I can’t believe I am sharing a post on how to change the oil on a motorcycle! I love helping Scott work on the bikes but I don’t typically do much of the actual wrenching. I usually keep him company, pass tools to him and throw stuff away. The thing is the more I watched him work on the bikes the more I wanted to give it a try. After a few subtle hints he asked me if I wanted to do my next oil change. Even though I was a little nervous about it I said yes. Since then I have done my last three oil changes! I have also started doing more of the small maintenance type things on mine. You can view more of those post under the motorcycle maintenance tab.
I know I’m not the only one out there looking to get to know their motorcycle better and save a little cash so we decided to record me doing it.
Remember you don’t have to be a master mechanic or even be mechanically inclined. You just have to be willing to learn and try!
Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
Oil filter is located on an oil filter mount in front of the engine on the left side.
- Loosen oil filler cap and remove.
- Remove engine oil drain plug with O-ring. Allow oil to completely drain into a suitable container.
 |
|
Use an oil filter wrench for filter removal. This tool can prevent damage to crankshaft position sensor and/or sensor cable. |
- Remove the oil filter using the OIL FILTER WRENCH . Clean the oil filter mount flange of any old gasket material (surface should be smooth and free of any debris or old gasket material).
- Inspect O-ring for tears or damage. Replace if required. Wipe any foreign material from plug.
- Install O-ring and drain plug and tighten to torque specifications found in your owners manual.
- Apply a thin film of oil to gasket contact surface on mounting plate, gasket and new oil filter.
- Screw filter onto adapter until gasket contacts plate surface, then apply another three-quarter to one full turn.
- Refer to your owners manual for the correct amount of oil needed to fill your make and model.
- Install the filler cap.
- Start engine and carefully check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter.
- Check engine oil level. Install filler cap.
 |
|
Do not overfill oil tank. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction.
|
Great post! As a new rider – I started at age 62 with a 2009 Sportster and 5 months later I am riding 2016 Softail Deluxe and loving every minute! I would like to do my own (easy) maintenance -of course not what I need to leave for the experts! Your instructions and video is exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks so much
Liz
Congrats on your new motorcycle! I hope you enjoy your Softail as much as I do mine. I stick to the easy and basic maintenance too. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on other types of information you’d like to see.
Margaret
Riding my softail and absolutely loving it! Needs first oil change – not sure if I should attempt the first one or have HD do it…
If this is the bikes very first oil change, as in the 1,000 mile one, I’d highly suggest having the dealership do it. The bike is in the break-in phase and there are very specific things the dealership looks for and documents. After that have fun, get your hands dirty and do your own!
Thanks! Absolutely good advice!