I've got a '01 fxst with about 50000 miles on it. Since I bought a bagger it doesn't get all that many miles on it anymore, maybe 2 thousand a year.
I've run synthetic for years in it but since the mileage is way down I'm considering going to non synthetic and changing it every year. It there any downside to this after running syn for most of its life.

 

I've had my bike about 20 months. I switched from synthetic because I just got tired of the ticking from it being thinner than regular oil. That was less than a year ago. I haven't noticed any "downside" to it at all.

 

Around here mobile1 is only $1.00 more a quart than hd's dino. Whatever you decide to use one oil change a year isnt going to break the bank. Your bike will last just as long running either

 

If you have a turbo, 400 HP, or running >10,000 rpm you need synthetic. Otherwise it's a waste of money.

 

You will be fine with Dino.

 

I tried Synthetic for a while but I switched back to dino in the motor and primary. Cost per oil change wasn't a factor. The motor is quiet, and contrary to what most people experience, it doesn't run any hotter. I still use synthetic in the transmission, Mobil 1 75w140 gear oil.

 

I think we established a while back, your opinion on this is about as useful as a set of **** on a bull.

 

I use old discarded fast food cooking oil in my bike. It makes the bike run like crap, but it smells awesome, like French fries.

(Disclaimer - I'm joking. Fast food oil would ruin your bike forever).

 

Hydrogenated oils are the killer. Use cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

 

This is my opinion as well but some people get all butt-hurt about the subject. I tried synthetic in my Ultra but I never noticed any cooler temps or rainbows and 4 leaf clovers flowing from the tail pipes. I did get weeping base gaskets and noisy lifters though. Switched back to dino and all is good. The base gaskets quit weeping after I went back to dino but I replaced them the following winter just for peace of mind.