I used to do oil change around 3,000 with old dino oil.  Since synthetic lube doesn't break down as fast I go 6,000 to 7,000 between changes. But it still gets dirty so I change the filter and top off at 3,000 to 3,500.

I have heard that you should not run syn in the older motors. Not sure why, but I have heard it lots of different places.

I use standard motor oil and still only change it every 5000 miles,haven't had a problem yet.

I use Syn 3 and change every 5K, primary every 10K and transmission every 20K. I was raised to believe changing oil was the most important thing in helping the engine last. Old habits die hard.

Made a maintenance folder with an Excel sheet that tracks everything on the Regular Service Intervals list (and front/rear tire mileage history, brake pad mileage history, etc) tied into a page that shows fuel fills, Km since last fill, miles since last fill, price per liter, liters added, total price, liters/100 Kms, mpg, price/gal and Euros/Km. Next due mileage turns red when getting close (250 miles).

85K miles and so far no problems.

I change mine every 5000, oil and filter

Dino in both the Ultra and Heritage, 3k oil and filter !0k trans and primary,

@Lucky: I don’t used syn in the old Shovel because I heard the same thing. but didn’t know if it was BS or not. I like the idea of change the filter and toping it off at 3,000 to 3,500.

@Snakechrmr: WOW!! That is great. And something I need to work on. I write it down now but windup loosing the paper after some time.

@azkidtx........For decades I wrote services down on a 3 X 5 and put it in a sleeve on the inside lid of the big toolbox when I did recurring maintenance. A few years back I started using an Excel sheet to manually enter services. Then one day when I had more time than money or sense I decided to go crazy with excel.

But I do tend to over analyze things.

 Snakechrmr,, you know we have a real nice feature here on CycleFish to track oil changes and all maintenance... it is called Service Tracker and in your Garage.  I lets you record and view all maintenance on your bike.  Even keeps a running total of cost by category.

I use synthetics and change it every 5,000 when everything else gets serviced. Nice easy number to remember and everything gets done.

I do 5,000 mile oil changes with synethetics on the twin cams. 3,000 mile oil changes with dino on the antiques.

Service manual says 5000. With 120,000 miles on the '05 when I traded it in on a '12 it was still running strong and no problems. Of course that's four times a year for me. Couldn't see wasting the money on doing it every 3000 unless it sets a lot and sucks up moisture...

My ride...82' Shovelhead (FLHC), and I do use Syn oil in her. Always have....no problems...???

I change every 5k on oil 10k on primary 20k on tranny running AMSOIL IN MOTOR PRIMARY TRANS

 

Sunchaser74, I keep hearing more and more about AMSOIL.  Mechanics are saying I should switch, friends are encouraging me to switch and I've been reading a bunch of reports.  Been running Syn 3 since new, change as per the Harley book as do you and with 93K on her now have had no problems.  But Syn 3 costs me over $40/qt here and I was just offered AMSOIL at a case price of around $12/qt for 20-50.  2-3 cases would last me a couple of years or more and if it's as good as people are saying it'd save a bundle. 

Wondering if there could be any problems with switching.  Also do you run AMSOIL filter or Harley?

Thanx,
Snake

Synthetic oils work great in cases that have neoprene seals that are designed for synthetic oil. Rubber compounds, cork and paper gaskets tend to weep with synthetic oils.

I run Castrol 4T and a small amount of zinc additive i n the engine case. Change it around 3-4,000 miles or during the winter.

Like others old habits die hard. 3k on all 3 bikes, 2 use syn and the other uses dino. In regards to the myth / fact dino verses syn. If your motor has been run with lots of miles on Dino don't switch to syn. Motors with Dino build up certain deposits and switching washes away the carbon deposits that have built up over time and engine wear. Yes, first hand experience. My son took the advise of friends to switch from Dino to syn and the motor never ran well after and made tons of clatter noise. My 2 cents

To keep track of routine maintenance I use my phone. That way wether I'm at home or on the road I've got all my data with me. Periodic backup of the phones keeps my records stored in case the phone is lost.

I run synthetic and change it annually. For me, between work and all else, that's typically well <5,000 miles :-(