My first Harley oil change ever.

[Johnlyn]

​Hi all, I have worked on other bikes in the past but never on a HD. I'm going to service my Switchback trike and am going to use Synthetic 3 in all holes. What I need to know is how do you guys measure the level of oil in the various housings. Harley suggests reading the oil in trans and engine with bike on side stand, well that doesn't work for us trikers. I'm inclined to go with the recommended quantity and leave it at that, but there might be another way that some of you use, because it would be nice to be able to check somehow. I welcome your ideas.

 

[msocko3]

I'd fill the trans to the suggested quantity, and the suggested wet fill on the primary also. You normally check the primary with the bike standing up right because the oil in the primary would run out the derby hole if it was removed while on the side stand. I have no feel for engine oil level on the Switchback, on baggers and Trikes I run 1/2 qt low.

 

[geezerglide11441]

I'd fill the trans to the suggested quantity, and the suggested wet fill on the primary also. You normally check the primary with the bike standing up right because the oil in the primary would run out the derby hole if it was removed while on the side stand. I have no feel for engine oil level on the Switchback, on baggers and Trikes I run 1/2 qt low.

:Agree: 100%, including the 1/2 qt. low in the crankcase!!

Roger

 

[Gorilla]

+3

 

[rae2012]

On my 2012 Triglide , I drain all 3 holes . 3 quarts in engine , 1 in tranny , and 1 in primary . Don't forget to get the o- ring kit for all the drain plugs and primary cover . Very easy and you save a bundle $$$ .

 

[Johnlyn]

Thanks all. It appears that there is no way of checking the levels in the engine and transmission. Why don't Harley modify the dip stick so that trikers can check the levels? I would have thought that it wouldn't be too difficult to do! I will go by the manual.

 

[GARYD]

I go by the dip stick. Read the owners manual.
Now I have the LED temp/level dip stick. I've never had a problem filling the correct amount of fluids.

I use a liter Pepsi bottle with the correct level marked on it for the other 2 holes. Piece of cake.

 

[geezerglide11441]

Thanks all. It appears that there is no way of checking the levels in the engine and transmission. Why don't Harley modify the dip stick so that trikers can check the levels? I would have thought that it wouldn't be too difficult to do! I will go by the manual.

johlyn, I think you may be worrying too much about nothing. I have about 13k miles on my trike with several changes and have used no oil in the engine, and I can tell where I am at on the dip stick should I choose to check. Regarding the transmission, where is the oil going to go?? I have never considered having to check the transmission level between service intervals.

Ride safe, enjoy your Trike!!

Roger

 

[rhino 2]

Since the last century I would never let the dealer change the oil in any of my bikes.<br />
Then when I bought my T/G 2011, My dealer sucked me in, He doesn't charge labor for the 1,000 and 5,000 oil changes. He made it so easy I just make an appointment bring it in and its done while I wait, So I been letting him do it ever since.. With my Victory I do all the oil changes my self.. As with all my ATV's and Side-by.. <br />
<br />
And just to add I trust my dealer to do the job right the first time, Or I wouldn't ride the 160+ miles round trip to get to him.

 

[Johnlyn]

Thanks all. I'm inclined to agree that I might be worrying for nothing. Just don't want to bugger it up.

 

[Papa Zook]

Thanks all. I'm inclined to agree that I might be worrying for nothing. Just don't want to bugger it up.

Discussing it is always a good idea. Plenty of guys have screwed up stuff by not asking so you're definitely on the right track. ThumbUp

 

[GoSlo]

If I remember correctly, there are two lines on the dip stick for the oil. One is for when the bike is straight up and the other for when it's on the side stand. Not sure which line is which though. Hmmm, I guess this wasn't much help after all, but maybe someone else can chime in.

 

[Johnlyn]

Thank you all, every piece of information helps me get a clearer picture and I thank you.