In 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson officially founded the company that would later become one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. It has stood the test of time, lasting over 120 years and even spawning lawnmower and drone rocket engines.
The pair—Harley and Davidson—combined their ingenuity, passion for mechanics, and design to manufacture motorcycles. They also sold their first motorcycle in 1903 to Henry Meyer, a local resident and friend.
The history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles can be traced back to a 10×15-foot wooden shed, which served as the company’s first factory. In 1904, they doubled the size of the factory, and by September 17, 1907, Harley-Davidson Motor Company was incorporated, and the rest is history.
In 2023 alone, Harley-Davidson produced over 162,000 motorcycles. There is no exact number for the amount of motorcycles that the company has produced since its inception, but it would be in the millions.
Harley Davidson is one of the top motorcycle manufacturers and if you include discontinued models, has almost 50 production models. In this article, we’ll be covering Harley Davidson motorcycle servicing for different models and how often you should service a Harley Davidson bike.
The Servicing Requirements of Different Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Following the Harley Davidson scheduled maintenance guidelines for your model is the best way to keep your bike running smoothly and for as long as possible. Regular care and maintenance can extend the life of your motorcycle and its components.
Below, we’ll outline different Harley Davidson production models, maintenance tips, and how often they need servicing. Keep in mind that specifics may change depending on the generation of the production model. We recommend checking the official Harley Davidson manual for the model and generation for exact servicing requirements.
Harley Davidson Sportster Servicing
The Harley Davidson Sportster production model is as classic as it gets. The motorcycle manufacturer has been producing their Sportster models since 1952, succeeding the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles.
The original Sportster line lasted from 1952 to 2020 when the Sportster S model replaced it. The Sportster production model requires regular servicing. Below is just a general outline; always refer to the specific model’s service manual for specifics.
- After you first get a new Sportster, you should do the first service, also known as the “initial break-in service,” at 1,600 kilometres.
- Routine services should be conducted approximately 8,000 kilometres after the initial break-in service.
- Every 16,000 to 20,000 kilometres, you should put the bike through an “extended” servicing. Along with regularly checking the fluids, brakes, tyres, etc, the spark plugs and wheels should also be checked,
- The Harley Davidson Sportster should receive a major service every 30,000 to 35,000 kilometres. This should include thoroughly checking all electrical systems, comprehensive inspection, and replacement fork oil.
Harley Davidson Twin Cam Servicing
Because of their larger size, the Harley Davidson Twin Cam bikes feature a slightly different service schedule than their Sportster models. The motorcycles running the Twin Cam engines are bigger and have a more complex design.
- The oil and filter change is at 8,000 kilometres, but the Twin Cam engine requires more oil because it is larger.
- Transmission and primary fluid servicing are similar to the Sportster. It requires regular inspections but needs to be changed around every 16,000 kilometres.
- Models with a Twin Cam engine feature hydraulic cam chain tensioners in models after 2007 that need to be checked every 30,000 to 35,000 kilometres. Earlier models have spring-loaded tensioners that need to be inspected regularly, around 30,000 kilometres.
- Compared to other Harley Davidson bikes, including the Sportster, the Twin Cam models have larger air filters. This means they only need to be checked every 16,000 kilometres instead of the regular 8,000 kilometres.
- The Twin Cam engine Harley Davidson motorcycles are designed for longer touring distances. So, they feature higher-grade spark plugs, which only need to be serviced every 32,000 kilometres, as opposed to the regular 16,000 kilometres.
Other aspects of the Harley Davidson Twin Cam bike allow it to go longer without inspections. For instance, the Twin Cam and Sportster models both have a belt drive, but because the Twin Cam features a larger size and torque, it doesn’t need to be checked as frequently.
Harley Davidson Dyna Servicing
The Harley Davidson Dyna production model shares various similarities with bikes utilising the Twin Cam engine, like the Softail. This is because the Dyna line, which was produced from 1991 to 2017, uses the same Twin Cam engines.
So, when it comes to servicing the Harley Davidson Dyna bikes, you can expect similar servicing requirements. For most generations, the Dyna models and any other Harley Davidson running a Twin Cam engine have similar recommended intervals for servicing, changing oils, cam chain tensioners, and more.
For specific requirements, we always recommend checking the manufacturer’s manual. Servicing instructions can vary depending on the model year. For example, a 1998 Harley Davidson Dyna would be different from one produced in 2014.
Harley Davidson M8 Servicing
The Harley Davidson Milwaukee-Eight (M8) engine was first introduced in 2017 and is the successor to the Twin Cam engine. It offers better power and heat management, and its recommended servicing schedule is slightly different.
- Oil change intervals are the same as the Twin Cam engine at 8,000 kilometres.
- Transmission and primary fluid changes are the same as the Twin Cam.
- The M8 does not need servicing for the cam chain tensioners.
- You should check the M8’s spark plugs as often as the Twin Cam, but keep in mind it uses dual spark plugs per cylinder.
Everything else, including inspecting the brake pads, drive belt inspection, and fork oil replacement, remains the same between the M8 and Twin Cam engines.
Harley Davidson Touring Servicing
Harley Davidson models designed for touring typically feature a Twin Cam engine or the Milwaukee-Eight engine, depending on the production year. Harley Davidson touring models include the Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide, and Road Glide.
So, when it comes to servicing—the instructions for the Twin Cam or M8 engines above are sufficient. It’s also recommended to check your model’s manual in case there are any specific requirements, as engines may change between generations.
Harley Davidson Softail Servicing
From 2018 onwards, the Harley Davidson Softail model is powered by the M8 engine. Previous years were powered by the Twin Cam engine, so routine servicing is similar to that of the Dyna line of bikes and any other bikes using the Twin Cam/M8.
Professional Harley Davidson Motorcycle Servicing at Taverner
At Taverner Motorsports, we perform routine Harley Davidson servicing, from minor to major. Whether you’re riding a Harley Davidson Sportster or an M8, our team has decades of experience working with all makes and models.
Our workshop also offers Harley Davidson performance upgrades to enhance your motorcycle. These include supercharger kits, turbochargers, custom intercoolers, and engine work. The Taverner Motorsports team can help you get the most out of your bike.
Our team will also ensure that all modifications to your bike are 100% legal and comply with Australian standards. When you choose to work with us, you can also expect complete transparency. We will keep you updated on any costs and give you a timeframe for completion.
If you are looking for a team that can perform regular servicing on your bike or you want to take your Harley Davidson to the next level—contact us today and request a quote. The Taverner Motorsports team would love to help you with your bike.