RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike
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[Poll]
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What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike
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| Mobil 1 V Twin |
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| Mobil 1 20/50 gold cap |
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| Redline |
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| Royal purple |
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| Rev tech |
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| Bel Ray |
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| HD 360 |
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| Syn 3 |
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| Amsoil |
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| Dynacycle |
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Total Votes : 1734
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(last vote on : 5/20/2008 12:39:04 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 2/17/2006 3:55:16 AM
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KauaiJimbob
Posts: 8
Joined: 2/12/2006
Status: offline
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When I was working for shell we built a bulk rack just for Valvoline and Cheveon to pick up truck loads (9000 gallons) of our base stock. we sold 2 or 3 truckloads a day. I came from the Martinez, Ca refinery by ship. You never know where your favorite oil comes from or gasoline for that matter. The secret is the additive package.
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 2/20/2006 10:59:49 AM
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Dannys Train
Posts: 16
Joined: 1/26/2006
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You know... one brand I've yet to see mentioned here (in this thread) is the Valvoline V-Twin oil. Anyone use it, have any opinions?
From what I read on their website, it looks to be a blend of base stock and synthetic. Prolly not my first choice, but likely to be a reasonable alternative to some of the more favored oils (i.e. Mobil 1, Amsoil, etc.)
Also... just picked up a filter for my 01' Train at the stealership. Couldn't help but notice they're claiming that their (what is now being called their premium filter for the big twin) filter is a 5 micron?
Anyone have any proof to this? My closest friend designs and builds multi-pass oil filter test stands for the filter industry (or anyone else that's interested in owning one). I think I'm going to buy an extra and have him run the tests on it.
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Danny
2001 FXSTBi
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 2/26/2006 3:58:06 PM
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Wolfie
Posts: 5
Joined: 12/27/2005
Status: offline
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Do you think the fact that S&S just officially endorsed Mobil 1 V twin will change anyones mind?
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 3/3/2006 4:25:03 PM
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Willie D
Posts: 55
Joined: 2/28/2006
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I have used reg HD 20w50 for all of my bikes, but I am going to make the switch this time to the Mobil 1 15w50 automotive oil, in my 06 FLTRI, I can buy it for $5.25 qt. and plan to change it every 5k anyway. I like the idea of the Synthetics, and know all the 'GOOD' reasons to use it. I jst think $9qt for Syn3 is a bit much. I like the idea of the new Formula+ going 10k, and so . . . . 'That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
It is very interesting to me that the MoCo is now changing their tune about Syn3 in ALL 3 holes. I never thought that 'OIL' in a trany would fit the bill. NO shock value in at ALL.!
JMHO,
WD
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 3/5/2006 9:09:58 AM
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scttgr8
Posts: 1169
Joined: 1/13/2006
From: Indianapolis
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how is Lucas oil products for a Harley motorcycle?
< Message edited by scttgr8 -- 3/5/2006 10:50:42 AM >
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2005 Black Cherry Pearl Road King Classic
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 4/22/2006 10:45:13 AM
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frenchbiker
Posts: 35
Joined: 4/22/2006
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Amsoil MCV 20W-50
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 4/23/2006 11:15:43 AM
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wolf2002
Posts: 2
Joined: 4/23/2006
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Ams Oil 20w-50. I own a 2002 fatboy. I tried the Syn 3 for one season and this oil is GARBAGE. My engine made a hell of a lot more noise with that JUNK in it than regular old dino oil. It doesn't take "rocket science" to figure out that if an engine is louder that means more friction or metal to metal contact.
I switched to AmsOil and was sceptical at first because of all the hype BUT, seeing or I should say not hearing is believing. The engine is much quieter under hard runnings and especially during the HOT SUMMER temps. I'm paying $6.99 a quart which makes it $2.00 a quart cheaper than the Syn 3. I also have extended my oil changes from 1500 miles to over 2000 miles with no noticable break down of the oil. I've been running harleys for 30 years and this is the best oil I have used..... I know what your thinking and No I don't sell Ams Oil.
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 5/19/2006 10:02:01 AM
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Spectrexx
Posts: 459
Joined: 5/1/2006
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How the heck do you delete a post here? I accidently made a dupe (this one) and just changed the text.
< Message edited by Spectrexx -- 5/19/2006 2:19:15 PM >
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 6/5/2006 12:44:31 PM
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Branded
Posts: 1005
Joined: 8/14/2005
From: Yorkville Indiana
Status: offline
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Mobil 1 V Twin
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 6/10/2006 6:36:11 AM
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WdGldDave
Posts: 590
Joined: 11/4/2005
From: Central IL
Status: offline
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Re. the MCN article at
Oil test article
quote:
Bottom Line
It could appear from this data, then, that there is no validity to the constantly-used argument that motorcycle-specific oils provide superior lubrication to automotive oils when used in a motorcycle. If the viscosity drop is the only criterion, then there is certainly no reason to spend the extra money on oil specifically designed for motorcycles. There does, however, appear to be a legitimate argument for using synthetic and synthetic-blend oils over the petroleum based products.
