Winter storage and fluids

Message

NoviceBill · Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:18 pm

Hi all
Last September I bought my first bike, a HD sportster XLH Hugger. It was a 2003 with 1700 miles, and I've put about 300 more on it. In a few weeks I'll have to finally give up and get it ready for the New England winter. The dealer changed the oil before I got it, but should I change it again after having only put a few hundred miles on it or should I wait? I read (somewhere) that changing the oil too often is not good for an engine.

I think I should also change the brake fluid and clutch/transmission fluid, since they can absorb water and I think after five years it might be time, even though there's not been a lot of miles put on them. Does this seem about right?

Thanks for any advice

Theweapon52 · Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:30 pm

You should check the service records on the bike, all owners manuals will state when brake fluids and transmission fluids should be changed. So if they were changed recently i doubt you would need to change them again before storage.

As far as your motor oil, i dont think you would need to change it. If it indeed has been changed when you purchased it you should be ok.

#3 Unread post by **Wrider** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:52 pm

Well motor oil doesn't just break down with wear it also breaks down with age... Might want to change it especially if you only put 300 miles on it. That indicates to me you didn't really ride it long enough for it to heat up fully and burn off the acids that will eat up the metals in the engine.

So yeah, I'd definitely vote for full fluid change. Oil before and after winter storage and I'd do the tranny/clutch/brake fluid in the spring before your ride...
Wrider