Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
I am new to synthetic oil, and my bike. I'm about to hit the 3k mark. Is it time for the oil change? On my old beaters using Dino Juice I would change the oil every 2-2.5k, but I have heard with synthetics you can go 4k just fine. I had my 1k done on schedual and I am wondering if I can holdout for my 5k, or if I need to have it changed every two thousand miles. Having three oil changes in 5k seems excessive, but maybe not. After the 5k can I go to 3k between changes? If I need to be changing my oik every 2k that's gonna be at least twice a month... [:'(]
Sorry for the dumb question. [&o]
Thanks.
Sorry for the dumb question. [&o]
Thanks.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,541
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
ORIGINAL: bdavis385
Many I know justify the difference in cost by going 5K and Amsoil seems to agree
Many I know justify the difference in cost by going 5K and Amsoil seems to agree
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
I run fully synthetic in all our bikes, either Amsoil or Mobil 1 V-twin. I change the fluids every 3,000 miles. But, if I run over a bit, I don't sweat it. I could probably go longer between oil changes but I'm just kinda old timey that way.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
ORIGINAL: Still running
I run 5000miles on synthetic. Most of my friends do. Haven't heard that it's a problem.
I run 5000miles on synthetic. Most of my friends do. Haven't heard that it's a problem.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Sacramento California!!!
RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
Oil never wears out, however the additives do.
And regardless of what type of oil you us the same amount of dirt and carbons gets into to your motor.
So in conclusion, Syth give you better protection but should still be changed just as often, usually 3-5000 miles.
yes I know many people disagree, but they are wrong. I spent over 10 years in the oil change business and Syth oil comes out just as dirty as regular oil after the same amount of miles.
Oil cleans, cools, and lubricates. You can't clean the dirt out if you don't change the oil.
And regardless of what type of oil you us the same amount of dirt and carbons gets into to your motor.
So in conclusion, Syth give you better protection but should still be changed just as often, usually 3-5000 miles.
yes I know many people disagree, but they are wrong. I spent over 10 years in the oil change business and Syth oil comes out just as dirty as regular oil after the same amount of miles.
Oil cleans, cools, and lubricates. You can't clean the dirt out if you don't change the oil.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
So can I make it 4k from my 1k service to my 5k service without a change?
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RE: Synthetic Oil, how many miles?
If you use a quality synthetic like Amsoil or Mobil 1 Vtwin, going 5K between changes is not an issue at all. I grew up changing oil in everything every 3K, but after a lot of research on the subject, and with the new oils on the market now, I think changing that often is a waste of product, and we sure don't need to be wasting oil these days! I personally do not like HD Syn3, as it is not a true synthetic, but a blend. Either of the two products mentioned above are far, far superior. I use Redline Synthetic Heavy Duty Shockproof in the tranny, and Redline MTL in the primary and change every 10K. Amsoil also makes an excellent tranny oil.
Running the same oil in all three holes, if it's a good product like Amsoil or Mobil 1 is not a problem. Some HD dealers refuse to use product you bring to them for service, so I just do it myself and keep the receipts and records...saves money, and keeps the kids they have changing oil at the dealer from getting their hands on my bike, plus it gets you familiar with the bike and affords an opportunity to visually inspect things. Get the service manual for your bike, buy a good jack like a J&S...it will all pay for itself many times over, plus the jack makes life easier when cleaning the bike, checking the air pressure, etc. A few basic tools on hand is all that is needed for these basic services to your bike. If you're not comfortable doing the other stuff recommended, let the dealer do the 10K, 20K, etc, and do the between ones yourself. The only time a dealer touches my bike is for warranty items...I don't trust them to do things correctly, but if you've got a good one you can trust, good for you!! Indy shops can do all your services as well, and it will NOT void your warranty, in spite of what a dealer might say, so if you find a good Indy shop you can trust, go with them.
Running the same oil in all three holes, if it's a good product like Amsoil or Mobil 1 is not a problem. Some HD dealers refuse to use product you bring to them for service, so I just do it myself and keep the receipts and records...saves money, and keeps the kids they have changing oil at the dealer from getting their hands on my bike, plus it gets you familiar with the bike and affords an opportunity to visually inspect things. Get the service manual for your bike, buy a good jack like a J&S...it will all pay for itself many times over, plus the jack makes life easier when cleaning the bike, checking the air pressure, etc. A few basic tools on hand is all that is needed for these basic services to your bike. If you're not comfortable doing the other stuff recommended, let the dealer do the 10K, 20K, etc, and do the between ones yourself. The only time a dealer touches my bike is for warranty items...I don't trust them to do things correctly, but if you've got a good one you can trust, good for you!! Indy shops can do all your services as well, and it will NOT void your warranty, in spite of what a dealer might say, so if you find a good Indy shop you can trust, go with them.