Regular oil changes should be considered a regular aspect of properly maintaining a motorcycle such as a Harley-Davidson. Generally, it is better to drain the oil when the engine is at least warm.
Oil Draining
Oil is a very viscous substance that flows better when it is warm or hot than it is when it is cold. When the oil is being drained out of a Harley-Davidson for an oil change, one of the goals is to get as much of the oil out of the engine as possible. The warmer the oil is, the quicker it will drain out.
Draining Cold Oil
Draining the oil out of an engine when it is cold will not damage an engine, but there may be more of the old oil left in the engine after the oil is drained out. New oil is then poured into the engine and mixed with the old oil.
Warm up the Engine
If possible, the engine should be run up to operating temperature before an oil change so that the majority of the old oil will drain out quickly. Just make sure you let the engine cool down a little before working around it, as it may be quite hot.
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