Oil Change

This is a fairly basic question but I have only about 250 miles on my Rocket and need a bit of advice. The bike is is out in Florida and I am in Washington. I will be departing for Florida and riding to Daytona Bike Week. I estimate that I'll be putting about 1200 miles on the bike. The service department at the shop where I purchased it will be closed the week before Bike Week and will not be able to do the 500 mile oil change before I depart. Thus, I have the option of doing it myself or delaying until my return from Daytona to Navarre. Somewhat silly questions. What is the oil capacity and where is the oil drain plug? It has an oil tank but like unlike my Harley and my old Triumphs there is no drain plug on the tank, thus it must be under the crank case I guess. I just haven't had the chance to get to know the bike and don't want to do anything to void the warranty.

On that, has anyone delayed that first oil change until about 1200 miles. I spoke to one of the forum members who did but I don't know if that is common or delaying past 500 miles will void the warranty. Of the 18 or so bikes I have owned in over 40 years of riding, this is the first new bike I have ever purchased. I have always owned used or vintage.

Look in the manual that came with the bike, it will show you where the drain plugs are, there are three plugs. The oil capacity is six quarts, yes I said SIX. As far as waiting the 1200 miles on the oil change I can't see why that would hurt anything. I think mine was changed at 8 or 9 hundred miles. Do it yourself, very simple.

biker1059 said:

Look in the manual that came with the bike, it will show you where the drain plugs are, there are three plugs. The oil capacity is six quarts, yes I said SIX. As far as waiting the 1200 miles on the oil change I can't see why that would hurt anything. I think mine was changed at 8 or 9 hundred miles. Do it yourself, very simple.

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I thought it might be in the owner's manual but it is in Pensacola with the bike. I appreciate the information. I thought I saw a posting in this forum somewhere on this subject but could not find it.

It appears that you have some nice riding weather down in Texas. It is cold and rainy up here in PACNORWEST, with light snow forecast for later in the week. I am glad that I'll be heading for Florida next week.

Gasket,

I'd be very reluctant to leave that Sunflower Oil in my R3 for a minute longer than needed - you should get your high grade Mobil 1 Racing 4T in there at the right time.

The oil [& filter] play a critical part in engine life and performance and should be seen as the life-blood of the engine. If you cut corners that baby could go splutter/bang :cry:

RocketSteve said:

Gasket,

I'd be very reluctant to leave that Sunflower Oil in my R3 for a minute longer than needed - you should get your high grade Mobil 1 Racing 4T in there at the right time.

The oil [& filter] play a critical part in engine life and performance and should be seen as the life-blood of the engine. If you cut corners that baby could go splutter/bang :cry:

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Steve, I have the same philosophy on oil. With the numerous bikes I presently own, I do a lot of oil changing Which is one of the reasons I am parting with most of them. I have always regarded fresh oil and filters as pretty inexpensive engine insurance. As I noted in my initial post though, this is my first new bike and was unsure if that 500 mile mark is somewhat arbritrary and possibly flexible or a critical milestone. Whenever I rebuild an old machine, I definitely get the break in oil out at 500 miles. Old technology vs new machining, metalurgy and closer tolerances though, thus my reason for asking fellow rider opinion. I'll be talking to the owner of the dealership tomorrow, who is himself a superb mechanic, and confirm with him. I appreciate your perspective. Mike

Gasket give me a call at 850-862-1184 if you still need help with your oil change, I think i met you at D&D cycles a few weeks ago(I have the scottish accent) if you have the oil swing on by my house(Fort walton Beach) and we can change the oil no problem. Will need three new washers.

Gasket,
My opinion.....GET THAT DIRTY OIL OUT OF THERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!! There's two different configs on the oil plugs depending on which model you have.

New washers are prefered but not neccessary.

How about going to Arlen Ness' new Triumph dealership down in Daytona while there. Two birds with one stone!

Rkt 3 said:

Gasket,
My opinion.....GET THAT DIRTY OIL OUT OF THERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!! There's two different configs on the oil plugs depending on which model you have.

New washers are prefered but not neccessary.

How about going to Arlen Ness' new Triumph dealership down in Daytona while there. Two birds with one stone!

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Ron, I am going to put another 250 miles on the Rocket when I get to Florida and change the oil myself. However, I didn't know that the dealership in Daytona was associated with Arlen Ness and will stop by. Thanks for the information. Mike

www.arlennessdaytona.com/

Here's the web site for the Ness / Triumph dealership. Quite a suprise for me! And, it's located at Destination Daytona.....the Harley village!

Rkt 3 said:

www.arlennessdaytona.com/

Here's the web site for the Ness / Triumph dealership. Quite a suprise for me! And, it's located at Destination Daytona.....the Harley village!

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I'll have to stop by while I am in Daytona. During the process of purchasing my Rocket at D&D cycles, someone told me (I believe it was one of the customers in the shop) that the Daytona dealership charges quite a bit more for the routine services. I'll confirm and post the information...Mike