Oil Change Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S FXLRS

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S FXLRS · 2026 · Oil Changes

Oil Change Guide: 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S FXLRS

Quick Reference Table

Spec	Value	Source
Engine	Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1,923cc, air-cooled)	Harley-Davidson
Frame Platform	Softail (FXLR chassis, hidden rear suspension)	Harley-Davidson
Oil Type	SAE 20W-50 (Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent API SG+)	H-D Service Manual
Oil Capacity (with filter)	4.0 quarts (128 oz)	H-D Service Manual
Oil Capacity (no filter)	3.5 quarts (112 oz)	H-D Service Manual
OEM Oil Filter	Harley-Davidson 63731-99A	H-D Parts Catalog
Aftermarket Filter Alternatives	K&N KN-170, WIX 57089XP, HiFloFiltro HF204, Amsoil EA79	Cross-reference
Drain Plug Socket	3/8 inch hex (10mm Allen)	H-D Service Manual
Drain Plug Torque	14-18 ft-lbs	H-D Service Manual
Drain Plug Washer	Copper crush washer, replace every change	H-D Service Manual
Oil Filter Install	Hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn after gasket contact	H-D Service Manual
Service Interval	10,000 miles or 2 years	H-D Owner Manual

Difficulty and Time Estimate

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate (1 out of 5)
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes (first-timer: 60-75 min)
Best Done: On a warm engine (oil flows easier, after 5-10 min of riding)

Complete Tool List

Tool	Size/Type	Purpose
Allen/hex wrench	3/8 inch (10mm)	Remove drain plug
Torque wrench	10-25 ft-lb range, 3/8 inch drive	Torque drain plug accurately
Ratchet	3/8 inch drive	General use
Socket extension	3/8 inch drive, 3 inch	Access drain plug
Oil filter wrench	Cap-style (76mm 14-flute) or strap-type	Remove old filter
Oil drain pan	Minimum 6-quart capacity	Catch used oil
Funnel	Standard or motorcycle-specific	Add new oil cleanly
New oil filter	OEM 63731-99A or aftermarket equivalent	Replace old filter
Drain plug washer	Copper crush washer (new, each change)	Seal drain plug
Clean rags/shop towels	Several	Cleanup spills and wiping
Cardboard or ground cover	One piece	Protect floor
Jack or lift	Motorcycle-rated, with jack stands	Elevate bike safely

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Engine

Start your Low Rider S and let it run for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more completely and suspends contaminants better than cold oil. Park on a level surface and let the engine sit for 5 minutes so oil drains back into the tank.

Step 2: Position and Elevate the Bike

Place the motorcycle on a motorcycle jack or lift to get good access to the underside. The Low Rider S sits low (26.8 inch seat height), so you may need less lift height than other models. Always use jack stands for safety — never rely on a hydraulic jack alone.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Fill Cap

Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil tank area. On the Low Rider S (Softail platform), the oil tank is integrated into the frame. This allows air in so oil drains freely. Check your specific bike for the fill cap location — it is typically accessible from the right side near the seat area.

Step 4: Position the Drain Pan

Place your oil drain pan beneath the drain plug location. Ensure the pan has at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate the full oil volume.

Step 5: Remove the Drain Plug

Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil tank. Using a 3/8 inch hex/Allen wrench, loosen the drain plug counterclockwise. Finish removing by hand — be ready for oil to flow immediately, and it may still be warm.

Warning: Oil may be hot. Wear gloves and eye protection.

Step 6: Drain the Oil Completely

Allow all oil to drain fully. This takes 10-15 minutes. Inspect the drain plug and surrounding area for burrs, damage, or unusual metal shavings. Some metallic debris is normal during break-in on a new bike, but excessive amounts warrant a dealer visit.

Step 7: Replace the Drain Plug Washer

Remove the old copper crush washer from the drain plug and replace it with a new one. Never reuse crush washers — they deform to make a seal and reusing them is the leading cause of post-change leaks.

Step 8: Reinstall the Drain Plug

Clean the drain plug threads and mounting surface. Install the drain plug with the new washer and hand-tighten. Then use your torque wrench to tighten to 14-18 ft-lbs.

Do NOT over-torque. Stripping the oil tank threads requires expensive frame repair. Always use a torque wrench.

Step 9: Remove the Old Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter on the Softail frame-mounted oil tank (typically on the lower side). Position the drain pan beneath the filter mount. Use an oil filter wrench to break the filter loose, then spin it off by hand. Check that the old rubber gasket removed cleanly with the filter.

