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[JoeVibe]

Getting ready to change my oil, primary, and trans fluids for the first time after GMR's work. My Heritage and the 1,000 mile service on this bike were done at the dealer but I've decided to do this myself going forward.

I know fluid changes are a straight forward task but there have got to be some tips or tricks you guys have discovered that make the job easier, cleaner, faster? I love learning from others experiences or mistakes, so any tips or tricks you'd like to share would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe

[Foot Loose]

It's a little messy taking off the filter, so I prepare with rags in the local area.  I refer to the manual and use a torque wrench on the drain plugs.  I inspect the magnets for anything suspicious and clean off the particles.  I let the bike drain for an hour, rocking the bike to get all I can out.  I put a little oil into the new filter before I install.  Be sure any gaskets are in good order.  Monitor when start up. 

[mark]

Take a piece of tin foil, roll in a 1/2 circle and slide it under your filter before removing. The foil will catch most of the oil and limit the mess.  Several companies make an oil catch device that slips under the filter, but they're about $20.

HD also makes a small funnel designed to add fluid to your primary.  It's pretty handy, but costs too much.

I also bought one of the low profile HD oil pans, which will slide under your frame.  Most pans you find at the auto parts stores are too tall.

Also, your tranny will be happier with a heavier weight lube, like Redline Vtwin trans. fluid with Shockproof.  Lastly, you can catch Mobil1 V-twin 20w50 on sale at an auto parts store for about $10/quart, or order from Amazon for about the same price with free shipping and no tax.  You may want to look at something else for your primary other than 20w50.  Redline, Amsoil, etc make better choices of primary fluids.

[ChopperPilot]

Also you might try putting a plastic baggie over/around the filter after you loosen the filter.  The baggie will catch a lot of the oil if you bring the opening of the bag over the filter and gasket.

[JoeVibe]

Thanks Guys! I appreciate the tips!

I found an Autozone coupon for Mobil1 (but 5 qts, save $10) so I picked that up along with a K&N oil filter. Baker and Bandit recommend different weights of Spectro oils with their products so I'm going with their recommendations in the trans and primary. Steve @ GMR said to change the fluids after 1,000 miles and I'll be there by next weekend.

I can't believe it but I'm looking forward to changing my oils. Man I love this bike!

Joe

[mark]

I can't believe it but I'm looking forward to changing my oils. Man I love this bike!


I'm happiest in the garage tinkering with my bike...it's cheap therapy.

[JoeVibe]

I can't believe it but I'm looking forward to changing my oils. Man I love this bike!


I'm happiest in the garage tinkering with my bike...it's cheap therapy.

X2 

[cherryseeg2]

I don't worry about the mess from the filter just change oil before washing the bike. If I remember correctly you have a compensaver with a bandit clutch, I would run what they recommend which I believe is something like 14oz of spectro. The big oil pan from HD makes it nice to dump all the fluid at once.

[DCC]

Was told many years ago that the secret to a good oil change is to "let it drip".  Once I get motor to operating temp, I get it in the garage, let it idle for a bit before shutting off.  I also use the box that the oil filter comes in and make a make-shift funnel and hold it in place under the filter when removing.  Easy peasey.  Like others have mentioned, I pay particular attention to the magnets on the drain plugs, replace O rings and torque them to specs.

[Rooster]

If you watch the Internet you can find K&N filters at a better price and save a few bucks to buy several. If you have a friend that you can buy Amsoil from get it by the gallon and save a few bucks also. Just some ideas for you this is what I do so I don't have to run somewhere to get them at the last minute.

[07CVO.RK]

You should get yourself a scavenger system from Rogue Chopper. It gets ALL the oil out. Typical HD oil change leaves in 1 quart of dirty oil.

http://shop.roguechopper.com/

[Dobeman2000]

After reading your post I looked up the scavenger system and I will be ordering one for sure when it is oil change time.  I knew there was always some left over oil in there, but had no idea there was so much.

You should get yourself a scavenger system from Rogue Chopper. It gets ALL the oil out. Typical HD oil change leaves in 1 quart of dirty oil.

http://shop.roguechopper.com/

[JoeVibe]

When draining the fluids, I left the bike on the jiffy stand for a while because it looked to be the best way to drain the oil and then put it on the center stand because I thought that might get more oil out of the trans, and then went back on the jiffy stand. I had all three plugs pulled the whole time so I'm sure I got all the fluids drained as best I could but I was wondering -

Is there a preferred position for the bike when draining the fluids? The service manual didn't say one way or the other.

Thanks,

Joe

[TinSpinner]

I ordered one of these oil filter funnels from eglide goodies a few years ago, it works really well when changing the filter. Just slide it in place, pop a hole in the top of the filter with an awl or something similar, loosen 1/2 turn so the hole is on the bottom then pierce another hole in what is now the top so it drains most of the oil out of the filter before you completely loosen it. Either way you do it you will make at least a small mess but this tool will keep you from making a big mess and getting oil all over the oil cooler and the floor.

http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id15.html

[TNCarters]

I usually just slide a 5/4 or 2x board under the jiffy stand so its near upright. Biggest two things I've noted is there are several plugs underneath you do not want to mess with so be sure which to unscrew and do not fill the crankcase completely until you start it as its really easy to get too much oil in the crankcase.  My Ultra Limited only takes about 3 quarts with filter change to get up to half a quart down on stick.  If youre going to make this a regular habit Grainger in Nashville sells 100 pack of orings for about $6.  Call ahead so they get them in stock.  Other places have bulk packs as well.  Messy part as stated above is the oil filter.