HD Sportster Oil and Primary Fluid Change How-To

I show, in depth, how I change the oil and primary case fluids on my 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster.

[@briangroh444]

Service center wanted $200 for an oil change. Found this video and now I'm gonna do what I should've done a long time ago - get my hands dirty and understand my '93 Sportster better.

[@markbrachmann]

Great instructional video. You’re a good teacher. And I appreciate that you dumbed it down for those of us who have never done it. I’m 53. Been riding since I was about 10 and never changed the oil on any of my bikes. I will now. You showed us how esimple it is and you did it well. Thanks brother!

[@briangroh3140]

Incredible video. Just finished my first oil change on my Sportster instead of throwing $150 to the dealership to do the change. This is what KZbin is made for. Thank you.

[@thedevilhimself8952]

6yrs later this video holds up. I loved it. Not like videos now a days where you gotta listen to a million unnecessary things. Well done man. Definitely going to look into your other videos.

[@robertjames5145]

This was the perfect video that motivated me to “give it a go” on my Sporty. I was successful first time without any motorcycle leaks or spills. I made sure I had all the right tools, equipment and material. I even bought a $130 Pittsburgh 1500lbs motorcycle lift from Harbor Freight that also worked out great and was straightforward to setup and use. Great video, made it happen for me, no more running to/from the dealer for oil and filter changes for me now!

[@MrLeeder88]

Hi Robert - question for you - i've been avoiding buying the jack from HF because some of the reviews say it doesn't fit the sporty... any issues with the span of the "jack forks" or the vertical height on your Sporty? Overall thoughts on that Pittsburgh jack? Thanks in advance for your time!

[@Zach-uf8jo]

Awesome video! First time changing my oil and this video helped me a ton! Thank you for going into detail with everything but not making to complicated!

[@inforunner]

Thanks for the video! Nice, step-by-step and easy to understand.

[@jerseygymgirl6898]

Thanks so much for this video! You were straight to the point, and made this as simple as possible. Great video 👍🏼

[@pedrolaurentinodasilva4951]

Thanks for a very simple and friendly guide for oil change process 👍

[@57Technoman]

Best How To video I've seen. Saving and sharing this on Facebook.

[@angrypatriot5392]

Man, I just wanna say Thank you. This video helped me out a TON. I'm fixing this 1988 Sportster 1200 for my Dad. It has been in a barn since 1993. The drain for the oil is under the battery tray but other than that, its alot like this one So Thank you for this video brother. Greatly appreciated. 😎👍👌

[@adotintheshark4848]

I had an '89 awhile back, same deal. If you can, get a single-fire ignition setup for that. It will make it start and run a whole lot better.

[@angrypatriot5392]

@@adotintheshark4848 Thanks alot. That helps a ton. Gonna search for one now. 👍

[@adotintheshark4848]

@@angrypatriot5392 Dynatek I believe is the company that sells them.

[@stevenanderson.3543]

Legend I've been looking everywhere for my 88 drain.

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

Nice Video mate, helped me out real good as i just got an Evo Sporty. Merry Christmas.

[@locotrucker46]

Awesome video. Helped me out a lot as a first time Harley sportster owner. I appreciate it.

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Good deal brother. I'm glad it helped someone.

[@djkfrmdubuque4762]

@@nolenbuilds9042 same here man. You need to keep doing vids

[@debrazahra1617]

GEEZ IM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO 1ST! You are a very good teacher! Can't thank you enough.

[@christyrogers4431]

Thank you!!!! First time bike owner. I have a 01 sporty. Your video gave me the confidence to do it myself. Thanks bro 👊

[@caryhecker420]

just got my 1st Harley Sportster 1200 C 2003...appreciate the detailed video!

[@dallaswebster6016]

Thanks man this video shows me what I wanted and answers a question or two that I had myself. I appreciate your video and the help it provided me. Thanks again. Hope to see more.

