Lets not debate which oil is best but rather how much oil do you put in. In the 07 VRSC service manual it says 4.5 quarts with a filter. That amount leaves me a half a quart low. I put in 5 quarts and the dipstick reads right at the full mark.
Do you change your own oil?
EZE RIDER
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OK, here's the dumb-ass question... How do you change the oil? I know, empty out the old, change the filter, add the new, but is it as easy as everyone claims for someone with 10 left thumbs? (Can you tell I haven't looked in the manual yet?)
Had to take mine to a m/c shop yesterday morning, changed from regular to synthetic (Rev-Tech) and the bill was $103.60. If I can save $40 doing it myself, I will in the future.
My only defense for my ignorance is that I've never been exposed to working with motors and the like. Heck, it took me a couple of hours to change the oil and filter, clean the air filter, drain the gas tank (bad gas), add new gas and a new gas filter on my lawn tractor last weekend. I figure if I can figure all that out myself (not that it's rocket science), I can probably change the oil in the V-Rod every 3,000 miles.
Does most everyone prefer Amsoil or is Rev-Tech OK?
Thanks.
Had to take mine to a m/c shop yesterday morning, changed from regular to synthetic (Rev-Tech) and the bill was $103.60. If I can save $40 doing it myself, I will in the future.
My only defense for my ignorance is that I've never been exposed to working with motors and the like. Heck, it took me a couple of hours to change the oil and filter, clean the air filter, drain the gas tank (bad gas), add new gas and a new gas filter on my lawn tractor last weekend. I figure if I can figure all that out myself (not that it's rocket science), I can probably change the oil in the V-Rod every 3,000 miles.
Does most everyone prefer Amsoil or is Rev-Tech OK?
Thanks.
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2,746 Posts
Theres always an exception to the rule, this time its me. I take mine to the local stealer. They are a great bunch of people and theres a V-Rod tech that actually breathes and sleeps V-Rods. I use the 20W50 Black bottle HD brand everytime. They change the oil and filter, give the "V" a once over, thuroughly wash it, and I'm on my way, no appointment neccessary. I cant ask for more than that and I dont have to get dirty or fool with used oil disposal. At this stealership, life is good!
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I didnt realize that we needed to change the oil. The Mo Co says if it uses a quart every 500mi, thats is normal.
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598 Posts
5qts every time.
Wilkie,Wilkie said:
The V-Rod oil change is very easy once you are set for it. You will need:
5 qts of oil
1 oil filter
1 drain pan
1 wrench to remove drain plug.
1 filter wrench to remove filter.
A bike lift makes things easier.
A couple pieces of paper towel.
1. Take bike for a spin to get oil up to operating temperature. This helps to get contaminants into suspension in the oil which will be lost when oil is drained.
2. If you have a bike lift now is the time to put it under the bike. Try to position the jack in a rearward position but still a stable one. This will allow more room to put the drain pan under. If you do not have a jack you just need a drain pan with a low profile.
3. Loosen the engine drain plug which is located under the engine in the front left corner of the oil pan. There will not be a gasket with the plug so do not worry about losing one if you do not see one. Once the plug is loosened with your wrench you can remove it the rest of the way with your fingers. Remember that when the oil drains from the engine it will have a forward trajectory.
4. Now you can loosen and remove the old oil filter with your filter wrench. I use the socket cap style on a ratchet and spin it off. There will be oil in the filter so have the drain pan ready to catch this oil.
5. Replace the new oil filter. Take your new filter and pour some new oil into it to help with initial lubrication at start up. You can fill the filter about half way without spilling when you tip it to spin it on. Dip your finger in some of the new oil and spread it around the new oil filter gasket. This will help you the next time you change the filter so it does not stick. Position the new oil filter up to the filter bracket and spin it on by hand. Once the gasket touches the oil filter mount surface turn it another 3/4 to 1 turn or so by hand. Do NOT wrench down on the filter when tightening it.
6. Replace the engine oil drain plug. If you have a torque wrench you can torque the drain plug to 25 ft/lbs if you do not just use common sense and do not over-tighten and strip the threads.
7. Add the oil of your choice. You will add the oil in the dipstick location on the front left of the engine. For your first oil change I would recommend adding 4.5 qts and check the level. If you need more you can add some. Personally I just pour in the full 5 qts of oil to bring me up to the full line.
8. Replace the dipstick and run the engine, check for leaks at the filter and drain plug, and again check the oil level. Add oil if needed to get to the full mark.
When checking the oil on the V-Rod you need to have the engine warm and level to get a true reading. A cold engine will show a high oil level reading.
Hope this helps,
Ken
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359 Posts
I change the oil in all my toys myself. Except for the Vrod. I've usually had some type of service done to it at the same time (like tires) and have it done while it's on the lift. Or if there is a convenient oil change place like at Sturgis, I'll have it done there if they have Amsoil at a good price. Eventually I'll end up having to do it myself.
I had dealer do it at the 1000 mile service.
Before I went to Sturgis, I only had 2500 miles on the bike so I changed it myself, used Harley Synthetic, 5 qts.
The 10 days I was gone, I put on 4000 miles and it used 2 1/2 qts of oil during those miles.
When I got home my HOG chapter had a ride planned so I put on some more miles. By the time the dealer could get me in for the 5000 miles service, I had over 7500 miles on the bike. The dealer "skipped" the 5000 miles service and performed the 10,000 mile instead which included an oil change. BUT I put in regular Harley oil, not synthetic.
I'll change it myself in about 2500 miles and use Amsoil which seems to be preferred my most people on here.
Before I went to Sturgis, I only had 2500 miles on the bike so I changed it myself, used Harley Synthetic, 5 qts.
The 10 days I was gone, I put on 4000 miles and it used 2 1/2 qts of oil during those miles.
When I got home my HOG chapter had a ride planned so I put on some more miles. By the time the dealer could get me in for the 5000 miles service, I had over 7500 miles on the bike. The dealer "skipped" the 5000 miles service and performed the 10,000 mile instead which included an oil change. BUT I put in regular Harley oil, not synthetic.
I'll change it myself in about 2500 miles and use Amsoil which seems to be preferred my most people on here.
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621 Posts
get with Ken, quick and easy, and he's a great guy
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286 Posts
Ding Ding Ding we got us a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey man we got child labor laws in this country:deal:vrodderD said:I make my kids do it. The 4 year old has a hard time getting the bike on the jack, so I help her with that part.
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