How to Change the Oil in a 2005 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
by Tyson SimmonsUpdated November 07, 2017
Items you will need
Motorcycle oil change stand
10 mm socket wrench
Oil catch pan
Replacement oil filter
Harley-Davidson motorcycles run on high-performance engines that require regular maintenance. The most important part of this maintenance is oil changes. Motor oil in your Harley Electra Glide provides lubrication for internal motor components as well as internal cooling, but over time becomes contaminated with metal flaking, oxidation and other particulates. This causes the oil to perform less well at lubricating and cooling, thus giving your bike's motor a harder time. Changing the oil in your Harley-Davidson Electra Glide requires a few simple tools and 25 to 35 minutes of time.
Start your Harley and go for a five-to-ten minute ride. If this is not possible, simply let the bike idle for five to ten minutes. This will allow the oil in the motorcycle to heat up and thin.
Pull your Harley-Davidson onto an oil change stand and lift the bike. Be sure the bike is extremely stable and supported.
Loosen the oil overflow bolt on the clutch side of the motorcycle using a 10 mm socket wrench. This will stop the vacuum effect in the oil reservoir and allow the oil to flow freely out of your motorcycle.
Slide an oil catch pan under the motorcycle and remove the oil drain bolt at the base of the clutch assembly using a 10 mm socket wrench.. Allow all the oil to drain out of the motorcycle.
Locate the oil filter cover next to the oil drain bolt. The cover is a circular piece of metal with a mounting bolt directly in the middle. Remove the mounting bolt using a 10 mm socket wrench.
Pull the old oil filter out of its housing and replace it with a new filter. Replace the oil filter cover and re-tighten the mounting bolt.
Replace the oil drain bolt.
Open the oil filler cap on the clutch side of the motorcycle and add four quarts of motor oil.
Replace the oil filler cap and tighten down the oil overflow bolt.
Tips
Spending a few extra dollars on a high-performance oil filter may save you money in the end.
Warnings
Always stay aware of pinch points when working around motorcycle parts.
References
Writer Bio
Tyson Simmons started writing professionally in 2005 and has worked for multiple media firms and publications, including "EQ Automotive" and various websites. He mainly covers the automotive and technical fields. Simmons has an English writing certification from Uintah Basin Applied Technology College and is also A+ computer repair certified. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in English writing at Utah State University.