[@richardnooneuno8877]

Thanks, all my questions answered straight to the point right on.

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Glad it helped

[@Bmottman]

Thanks Nolen, Just did my first oil & primary oil change. Great video adj my chain as well. Going the extra mile . Thanks Again

[@JohnRBooth]

You have the exact bike I just bought and this was a perfect step by step for me. Thank you. I subscribed.

[@michaeldunn9018]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to show us the details!

[@PapaThiccc]

I just got my first motorcycle ever. It's a 99 Sportster 883 hugger. I've worked on cars but I've never changed the oil on a motorcycle. This was exactly what I needed to know. Took out any questions I thought I may have Edit: I used to work for Napa and I always recommended the mobile one V-Twin oil. From everything I learned from the old timers it's just worth spending the extra money. You're saving so much as is doing it yourself. Spend the couple bucks get the good stuff

[@mikewmhllc1660]

I've got a stripped primary fill bolt. Prev owner abandoned for 5 yrs.. Is there anywhere else to fill it from, ie clutch cover? I'm considering turning the bike on its side and filling into the drain plug.. (it's already drained, so too late to warm it up or take it anywhere). Any ideas appreciated!!

[@nnolen307]

@@mikewmhllc1660get you what they call an “easy out” kit. Should come with some drill bits and a bit that has reverse threads on it. Drill a small hole in the center just deep enough for the easy out (extractor) to fit in about a quarter of the way and turn it out to the left. Should come out no problem. I recommend researching a video or some kind of instruction on the use of an easy out of you’ve never done it but it’s pretty straight forward.

[@stevengutierrez6541]

Thanks for the how to video. It was straight forward and simple to understand. Appreciate it 💪👍🤙👊

[@tristendecker5824]

This is the best video I’ve seen on how to change the oil you’re the only person I’ve seen lube up the filter I’ve always done that but I watched some videos and they’d just put it on dry 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hogfest5047]

GREAT VIDEO ROCCO !

[@ghostplanner]

Bro, absolutely awesome video. Appreciate the way you broke everything down. If i attempt any other maintenance on my bike I'll be checking your vids first.

[@markbrachmann]

Same.

[@reesefamily4291]

Absolutely best instructional video I ever fucking watched !!! God bless brother

[@africano39]

Thanks Brother...able to tackle the project on my sporster myself now..

[@Redeemed427]

Thanks, Brotha. My first time tomorrow changing on my SPORTY. It will go faster after watch this.

[@bobconner4277]

@Martin Pozzi 3 liters in the oil tank and 1 liter in the primary

[@bobconner4277]

@Martin Pozzi these are torques and I believe he said 4 mm so metric.

[@bobconner4277]

@Martin Pozzi You're welcome, I hope it helped.

[@peterolea6301]

Thank you for the instructions great job!

[@Crystl22]

Thanks for showing us how. Clear & easy to understand.

[@stephensheridan6332]

Exellent video, clear and helpful thankyou.

[@timhenderson7181]

Awesome fucking video, straight and to the point! Just finished up with my 1st sporty oil change and this video was spot on! Cheers and thanks!

[@tripltred65]

Thanks for the video, this was very helpful.

[@rruben7101]

Thank you very much, i just bought my first bike which is a Sportster 1200. Youre video really helped me.

[@edwinbrown3303]

I like your blog, simple. You saved 300 hundred dollars at the dealership.

[@bonzai718]

good step by step explanation brother, this helped out a lot!!

[@philthyone1977]

Thanks Bud. Perfect Video!!

[@spencermosley9675]

Thanks man God is good l learn allot from your video

[@brianmuehlher5330]

I appreciate the thorough tutorial. Helped me out a lot!

[@newwavepressure6478]

Im workin on a 97 sportster and it only took 2q or oil and it looks full i thought it took 3

[@brianmuehlher5330]

I’m getting ready to do mine. It’s a 04’ xl. 1200. I’ll start with two and see what I get.

