The beauty of the modern internet is someone has already done it. And not just anyone, but someone like me, who likes to basically brag that they can do it :) Find that person and see what they have to say about it. There are websites with step by step directions, like here, and many YouTube videos out there, like this one. It seems everyone makes a video today, even when text and slides would work better, but this was something where the video example did help.
I can't do a better job talking you through step by step. But I can tell you additional tips and suggestions on top of that. However, please read or watch a video how to video first.
Are you going to make a mess?
Yes, accept it and prepare for it. Here's what I do. I get a garbage bag and spread it under the area where I'm working. That way if any oil does spill it lands on the garbage bag instead of the floor. Plus you can sit down drain plug and other things that may have oil on them. If you spill a lot, then have some cat litter on stand by. That'll cover the oil on the bag. If you still manage to get oil on the floor, then there are cleaners you can get, but regular gasoline will work, which you probably have around for the lawn mower will work, just be careful. Pour some gasoline on the spill on the floor, then some cat litter on that, and that'll help get the oil up.
Do you really need a drain pan?
Well, you need something. A few plastic gallon milk jugs cut in half make a decent enough drain pan. Just have 3 or more ready to go. The oil starts coming quick and it fills up pretty fast. Faster than you have time to cut up a new milk jug.
Do you need an oil filter wrench?
The AutoZone guys talked me into one while I was there. They even went outside and made sure it fit before I bought it. And I'm glad I bought it, because that oil filter was on there tight. I had to use that and a ratchet on it in order to get the thing off. It was tight. Whoever did the oil last really put that thing on. However, you may be able to use a pair of channel grips or something directly on the oil filter if it is too tight. Your replacing it after all. But I am glad I did have one for this. Also, remember only use tools to remove the oil filter. Going on with the new one, use your hand only. Which ironically means you may only use the oil filter wrench once :)
Do you need an oil drain filter for the oil filter?
Harley makes a little oil drain pain thing that slips under where the oil filter is. Since the oil filter is back in the bike, this keeps oil from getting on the bike. I thought about getting one of these. The oil under the bike is easy enough. There's a tube you can route somewhere. But the oil filter is back in the bike, oil is going to come down the side of the bike. First, I waited until that stopped the flow of oil. Then I used the top half of my milk jug, cut it long ways, so I had a funnel, put it underneath the oil filter. Oil drained out away from the bike. No problems at all. Of course, don't expect it to go smoothly. I mean I was surprised it worked as well as it did. Have some paper towels standing by. Someone told me brake cleaner can help clean it up, but I don't have any of that around. (Maybe I will as I take on more bike maintenance.)
Where do you get the new oil and new oil filter?
Harley sells it. I bought mine at AutoZone. I told them the Harley part numbers and they matched it up to another brand. The oil was clearly cheaper. They were actually higher than Harley was on the oil filter, but they price matched. I know Harley makes a good bike, but everything else is basically Harley's name on it. I''m no expert, but I'm pretty sure Harley doesn't have an oil factory. And if I buy generic sugar and milk for myself, then I'm buying generic oil for the bike.
What do you do with the old oil?
AutoZone to the rescue again. They and other places like them will take old oil for free. They recycle it.
Comparing to other oil changes:
It is similar to changing the oil on say a riding lawn mower. Except there's no oil drain bolt, which makes it easier in one way, don't have to worry about over tighten the bolt. Of course, having some experience doing those did help, but there was a first time for the riding lawn mower oil change as well. If you watch enough videos, this could be your first time.
Oil level tips:
Fill it up with enough oil above the low line, but as you fill it up, error below the high line. You can always add more oil, but it is hard to remove extra oil. Thus, go slow on adding oil, and it is okay to wait between pours as you get close.
The end
After I changed the oil, I got out the pressure washer and gave it a good cleaning and then re-checked the oil level and took it out for a drive and through some curves. It may be just in my head, but felt like it ran smoother after the oil change. When I got back home, I checked the oil level again to see if it needed anymore.
PS. Final tip, remember the mileage it was when you changed it. Write it down or post it in a blog or something. Note to self, 9,100 miles.
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