A Harley oil change kit bundles the specific oil filter, crush washer, and sometimes the drain plug your bike needs into one package

A Harley-Davidson oil change kit is a pre-assembled collection of parts designed for your specific model year and engine size. Instead of hunting down each component separately, you buy one kit that contains the oil filter, the crush washer (a small metal ring that seals the drain plug), and sometimes the drain plug itself. The kit is matched to your bike's specifications, so you know the filter will fit and the washer will seal properly.

Harley kits vary by model because different engines have different filter housings and drain plug sizes. A Street 750 kit looks nothing like a Road King kit. Buying the matched kit saves you from installing the wrong filter size or using a washer that doesn't seal, both of which can cause leaks or pressure loss.

Key Takeaways

  • Harley oil change kits contain the filter, crush washer, and sometimes the drain plug, all matched to your specific model and year.
  • The crush washer is a single-use part that must be replaced every oil change to prevent leaks at the drain plug.
  • Kits are sold by Harley dealerships, aftermarket retailers, and online suppliers, with prices ranging based on whether the drain plug is included.
  • Using the correct kit for your model prevents filter mismatches and ensures proper sealing at the drain point.
  • You still need to purchase oil separately; the kit does not include the actual motor oil.

What's actually in the box

Most Harley oil change kits contain three items: the oil filter itself, one crush washer, and sometimes the drain plug. The oil filter is a cartridge or spin-on type depending on your model year and engine. The crush washer is a flat metal ring, usually aluminum or copper, that sits between the drain plug and the engine case. When you tighten the drain plug, the washer compresses and creates a seal. This washer must be replaced every single oil change—reusing it causes leaks because it loses its sealing ability after being crushed once.

Some kits include the drain plug itself, while others do not. If your kit does not include it, you can reuse your existing drain plug as long as it is not stripped or damaged. Check the kit description or the parts list before ordering to know what you are getting.

The kit does not include motor oil. You purchase that separately based on your owner's manual specifications. Harley engines typically call for 20W-50 or 15W-50 synthetic or mineral oil, but your manual will specify the exact grade and quantity for your model.

How to know which kit fits your bike

Harley kits are organized by engine type and model year, not by model name alone. A 2020 Street 750 needs a different kit than a 2020 Road King, even though both are 2020 models. Your best approach is to look up your bike's VIN or model designation on the Harley-Davidson parts website or a retailer's site, enter your year and model, and the system will show you the correct kit.

If you are buying from a dealership, give them your VIN and they will pull the exact part number. If you are ordering online, most retailers have a "Fit My Bike" tool or a dropdown menu where you select year, model, and engine size. Do not guess based on another rider's recommendation unless they own the exact same year and model as you.

The part number on the kit box will match what is in your owner's manual or the dealership's parts catalog. Writing down your model year and engine size before you shop makes the search faster.

Where to buy Harley oil change kits

You can purchase Harley oil change kits from three main sources: Harley-Davidson dealerships, aftermarket motorcycle retailers, and online suppliers. Dealerships stock kits for current and recent model years and can order older kits if needed. They charge full retail price but may provide the part is correct for your bike. Aftermarket retailers like J&P Cycles, RevZilla, and Motorcycle Superstore carry kits for most Harley models and often price them lower than dealerships. Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have kits from various sellers, but you must verify the seller is reputable and the kit matches your exact model.

Prices vary based on whether the drain plug is included and the brand of the filter. A basic kit with filter and washer typically costs between $15 and $35. Kits that include the drain plug run slightly higher. Dealership kits and name-brand aftermarket filters (like Harley OEM or Mobil 1) cost more than generic alternatives, but many riders prefer them for peace of mind.

Crush washers: why they matter and why they are single-use

The crush washer is the small part that does the biggest job. It sits between the drain plug and the engine case and creates a metal-to-metal seal when compressed. The first time you tighten the drain plug, the washer deforms slightly and fills any microscopic gaps. That deformation is permanent. If you reuse the same washer, it cannot compress further, so it no longer seals properly. Oil leaks out slowly, and you lose pressure without realizing it until the leak is visible or your oil level drops.

This is why every Harley oil change kit includes a new crush washer, and why you should never skip replacing it. Reusing a washer is a false economy—a new washer costs less than $2, and a slow oil leak can damage your engine over time. Always install the new washer that comes in the kit.

Spin-on versus cartridge filters in Harley kits

Harley engines use two filter styles depending on the model and year. Spin-on filters screw directly onto the engine and look like car oil filters. Cartridge filters sit inside a housing on the engine, and you replace just the filter element, not the whole assembly. Your kit will contain whichever type your bike uses.

Spin-on filters are common on newer Harleys and are straightforward to change—you unscrew the old one and screw on the new one. Cartridge filters require you to open the housing, remove the old element, and install the new one inside. Both types work equally well; the difference is just installation method. Your kit will match your bike's design, so you do not have to decide between them.

What you still need to buy separately

The oil change kit gives you the filter, washer, and sometimes the drain plug, but you still need to purchase motor oil. Check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity and capacity. Most Harley engines hold between 2.5 and 4 quarts of oil depending on whether you are changing just the filter or doing a full oil and filter change. You may also want to have a drain pan, new gaskets (if your model requires them), and a filter wrench on hand, though these are not part of the kit.

Some riders also purchase a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the correct specification, which prevents over-tightening and damaging the case. Your manual will list the torque value in foot-pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a generic motorcycle oil filter instead of a Harley kit?

You can use a generic filter if it matches your bike's filter type and thread size, but Harley kits are engineered for your specific model. Using the matched kit removes any guesswork about fit. Generic filters are sometimes cheaper, but the small savings are not worth the risk of a mismatched filter or incorrect crush washer.

What happens if I reuse the crush washer from my last oil change?

The washer loses its sealing ability after being compressed once. Reusing it almost always results in a slow oil leak around the drain plug. A new washer costs very little, and replacing it every time prevents leaks and engine damage.

Do I need to buy a new drain plug every time I change the oil?

No. You can reuse your drain plug unless it is stripped, cracked, or damaged. Many Harley kits do not include the drain plug for this reason. If your kit does include one, you can use it or keep your old one if it is in good condition.

How do I know if a kit will fit my Harley?

Enter your bike's year and model into the retailer's fit tool, or give your VIN to a dealership. Do not rely on model name alone—a 2015 Street 750 and a 2015 Road King need different kits even though both are 2015 Harleys.

Is a dealership kit better than an aftermarket kit?

Dealership kits are Harley OEM parts and carry a warranty. Aftermarket kits from reputable retailers like J&P Cycles are often cheaper and work just as well. Both are safe choices if they match your exact model. Avoid unknown sellers or kits with no clear part number.