[@newwavepressure6478]

@@brianmuehlher5330 its rainin here i.didnt get to take if for a ride maybe ill top if off but looks like 3 would be an over fill

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Mine is a 2002. After completely draining it I fill about 2.5 qt ride it around for a day or so or roughly 20 miles then let it completely cool down over night. That extra half quart usually puts it right under the top line on the dip stick. You have to take in to account the oil that is gonna drain out of the lines and when you ride it around it works the air out.

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Also after running it your new filter will fill up with oil.

[@vmax1399]

Thanks very much you're very helpful video from UK

[@jrbjr12345]

Hey man, excellent video. Thanks buddy....

[@MattDavis-by1gi]

Hey thanks for the video, besides the engine oil change and the primary fluid change, is there any other spot to change? I did my engine oil and I’m about to do the primary like shown in this video, what else am I missing? My buddy says there are 3 areas on the eve to change??

[@carlosgaytan7658]

Thank you Sir. Good video!

[@doug3805]

Good simple video, thanks.

[@romeojua23]

Great video.. thanks for the help!

[@michaelpadilla4667]

Thanks for the video bro it was really helpful

[@dillonh5922]

Nolan thank you sir for your wonderful video

[@phil8249]

Great video dude!!

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Thanks man I appreciate it. Glad it helped.

[@thomassnead9933]

Thank you Great block of instruction

[@stanleyjohnson3841]

Thanks bro simple and to the point I like it

[@xristosvasiliou3408]

thanks man . perfect video.

[@andyr.5769]

Thanks for the video. Saves a hell of a lot of $ to slide to a HD “Service Technician" not knowing how “F'd Up" their day has been going.

[@mickspage]

This was a great video. Please make one for the primary chain adjuster.

[@markrupnik5359]

I’ll look for the video on a chain adjustment, thanks.

[@TheMusicalArtist]

I have this exact same model! It’s a great bike!

[@rdrderuiter]

Is this the same for a Sportster xlh 1200 1988?

[@sonnye9846]

So does a 2018 sportster 1200 need transmission fluid, or does the oil in the primary take care of that?

[@sportstermissions]

Great video, thank you!

[@nelsongraber8987]

Thanks for the helpful video.

[@Robin-1950]

Very clear instructions I need to change oil and may even attempt the primary . The first time I changed oil had to watch a video as the book didnt explain very well as to here drain hose was . I have a2003 883 Hugger Thanks for your help ! Robin

[@m.j.vazquez4720]

is this normal The manual says refill 3.6 qts for my 05 Harley 1200 sportster custom but it looked pretty full after about 2.5 and the oil light turned off (turns back on when I turn key and off after i hit power)

[@HiMyNameIsBeau]

this is a great video helped me out a lot! Im no motorcycle mechanic but dont the sportsters need to be leveled horizontal on a jack when doing oil? I think the dyans can be done on the jiffy but not the sportsters

[@andrewjones17]

Nice bike! Good video!!

[@randyjohnson6640]

Great video thanks!

[@randymack1782]

how is that oil working for you? i have used Valvoline racing 20W50 with added ZINC for well over a decade without issue. in engine oil, but was unsure what to use in primary case, all my previous Harleys dripped engine oil on the primary chain, then siphoned it back to filter to engine oil. SHovelheads

[@haroldyazzie3538]

Nice, bro! Plan and simple, thanks for sharing!

[@samfoster8733]

This video is great thanks man

[@Mountdoom614]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@nolenbuilds9042]

I appreciate you checking it out.

[@partyhardplayhardgaming8106]

I have a 06, how often do I need to do a clutch fluid change on it?

[@natebiegalle3962]

Don’t you have to push down then up when checking the primary chain?

[@mrspacespacecryptochat8398]

Bloody brilliant BEST VID YET I've seen on changing oil thank you for this the only thing I would like to add is how much primary oil did u add or is there a certain amount many thanks best VID YET explained vert well thankyou

[@nolenbuilds9042]

I put exactly 1 qt in the primary. If you wanted to see the level you would just have to pull off the clutch cover and it should be up to the bottom edge of that opening.

