Motorcycle oil vs non motorcycle oil
#21
06-05-2016, 02:49 PM
Original question aside. I don't get why people spend all that money on a Harley and then cheap out by using a lower grade gas or non motorcycle oil just to save a few bucks. If you are that worried about the cost of oil, maybe you should have bought a moped or something.
KoolAid or not...I'm sticking with application specific oils: Amsoil in the engine, HD Formula+ in the primary, BelRay the tyranny.
#24
06-05-2016, 03:49 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#25
06-05-2016, 03:54 PM
Tourer
A lot of good advice here. I have to add that even though the oil does contain zinc, I drop a B-12 in every 500 miles and found that it keeps my hp and torque at a optimal level. Over the winter I plug in the tender and add a small amount of melatonin every other week.
Last edited by Hawg295; 06-05-2016 at 03:55 PM. Reason: not sure
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#26
06-05-2016, 04:09 PM
Elite HDF Member
#27
06-05-2016, 05:01 PM
Stellar HDF Member
I buy m1 15-50 race then add stp for the extra zddp, zinc & something). At half the price and change it often, 2000- 2500 miles. Cheaper Bosch filter to go with it. It's usely just starting to change color on dip stick at 2000, I like clean oil. Soon to do my third oil change for the year.
I think I'm set for the year, picked up at Walmart for $23. Thinking of trying the STP for synthetic they just came out with but the old stuff works just fine.
I think I'm set for the year, picked up at Walmart for $23. Thinking of trying the STP for synthetic they just came out with but the old stuff works just fine.
Is this IRONY?
#28
06-05-2016, 05:22 PM
What's the difference between the two, given the same viscosity and synthetic make up? I'm not talking about any particular brand, but many manufacturers offer a 20/50 full synthetic, and offer a full synthetic motorcycle specific 20/50. Is it worth the extra money?
In general the diff between a over the counter passenger car motor oil & high quality motorcycle motor oil thats specifically formulated for an air cooled HD v-twin is the bike oil has a much higher lvl of anti wear agent / ZDDP (Zinc & Phos) along with no friction modifiers too.
The higher anti wear agent / zddp lvl provides the air cooled HD motor with a significantly better / higher lvl of protection especially at times of excessive heat & stress like air cooled hD's often see when in traffic or at slower speeds in summer temp & heat.
Having less or no friction modifiers in the motor oil isnt an issue for most HD's because the clutch isnt lubed by the motor oil,bot for bike motors that have wet clutch lubed by motor oil having friction modifiers in the oil can in some cases after enough time & miles of friction mods soaking into the clutch plates lead to premature clutch slippage.
But the proper bike oil have approx 2x more anti wear agent / zddp then other oil of same grade & type for pass cars.
Zddp was reduced in many oils due to it fouling cat converters leading to premature failure & emission issues which was main cause to zddp reduction in all motor oil.
Since car /truck mfg's stopped using flat tappet cams & lifters and went to either roller cams & lifters or OHC setups they can live ok without the higher anti wear /zddp the flat tappet cam'f & liters of yesteryear required to survive & have a normal srv'c life.
Scott
#29
06-05-2016, 05:42 PM
#30
06-05-2016, 05:50 PM
Stellar HDF Member
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