Man, that's interesting. Of course it's 4:30am and I'm bored. It's too early to fire up the bike. That would fire up the wife!
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DAVE
"There's a fine line between clever and stupid."
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 7/11/2006 7:28:53 PM
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highvoltage
Posts: 3
Joined: 7/11/2006
Status: offline
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I have been using syn 3 but want to know who makes it for harley no one can tell me I am thinking of going to redline but need to kknow if I can use it in trains and primary like syn 3 anyone
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 7/12/2006 12:24:36 AM
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jlawlor
Posts: 5
Joined: 7/5/2006
Status: offline
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I am a new HD owner of a used 2003 FLHTC-I. I am trying to get a handle of the oil requirements. According to the original owners manual I should use HD brand or I can substitute with a same weight oil for diesel engines. The trouble is, I cannot locate 20W-50 in a API Service CH-4 (Diesel) without buying the HD brand. From the sound of it, most are ignoring the Diesel requirement and using fossil or synthetic 20W-50 oils without problems. Is a 20W-50 API Service SL or better changed every 3000 to 4000 miles adequate? Why are the diesel additives suggested for a gasoline engine? I can easily find 15W-40 CH-4. It would seem to me that the correct viscosity would be more important than additives that are designed for a fuel that is not used.
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 8/26/2006 8:46:24 PM
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Chief101
Posts: 481
Joined: 7/20/2006
Status: offline
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Hi Folks-
since the "forum" has been good to me, I decided to give my '02 on the oil forum. On my '06 Heritage I started out running SYN3.....mine ( this in just MHO ) was louder and more engine noise. After 1000 milesand the first service I couldnt take it anymore...sounded like marbles in an empty coffee can, lol....so I held my breath and made the switch to amsoil. I have to admit, I was a little swayed by the advertisements....but in my bike it has made a huge difference. Much quieter and running cooler.
So....with all that said......I say, its your bile run what makes you happy...but in my case its amsoil full syn.
Thanks for the great forum!!
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2006 FLSTCI
Peace Officers Edition
Screaming Eagle 16ga double barrels
Screaming Eagle A/C
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 8/31/2006 8:53:29 PM
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mojo2go
Posts: 273
Joined: 4/30/2006
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I've been using 20W50 Valvoline racing oil and hope it's not the wrong stuff to use.
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/1/2006 7:12:49 AM
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captainhawg
Posts: 1847
Joined: 7/14/2006
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Same here, Castrol Syntec 20/50. I have used it for many years.
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/1/2006 12:28:22 PM
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dert
Posts: 901
Joined: 6/27/2005
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HD dino.(old bike) Born and raised on it.
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 9/1/2006 7:48:19 PM
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FXSTI Guy
Posts: 1387
Joined: 8/5/2006
From: Denver Colorado
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Just did my 1,000 mile oil change (800 miles actual on the bike) and used the 20-50 Valvoline 100% synthetic in my engine. I've had good luck with the valvo dino oil in my '82 shovelhead and various autos over the years, I see no reason I shouldn't have good luck with the synthetic in my TC 88 softy. $5.00 and change per qt. from Checker.
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/1/2006 9:34:15 PM
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DougsDyna
Posts: 2979
Joined: 8/8/2006
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M1 V-TWIN 20/50 IN CRANKCASE
M1 75/90w trans
Still have syn3 in primary
I agree with the guy that said syn3 made his whole sound like it had marbles in it.
Once I got the syn3 crap out of my trans, it got way quieter. I'll NEVER put engine oil in my transmission again.
I think Amsoil, Redline, or M1 are probably best choices all around.
Just my .02
10,0000 miles on 06 SG
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/8/2006 6:46:32 PM
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gabhart
Posts: 553
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
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I have read every post on this thread and not only do I have a headache but I am confused as h3!!
My '05 Fat Boy is running Syn 3 (6200 miles) in all 3. My '07 Ultra is 2 weeks from it's 1000 mile service.
For the price we pay for these motorcycles I want to put the best in them, regardless of cost. Being air cooled is the bulk of my reasoning on this.
I am confused and I must find my way ASAP so I can move on..........................
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/11/2006 11:29:42 AM
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Babs
Posts: 2115
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From: NC
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Oil is like opinion, depending on who you ask.. Several agree (though maybe not all) to drop that syn3 stuff out of your bike. As far as what goes in, it's as much opinion as science it appears... Mobil 1 V-Twin (engine), Redline Shockproof Heavy (tranny), H-D Formula+ (primary) in my bike. Runs cool, quiet, shifts easy, good clutch.
