After Winter Storage Harley Oil & Lubrication Discuss After Winter Storage in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have read that all fluids should be changed prior to winter storage, but do i have to change all fluids again prior to riding again in spring?...

[Motorman7]

I have read that all fluids should be changed prior to winter storage, but do i have to change all fluids again prior to riding again in spring?

If you change the fluids prior to storing the bike there is no need to change them again in the spring. With the bike stored you don't have combustion by products in the oil so it should be in pristine condition. The only situation where I would consider it advisable to change it would be if it is stored in an unheated structure where it would be subjected to large temperature swings which would create condensation. Ride safe and God bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

[humpbackbob]

Originally Posted by shovelmike

If you change the fluids prior to storing the bike there is no need to change them again in the spring. With the bike stored you don't have combustion by products in the oil so it should be in pristine condition. The only situation where I would consider it advisable to change it would be if it is stored in an unheated structure where it would be subjected to large temperature swings which would create condensation. Ride safe and God bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

Hi Mike,
I have just changed all the fluids around 800 miles ago. Here in Texas we don't have much of a Winter, though Jan - Feb can get very cold, like 19-20 F. but will warm up to 60 ish during the day. So we can ride pretty much all year. Maybe six weeks off. Is it worth "Winterizing" the bike for that period? or maybe change oil wieght? Your thoughts please.
Bob

I ride all year in Minnesota. It has already dipped in the 20's and yes I forgot my chaps. I had to jump up and down a few times to get my junk out before I could take a leak.

Anyway. I run Mobile 15/50 year round. I change all lub at regular intervals.
Before the snow flies sometime in November I kinda winterize. Mostly because the garden hose is froze and no longer works. I change Oil and Primary, lube and tighten. I also give it a good wash. I keep a battery tender on it even if its just overnight. Starts easier with a full juiced up battery

Really cold starts are hard on the bike. So around February I may change the oil again.

I dont ride in the slush because I have no way to clean the salt off. But as soon as the roads are dry.... Yeee Haw. The colded the dryer they are.

When it gets below zero I pull out the quilted Carhart bibs and heated gloves. It sometimes takes a good 20 miles before the bike warms up. I recommend you ride the bike until all condinsation is out of the case.