Harley-Davidson
Your motorcycle
2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200
1202cc Evolution V-twin · air-cooled · belt driveTypical for 2007–2022 · confirm in your manual
All listed trims share these maintenance parts.
Your oil change shopping list
Everything for one DIY oil change3qtEngine oil20W-50 · H-D Screamin' Eagle SYN3 20W-50 or H-D 360 20W-50 · 2.8 qt with filterBuy on Amazon
Parts & fluids for the 2015 Sportster 1200, by area of the bike
Each part shows when it's due and who should do it: DIY · EasyDIY · ModerateMechanicDealer or specialist
EngineOil, filters, plugs and valves7 items
Engine oil20W-50 · H-D Screamin' Eagle SYN3 20W-50 or H-D 360 20W-502.8 qt with filter. Use motorcycle oil rated JASO MA or MA2. Car oils with friction modifiers can make a wet clutch slip. On this bike the engine, primary and transmission each have their own oil.
WhenEvery 5,000 mi or once a year
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Oil filterHF170Common cross-reference for this generation. Confirm the fit before you buy.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Drain plug crush washerNew washer each changeCheap insurance against leaks. Torque the drain plug to spec; aluminum cases strip easily.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Primary chaincase oilH-D Formula+ Sport-Trans Fluid (shared primary/transmission), approx 32 oz (1 qt)The primary drives the clutch. Use the lubricant your manual lists, not engine oil, unless it says so.
WhenEvery 10,000 mi (check your manual)
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Air filterFits 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200Usually under the seat or tank. A clogged filter costs power and fuel economy.
WhenInspect every service; replace when dirty
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Spark plugs (2)H-D 6R12Usually easy to reach. Use a plug socket and torque them to spec.
WhenEvery 30,000 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Valve adjustmentHydraulic liftersHarley Big Twins use self-adjusting hydraulic lifters.
WhenNo adjustment needed
Mechanic
Final drive (belt)What turns the rear wheel2 items
Drive beltFits 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200Belts are clean and quiet. Rocks are their enemy: check for chips and missing teeth.
WhenCheck tension and condition every service; replace when cracked or worn (often 40,000–100,000 mi)
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Belt tension checkBelt tension gaugeToo tight wears bearings; too loose can skip teeth.
WhenEvery 5,000 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
BrakesPads and fluid3 items
Front brake padsFits 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200Front pads wear faster because they do most of the braking.
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Rear brake padsFits 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Brake fluidDOT 4Never mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/4. Check what your reservoir cap says.
WhenEvery 2 years
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Tires & wheelsYour only contact with the road3 items
Front tire130/90B16Check pressure before every ride; it's on the swingarm or frame sticker.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Rear tire150/80B16Rear tires usually wear out about twice as fast as fronts.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Tire pressure gaugeDigital or dial gaugeUnder-inflated tires make a bike handle badly and wear fast.
WhenBefore every ride
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
ElectricalBattery and bulbs2 items
BatteryYTX14L-BSKeep it on a battery tender if the bike sits for more than a couple of weeks.
WhenMost last 3–5 years
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Battery tenderSmart maintainerThe best way to make a motorcycle battery last.
WhenWhenever it's parked for winter
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Suspension & controlsForks, clutch and cables3 items
Fork oil & sealsFork oil per your manualOil on the fork tubes means a leaking seal. Service both forks together.
WhenEvery 2 years or 15,000 mi; seals when they leak
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Clutch & throttle cablesCable lubeCheck the free play at the lever; a frayed cable should be replaced right away.
WhenLube and adjust every 4,000–6,000 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Steering head & swingarm bearingsInspect for playNotchy steering or a clunk when braking points to worn bearings.
WhenEvery 12,000 mi
Mechanic
Owner's manual for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200
Amazon fit lists aren't always perfect. Your owner's manual has the exact oil, capacities and part numbers for your bike, so check it before you buy.
Free official Harley-Davidson owner's manual →From Harley-Davidson's owner site. Pick your model and year.Printed owner's manual on Amazon →Original and reprint manuals for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200.Clymer & Haynes repair manuals →Step-by-step service manuals that home mechanics swear by.
Every 5,000 miles: what's due
Pick your mileage to see what comes due at that service.
5,000 miles 2 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
10,000 miles 3 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
- Primary & transmission oilevery 10,000 mi
15,000 miles 2 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
20,000 miles 3 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
- Primary & transmission oilevery 10,000 mi
25,000 miles 2 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
30,000 miles 4 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Spark plugsevery 30,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
- Primary & transmission oilevery 10,000 mi
35,000 miles 2 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
40,000 miles 3 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
- Primary & transmission oilevery 10,000 mi
45,000 miles 2 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
50,000 miles 3 items
- Engine oil & filterevery 5,000 miShop part →
- Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 5,000 mi
- Primary & transmission oilevery 10,000 mi
Other years: 2014 Sportster 1200 · 2016 Sportster 1200 · All Sportster 1200 years
Motorcycle specs on PartSpec are typical values for this generation and haven't all been checked against the manufacturer yet. Confirm the oil, capacities and part numbers in your owner's manual before you buy. Read the full disclaimer
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