Killer Creek Harley-Davidson® Offers Expert Oil Change Service
Questions about motorcycle oil changes or other services, like tire changes, before you take on the task yourself? Our experienced team is here to help, whether you need a few tips over the phone or you'd like to see how the professionals do it. Reach out or drop by our certified Harley-Davidson® dealership in Roswell today.