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[HogDude]

Folks,

I would like to ask some questions regarding do-it yourself oil changes and service. Frankly, I'm getting tired of throwing out $280 to my service dept. every 5,000 miles for what appears to me to be nothing more than an overglorified oil change. 

1 - Does everyone change their primary and trans. fluids at the same time as oil changes, at 5,000 miles ?

2- I have changed the oil in my bike before; is it anymore involved doing the tranny and primary ?

I appreciate any input and typical procedures, tip, tricks, etc. that everyone follows.

[Twolanerider]

Folks,

I would like to ask some questions regarding do-it yourself oil changes and service. Frankly, I'm getting tired of throwing out $280 to my service dept. every 5,000 miles for what appears to me to be nothing more than an overglorified oil change. 

1 - Does everyone change their primary and trans. fluids at the same time as oil changes, at 5,000 miles ?

2- I have changed the oil in my bike before; is it anymore involved doing the tranny and primary ?

I appreciate any input and typical procedures, tip, tricks, etc. that everyone follows.

Can anyone link to the dead cat photo?

[Fired00d]

Can anyone link to the dead cat photo?

How about just posting it again...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

How about just posting it again...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Couldn't find the frakking thing.

[Puzzled]

That's a good picture. While it may be old hat for the vets, the newbees need a helping hand to get started.

[HogDude]

That's a good picture. While it may be old hat for the vets, the newbees need a helping hand to get started.

I've seen the dead-cat picture before; although that doesn't answer the questions. 

[Fired00d]

I've seen the dead-cat picture before; although that doesn't answer the questions. 

I guess we thought you were asking in regards to what/where would need be drained. Similar to draining the oil, you drain the tranny and primary. If you don't already you should buy the shop manual and parts manual for your bike and these procedures will be covered in there. The main thing is to have the tools/equipment and some basic mechanical skills and desire to do the job.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Puzzled]

1 - Does everyone change their primary and trans. fluids at the same time as oil changes, at 5,000 miles ?

2- I have changed the oil in my bike before; is it anymore involved doing the tranny and primary ?

1. No, not with every oil change, every other one (3k interval oil change here) close enough to your 5K though.
2. No

[HogDude]

I guess we thought you were asking in regards to what/where would need be drained. Similar to draining the oil, you drain the tranny and primary. If you don't already you should buy the shop manual and parts manual for your bike and these procedures will be covered in there. The main thing is to have the tools/equipment and some basic mechanical skills and desire to do the job.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

D00d,
Thanks for the response. I just recently picked up the service manual; although haven't done much reading yet.
thanks

[HogDude]

1. No, not with every oil change, every other one (3k interval oil change here) close enough to your 5K though.
2. No

Puzzled,
Thanks for the info. I am curious as to how many change at 3k instead of 5, since we talkin' syn in the CVO, but hey, I know that's an entire debate in and of itself.
 

[Mikey]

Hog Dude,
I agree on the glorified oil change. I think the service manual is an excellent resource. Buy the service manual and follow the steps.That is what the dealer personnel is supposed to do. I don't feel like they do it. I make a copy and check off each step for the mileage listed. I think you need to pay special attention to the critical fasteners. The only trick I have found is to use one half of a half gallon plastic milk carton under the oil filter to catch the oil that would go everywhere if you don't. Good luck and enjoy doing it yourself.
Mike

[Boatman]

It's not hard but can be messy changing all 3 holes.

Drain fluids with bike at operating temperature.
I change fluids with the bike on a side stand and not a lift.
Have the proper size tools.
Put new orings on the drain plugs.
When removing the oil filter, stuff a rag over the voltage regulator and front motor mount, loosen filter, then get a strong baggy or cut out the side and closed end of  a 2 litre bottle to slip over the filter and catch 90% of the oil that is left in the filter.
Don't overfill fluids.
Have a clean funnel.

Hope this helps a little-read the book and have fun.    

[Boatman]

Most dealers don't do everything that is listed at the specified service interval(S).

I normally go 3-3500 miles on oil and filter and primary and tranny every other oil change with all Redline products.  If I know I may be gone when the oil is due, it would get changed before I left.  Everyones situation is a little different.

[hard10]

I guess we thought you were asking in regards to what/where would need be drained. Similar to draining the oil, you drain the tranny and primary. If you don't already you should buy the shop manual and parts manual for your bike and these procedures will be covered in there. The main thing is to have the tools/equipment and some basic mechanical skills and desire to do the job.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

That's the key!

[Puzzled]

You will develop your own system after a few service's.

When I change the primary fluid I like to peak in there at the chain, make any necessary clutch adjustments if need be.