T-Clocs Part 4 – Oil

The O in T-CLOCS stands for Oil and other fluids. You can have a shop change your fluids or you can do it yourself if you are so inclined.

The way to check your oil is different on different bikes. Some bikes have to be stood upright to get a correct reading. Most bikes have a dipstick of some sort that you can use to see the level of your oil.  Some, like my old Yamaha V-star, you have to lay on the ground in order to look at a small sight glass at the bottom of the engine.

There is a choice when changing your oil.  You can use regular oil, partially synthetic, or full synthetic. I will put some information about them in a link at the bottom.

Check your fuel level. If you stored your bike for the winter, you may need to put fresh fuel in or put an additive like HEET to the gas tank.

Check brake fluid.  Remember: if your bike has independent front and rear brakes you may have two places to check.

If you have a water-cooled bike, you should also check the coolant level.

You also need to check for leaks of any kind. I know that there are jokes and sayings about Harley’s marking their territory, but if you have a leak and it is one of those you just have to live with,  you should be extra faithful checking and refilling the oil.

Below are some good links for more information.
Be safe.
https://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCS_Inspection_Checklist.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hObHApBZxqo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBiBF6krqXQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qAa-GA0i6E