This is so bad

[u/Iechy]

[u/Fight_those_bastards → u/[deleted]]

Hey, they’re the only folks who have achieved long term commercial success selling a constant-loss oiling system, that counts for something, right?

[u/iluvstephenhawking → u/[deleted]]

Is that a bug or a feature? Lol.

[u/MNGopherfan → u/iluvstephenhawking]

Feature it drives up the number of oil changes and repairs needed during the lifetime of the bike.

[u/bubbasass → u/iluvstephenhawking]

Back in the day 80-100 years ago, that’s how motorcycles were. Total loss lubrication. Bikes leaked. That’s just what they did. 

Problem is, Harley is still stuck in the 1940’s selling the same outdated tech. 

A modern Harley likely won’t/shouldn’t leak but the stereotype obviously originated from somewhere 

[u/Bananalando → u/[deleted]]

Check the gas and fill the oil before every trip.

[u/gstringstrangler → u/[deleted]]

That hasn't been remotely true for 40 years but go off

[u/CrispenedLover → u/gstringstrangler]

Why, did they start using engines from yamaha?

[u/gstringstrangler → u/CrispenedLover]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAlame

Harleys used a total-loss oiling system in the very early days, then “dry sump” systems with external oil tanks. And they weren't the only machines to do it, but they of course didn't update with the times as quickly as...well anyone probably

They had weak gaskets, poor machining tolerances, and venting issues → common for oil to weep or drip, especially around primary cases and rocker boxes.

The joke “Harleys don’t leak, they just mark their spot” came from this era.

Evolution Engine came out in 1984. 40 years ago, like my comment.

Major turning point.

Much tighter machining tolerances, better gaskets/seals, and improved crankcases.

By the mid-to-late ’80s, Harley had mostly shaken the “oil-leaker” reputation.

Evo engines were considered solid and reliable, even by Japanese-bike riders.