I've been running Mobile One Synthetic 20w-50 in my engine and Mobile one Synthetic 75w-140 in my tranny. An old timer tells me the way I ride, I need to be running at least 50 weight in the motor (although I do live and ride in colder climates). I also noticed my tranny fluid is smelling pretty burnt after 3000 miles so I'm looking to switch it out to something else too. I'd like to stick with Mobile One (maybe). Does anyone know if they make a V-Twin (or bike specific) 50W oil that I can use in the engine or should I just get the transmission fluid??? I want to stick with Synthetic for sure.

As for the tranny...and suggestions? I ride the bike hard. This should have been good oil. I'm surprised it's burnt already. It looks good (nice and clear) but is definitely smelling burnt.

I appreciate ya'll's thoughts! Thanks!

 

I've run redline heavy shock proof for about 10 years. Thick and slick. Looks like strawberry milk and is the consistency of molasses. I usually change it every other engine and primary change, and it comes out looking almost identical to how it goes in.

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=44&pcid=8

Also use it in the rear end of a '68 Camaro with a warm 327

 

You don't need to switch. And that is what gear oil smells like. IT IS NOT BURNT!

 

20w50 is 50w. Your good with what your running. Sounds like whoever is telling you this. May be doing more shinning , than riding.

 

My thoughts are if I'm going to go synthetic, I might as well pony up for the Screamin Eagle stuff. Goes in both motor & tranny. Has the added benny that nobody at the dealership can question the type of oil you're running if something major goes wrong.

 

Follow the specs in your owner's manual or service manual, and you should be good to go. Here's a chart from Bob the Oil Guy that helps explain oil viscosity...
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/viscosity-charts/

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I just ordered Lucas Synthetic V-Twin SAE50 and 75w-140. Figured I'd give them a try. Can't hurt, I guess.

Lucas offers a synthetic 20w-50 AND a different SAE50, so there must be something different about the two.?.? This old timer swears there is...

 

Refer to your owner's manual.


I use Redline Shockproof in my tranny, SYN3 in my engine and primary.


I'm thinking about trying the Redline 20w-60w in my engine on my next service as I will be riding south and I would and added protection.


Whatever engine oil that you decide to use, I would recommend that you should be sure to verify that it has the V-Twin additive.

 

There is a difference. Both oils are pretty much the same at running temperature. The SAE 50 will be much thicker in a cold engine. It may not circulate to the vital parts of the engine until it warms up causing excessive wear. The old timer needs to get up to speed on 21st century technology. The gear oil in your transmission (not transmission fluid) just has a different smell. It's not burnt.

Dan

 

As previously mentioned; the 20w-50 flows like a 20w at colder temps (like start-up) and a 50w at normal operating temps.