Why Would My HD Mechanic Recommend
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Why Would My HD Mechanic Recommend
Convential oil over synthentic?
I don't really want to start a debate over oil. I think that's already been hashed out here.
I decided to use conventional oil during the break-in period, and now have 4k miles on my bike, and am thinking of switching to synthetic for my next oil change.
I had the oil changed in my 2011 FXDC at the dealership last fall, before I put the bike away for the winter.
Every time I talk with the service mechanic there, he tells me that every mechanic in their shop runs conventional oil in their personal bikes, and it is the best way to go.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
I don't really want to start a debate over oil. I think that's already been hashed out here.
I decided to use conventional oil during the break-in period, and now have 4k miles on my bike, and am thinking of switching to synthetic for my next oil change.
I had the oil changed in my 2011 FXDC at the dealership last fall, before I put the bike away for the winter.
Every time I talk with the service mechanic there, he tells me that every mechanic in their shop runs conventional oil in their personal bikes, and it is the best way to go.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Well, there you go. The fact that there is a debate means there has to be two sides to the story. His side is conventional oil.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Canada
I'm sure there were some heavy horse and carriage fans that figured cars were just a fad too. What I would say to your mechanic is "O you run dino in (your) bike, good for you, I run Syn in mine" You can't debate the fact that Syn protects and coats moving parts better, it's proven it's science end of story.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
I'm sure there were some heavy horse and carriage fans that figured cars were just a fad too. What I would say to your mechanic is "O you run dino in (your) bike, good for you, I run Syn in mine" You can't debate the fact that Syn protects and coats moving parts better, it's proven it's science end of story.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 529
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From: Warren, Ohio
I have always used Conventional oil for years in my bikes. Never had any problems. Ditto...what tOUSteve said.
Last edited by 98XL1200C; Apr 1, 2012 at 08:56 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Port Coquitlam B.C.
I went back to conventional oil after 3 years of sync. I never really noticed a big difference in engine temps that everyone talks about, and with sync I had to add oil a couple of times between changes. With conventional oil I fill it to the 3/4 mark and when it needs changing it's still at the 3/4 mark. Plus the valvetrain seems quieter with conventional oil.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
I'm just a little surprised that the opinion of every HD mechanic I have met is to use conventional oil.
Even the local wrench, who owns and services Harleys, as well as servicing other motorcycles, recommends conventional. He's a lot younger than the HD mechanics.
I just don't understand why it seems like most owners prefer synthetic, while the HD mechanics (the ones I know) all use conventional oil in their own bikes.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena,MD
I went back to conventional oil after 3 years of sync. I never really noticed a big difference in engine temps that everyone talks about, and with sync I had to add oil a couple of times between changes. With conventional oil I fill it to the 3/4 mark and when it needs changing it's still at the 3/4 mark. Plus the valvetrain seems quieter with conventional oil.