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 9/11/2006 9:40:32 PM
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glide
Posts: 1277
Joined: 2/12/2006
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I like the mobil 1 v twin oil in mine
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 9/12/2006 5:29:30 PM
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solorider
Posts: 2262
Joined: 9/6/2005
From: Wisconsin
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Put my vote in for AMSOIL months ago but thought I'd throw this out there: The guy I buy my oil from uses AMSOIL in his competition pull tractor and he just told me that he goes an entire season without changing the oil (8 gallons!). Most of the people he competes against change their oil about 3 times per season. Claims he's never had a breakdown or mechanical issue with his tractor and that the engine is spotless when he tears it down over the winter. Says he's thinking about running it for two seasons before changing it.
Like I said, just throwing it out there...can't verify any of this.
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/12/2006 5:38:11 PM
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glide
Posts: 1277
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gabhart
I have read every post on this thread and not only do I have a headache but I am confused as h3!!
My '05 Fat Boy is running Syn 3 (6200 miles) in all 3. My '07 Ultra is 2 weeks from it's 1000 mile service.
For the price we pay for these motorcycles I want to put the best in them, regardless of cost. Being air cooled is the bulk of my reasoning on this.
I am confused and I must find my way ASAP so I can move on..........................
Do as you wish with the brands of oil, but consider this, syn 3 is NOT for transmissions. You need a gear oil of your choice in there for longivity. In the primary, a NON synthetic oil is best 10/30-10/40 synthetics and clutches aren't too fond of each other . For the engine a synthetic oil will stand up better than a dino oil when the going gets HOT! Your bike, your cash, your choice here. Good luck.
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/12/2006 5:39:19 PM
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glide
Posts: 1277
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Babs
Oil is like opinion, depending on who you ask.. Several agree (though maybe not all) to drop that syn3 stuff out of your bike. As far as what goes in, it's as much opinion as science it appears... Mobil 1 V-Twin (engine), Redline Shockproof Heavy (tranny), H-D Formula+ (primary) in my bike. Runs cool, quiet, shifts easy, good clutch.
There is a great combination for use in these bikes, and a smart man too
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/12/2006 10:01:00 PM
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gabhart
Posts: 553
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
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I know the choice is mine. I have to ask myself: Why do I only use Valvoline brand oils in my car and minivan? I don't really know! I have been using Valvoline for many years and will not switch. I am comfortable using it and have never had a failure that has been caused by bad lubrication. I guess I have not had my bikes long enough to find that same trusted comfort, so to speak.
I thought I was comfortable using the Syn 3 stuff but after reading this I have second thoughts!
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We love you Hollie Bowling!
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/13/2006 2:07:28 AM
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hotpursuit
Posts: 525
Joined: 8/24/2006
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well not looking at the adversments...... i use Amsoil.... use it in my turbo charged ecotech rock crawler which is always without oil pressure due to extreme angles.....it is very impressive oil and will continue to use it....
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/13/2006 8:52:36 AM
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danbo
Posts: 19
Joined: 1/31/2006
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As long as it is a quality oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturers specs, it doesn't make a difference as far as I can determine.
If a person was to swear by a certain brand of oil and state that it is better than all other oils he has used in the past and someone drained and refilled his motor with brand X oil, I doubt that person could tell the difference after he stated that it ran better with his favorite brand in the motor.
Many have said that they have gotten better results with a certain brand, what results would these be? Did the crank spin faster or what. I believe in a quality oil of any kind and change it regular with a filter. Oil is oil and it is designed to minimize friction between parts. Synthetics do a better job in hi temp situations but aside from that , use a quality oil and get on with it.
Furthermore, If you were to put 5 identical engines in a row and fill them with five different oils ranging from the cheapest oil to the most expensive synthetic, do you think YOU could tell the difference by listening to them?
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RE: What Brand Oil do you use in your bike - 9/30/2006 9:06:18 AM
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HawgMan
Posts: 589
Joined: 9/28/2006
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I posted Syn 3 but may start using Mobile 1 V-Twin 
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RE: What Brand Engine Oil do you use in your bike - 9/30/2006 9:20:32 AM
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xxxflhrci
Posts: 5793
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HD 360 in the Twin Cam. 63k on her now. She doesn't smoke or use any oil between changes. I bought it for years from a local dealer for $1.99 a quart. I can't complain.
Pennzoil 20w-50 in the Ironhead it's whole life. 53K on her now. Zero oil use between changes. I checked the PSI a while back. 150 on one jug and 155 on the other. It's been overbored once. That was at 11k and due to me melting a piston by running it too hard with an intake leak. I can't complain.
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1977 XLH, Nearly bone stock.
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