Syn3 with 2k Harley Oil & Lubrication Discuss Syn3 with 2k in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have 2k miles on my bike since last oil change and stored for the winter. Should I change in the spring or the other 3k before changing? I use ...

[jp13]

I have 2k miles on my bike since last oil change and stored for the winter. Should I change in the spring or the other 3k before changing? I use syn3 and will probaly go to amsoil next.

[HarleyCruiser]

If you look in your manual it will say to inspect your oil at 2500. And it is a good practice to do so after storage.
What does this mean, by looking at it, you can tell if it has moisture, or any bad contaminations.
When I was a kid, an old mechanic that worked with me at the City Service station would look at it to see if it had water or metal particles in it, smell it to see if it was burn, rub it between his fingers to see if it had lost its viscosity and even taste it to see if it had a metallic taste.
I would not go as far as tasting it, and you need to be careful about getting too much used oil on your skin, the contaminates can be dangerous, but this is what is meant by inspecting your oil.
Running the bike for short rides in the winter is the worst thing you can do, especially if it is real humid outside.
No chance to burn off the moisture. Look at the oil, if it is white or foamy I would change it.
Otherwise run it.

[jp13]

I think I am going to change it anyway. It looks ok, but I am going to use mobil1 syn .

[Shaggyman]

Thanks for asking this question JP. I have always changed the oil in the spring, but also always wondered if it was really necessary.

[BluesFan]

moisture in the oil can lead to acid formation in storage, and in use, that can be very local and it is possible to etch a bearing.

Never actually seen it. Me, I don't tend to worry about it.

One day that might bite me. Till then......

[jp13]

I will change when I put her up in November. Thirty some dollars and a new filter won't break me.