Submitted by: Skip (Pococj)

Skip posted this and I agree 100% with what he said here. My 03 SE Deuce also comes with syn 3 in it from the factory which I have switched to Mobil 1 in the engine and like the results of it over the syn 3.

Here's the post

Seems lots of people have opinions on this. I ain't arguin' with anyone, and I have my own opinions on it. But we all know about opinions, right? Anyway, having been riding and working on HD muttersickles for over 30 years, I figger I've at least made a down payment on some of my opinions. 'Course, you might still think they stink, but that's OK.

Here's what I've recently found concerning breaking in an engine with synthetic oil:

1) HD puts Syn 3 in the SE bikes, at least the 103" motors, primaries, & trannies I've seen at the 5 reasonably local HD shops. I made it a point to talk to the service manager or mechanics about any break in problems. They've seen none, except where somebody went out and hammered the motor immediately.

2) Here's what Mobil has to say about it:

Myth: You should break in your engine with conventional oil, then switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1.

Reality: You can start using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn Technology in new vehicles at any time, even in brand new vehicles. In fact, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn Technology is original equipment (it is installed at the factory) in:
Aston Martin
Bentley Amage and Bentley GT
Cadillac CTS, XLR, SRX and STS
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Viper
Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles
Mercedes SLR
Mitsubishi EVO
Pontiac GTO
All Porsche vehicles

One of the myths that surrounds synthetic oils is that new engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. The fact is, current engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in period. As indicated by the decisions of the engineers who design the high-performance cars listed above, Mobil 1 can be used starting the day you drive the car off the showroom floor.

3)Here's something from Quaker State:

Myth #6

Engines have to be “broken in” before using synthetic oil.
I need to break in my engine with non-detergent oil. If I use regular oil or synthetic oil in a new engine, my engine will take longer to break in.

Fact
It was common years ago for engine manufacturers to recommend non-detergent oils for engine break-in. This was when the pistons used cast-iron “square-faced” rings and the rings needed to wear some to “seat” into the engine. With today’s technology of oils and engine manufacturing, engine manufacturers no longer recommend the use of non-detergent oils for the break-in period. In fact, engines today are factory-filled with high quality API SL performance motor oil, which contains high levels of detergents and dispersant additives.

While it might be argued that the oil companies have a vested interest in selling their oils, to advise something that would cause them to be liable for literally millions in repairs would be foolhardy. If it affects their bottom line as that would, as well as the damage to their reputation, again screwing with their bottom line, they're not gonna do it.

I've seen nothing scientific that would cause me to believe breaking in a motor with synthetis oil will take longer, or damage the engine. I've heard and read plenty of anecdotal evidence that says the same thing. But I've also read of anecdotal evidence that says not to break in a motor with synthetics.

I've made my decisions to use synthetics in my bikes and cars after an initial period. I don't use them initially for one reason - they're expensive and I change the oil at 500, 1000, and 1500 miles. It has nothing to do with break in, I'm just a tightwad. After that I use 'em 'cause I believe they offer superior protection, and especially stand up to the heat of the area I live in.

You can use synthetics or not. You can use 'em to break in a motor or

 

I change the oil in my new motorcycles at 500 miles then every 2500 miles there after. I always switch to Amsoil 20/50 Synthetic from that first change for ever more. Ive never experience oil usage between changes, failures or any other negative effects from changing to Synthetic at the first 500 mile change!

 

This may be a record....

 

I think you're right. Lot's of cobwebs on the original.

 

Are you allowed to break you own record !

 

this thread is beginning to sound like a broken record

 

Nothing like resurrecting a 16 year old oil thread. But, now that it’s out, I don’t agree with the initial change at 500, then not again for 2,500 miles. You are still doing to get more new motor contaminantes from 500 to 1,000 that’s why the MOCO recommends changing at 1,000.

 

Changing synthetics before 5k is a waste of money