Step 10: Prepare the New Filter

Before installing: 1. Apply a thin film of clean 20W-50 motorcycle oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter 2. Verify the old filter gasket came off with the old filter (a stuck gasket causes double-gasket leaks) 3. Do NOT pre-fill the filter — it is mounted from the side and pre-filling just makes a mess

Step 11: Install the New Oil Filter

Screw the new filter on by hand. When the rubber gasket first contacts the mounting surface, tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand.

Do NOT use a wrench to tighten. Hand-tighten only.

Step 12: Add New Oil

Pour approximately 3.0 quarts of SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil through a funnel into the fill port (start with less than full capacity). Use Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent API SG or higher specification oil. Do NOT use automotive oils with friction modifiers — they cause wet clutch slippage.

Step 13: Check and Adjust Oil Level

Install the fill cap/dipstick but do NOT tighten it — just rest it on the threads
Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes to circulate oil through the new filter
Shut off the engine and wait 1-2 minutes for oil to settle
Check the dipstick — the oil level should be between the Add and Full marks
If low, add oil in small increments (1/4 cup at a time) and recheck after each add
Final level should be between the marks on the dipstick

Step 14: Final Inspection

Check for leaks around the drain plug
Check for leaks around the oil filter
Tighten the oil fill cap securely
Reset the maintenance reminder on the Low Rider S digital display (refer to owner manual for procedure)
Clean up any spilled oil on the frame or floor

Tips, Warnings and Common Mistakes

Helpful Tips

Oil recommendations: H-D Formula+ semi-synthetic is OEM spec. Alternatives: Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50, Amsoil V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50, Castrol Power1 V-Twin 20W-50. All must be JASO MA/MA2 rated for wet clutch compatibility.
Break-in oil: If your Low Rider S is new or freshly rebuilt, consider an earlier oil change at 500-1,000 miles to remove break-in debris.
Keep records: Log date, mileage, oil brand, and filter used for warranty and maintenance tracking.
Pre-ride checks: The Milwaukee-Eight 117 can show minor oil consumption — check the dipstick before every ride.

Warnings

NEVER use automotive oils with "Energy Conserving" labels — friction modifiers cause clutch slippage and transmission damage in Harley-Davidson motorcycles with wet clutches.
NEVER start the engine without oil — this causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage.
NEVER over-torque the drain plug — stripped threads in the Softail frame-mounted oil tank require expensive repair.
Do NOT start the engine immediately after adding oil — always circulate with a 2-3 minute idle and then check the level before riding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid
Over-torquing drain plug	Stripped oil tank threads in frame	Always use a torque wrench, 14-18 ft-lbs
Reusing drain plug washer	Oil leak after short rides	Always replace, keep spares in saddlebags
Using car oil instead of motorcycle oil	Clutch slippage and transmission damage	Verify JASO MA or MA2 rating on label
Not checking oil level after filling	Engine damage from under/overfilling	Always start engine, wait, recheck dipstick
Double-gasketing the oil filter	Massive oil leak from filter mount	Verify old gasket removed with old filter
Forgetting to remove fill cap before draining	Oil does not drain fully	Remove fill cap first, always

Oil Disposal

Never pour used motor oil down a drain, into the trash, or on the ground.

Pour the drained oil into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid (empty oil jugs work perfectly)
Take it to a certified recycling center. Most auto parts stores accept used oil for free: - AutoZone — free oil recycling at all U.S. locations - O'Reilly Auto Parts — free oil and filter recycling - Advance Auto Parts — free oil recycling - NAPA Auto Parts — accepts oil at most locations, call ahead to confirm
Take the old oil filter with you — the above stores typically recycle filters as well
Your municipal recycling center or household hazardous waste facility is another option
Never mix used oil with other automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid) as this makes recycling difficult or impossible

Verification Notes for 2026 Model Year

The following specs should be verified against your 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S owner's manual:

Spec	Known Value	Notes
Oil capacity	4.0 quarts (with filter)	Softail M-117 spec, verify for 2026 model year
Drain plug tool	3/8 inch hex (10mm Allen)	Standard for Softail platform
Drain plug torque	14-18 ft-lbs	Confirm in owner's manual
Filter location	Side of frame-mounted oil tank	Confirm exact access on 2026 FXLRS
Oil fill location	Right side oil tank access	May vary with seat/tank configuration
Service interval	10,000 miles or 2 years	Verify for severe-use riding conditions

To verify: Check your 2026 Low Rider S owner's manual included with the purchase, access via the Harley-Davidson mobile app, or consult an authorized H-D dealership parts/service department.

Guide prepared based on Milwaukee-Eight Softail service manual specifications and Harley-Davidson OEM recommendations. Always verify against your specific owner's manual before performing maintenance.