[@mikeysmith3755]

Somcs

[@valerioporcelli647]

Both 1200 and 883 take 1 quart fir the primary? Thanks for this very useful video!

[@musicforplants]

excellent video

[@Topnotchplumbing209]

I really like your forward controls. Do you mind telling me what brand and where you got them from?

[@jasonshetrone7763]

Thanks, that was pretty much self explanatory.looks simple, and saves me about 100÷ dollars..

[@carleyg1973]

Great job... Thanks from all the biker chicks.

[@RainyRider1970]

Good video, bud.

[@jms6099]

Thanks for making this so simple. One question: i cannot get clear info on my model, as the papers are screwed up. It seems to be a sportster XL/H /883 from 1992. Is it important that the main oil is a different one or can i also pour the primary 20W50 into the main tank? I dont have any info on which one to pour there. maybe you have an answer for me here.

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Yes, you can use 20w50 in the main oil tank as well.

[@HoboHiney]

Thanks for the Video!

[@bagofpinecones]

great video

[@wildman1072]

Beautiful bike

[@josephrodriguez7850]

Good video👍🏻

[@jackbrierley1090]

Thanks man your very good instructor you install confidence in your approach to saving money 💰 thank you Johnny mudd 13H

[@nightshadow4751]

Just wondering why you aren't filling the primary oil in the fill hole?

[@WilliamRahl]

Hey! Thanks for the vid. We have the same bike so it’s a great visual and hard to find this model on anything. Should I use 20 -50 or should I use primary fluid!? Is there a difference!? Help!

[@CB-lh8gw]

HD says to use Sportster specific primary fluid. it's the only bike I've seen fluids marketed specifically for so I actually choose to use it lol...

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Either is fine. As long as you use 20-50 that is good for wet clutches. If you're in doubt though you can never go wrong with the harley primary fluid. Either works just fine though, I assure you. Thanks for checking out my vids.

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

Great information in the beginning. Excellent instructions. Some of us are just now learning to do this. So do you always do the primary as well when you are changing the bike oil? Thank you!

[@nolenbuilds9042]

No, I only change my primary oil about every third oil change. In the summer if its real hot and I do a lot of riding I'll change it a little more often. Usually every other oil change.

[@johnwerner6794]

Is the 2008 883 xl the same way

[@cjluna3154]

Thanks homie

[@countryrider8150]

That hose drains the oil tank how do you drain the engine

[@MP72792]

Very helpful, thanks man.

[@sethdaniels1872]

Cool video brother subd

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Thanks man. I appreciate it

[@rogerford5395]

Very good

[@tweetchris46]

Excellent vid thank you. I’ve always had Japanese bikes until now so this was helpful as Harley servicing is somewhat different to Hondas. Btw do you have a video of the primary chain adjustment process?

[@johncasor9698]

so what year is this bike ??? 883 or 1200

[@samueljeppsen9785]

Perfect, thx

[@chrissmith7669]

I’ll be starting this process on an inherited 2003 hugger 883

[@johnhoward5383]

I just bought a 1989 Harley Davidson sportster 1200 it has gear oil in the primary does that matter

[@Yellowcritter]

Get rid of that gear oil, it's too thick. It will eventually cause your chain and clutches to wear out faster than they should. You want to use a lighter oil as the primary if just an oil bath system.

[@cgganapathi816]

Engine oil capacity how much sir

[@joesphschramm3754]

Did you make a video for adding tension to the chain?

[@nolenbuilds9042]

Not yet unfortunately. I hope to get one out in the near future.

[@famchoss]

Small suggestion , coat rubber seal of oil filter with your New Clean Oil & not use any of the old dirty oil for anything.

[@nolenbuilds9042]

You are absolutely right. Clean oil is a better option.