Questions regarding lube for motorcycles. Especially in a HD forum always make me worry. I hated them because of how personal the issue is. I personally enjoy reading about other opinions and have never tried to shut anyone down based on thir opinion. To me, there is no right or wrong when lube is a consideration
What matters is that you are happy with what you like.
Use the lube you like
Like the lube you choose PEACE!

 

So true, and todays lubes are sooooooo much better than when these bikes were new.

 

i agree with the statement about engine oil not knowing, if you change it regularly you'll be fine, if it's a stock to mild upgraded engine then 20-50 is perfectly fine big cam and compression i'd go to 50w, for the primary and trans i use belray primary and 75-140 for the trans. its thick and real sticky so it stays on the gears, a 70-90 would be fine too and i have been thinking about switching to that to see if there is a difference.
we've been having a very hot summer up here in the mid Atlantic/northeast so i change the motor oil more frequently.

 

I also have a 97 flhtcui with 130k on the clock and this is what works for me.. Engine ..20w 50 fall..stays in threw spring...25w 60 through the summer....synthetic 75w 90 gear oil in Tranny ...have tried 20w 50 (both dino and synthetic), HD formula, ATF and Mobile 1 4T in the primary... honestly can't tell much diffrence in any of them. Like others have said I think keeping it changed means more than brands or weights.

 

Castrolino in the engine
Lucas 75-95 in the tranny
Lucas semi synthetic ATF in the primary

 

Oils. Regardless of brand and specified applications through out all moving parts, where metal to metal is a concern... Beside the obvious which is to protect agains friction and wear. Will also help lower engine temps. So, it’s only safe to say that, an oil capable of doing an exceptional job compared to other brands. Should by default reduce engine temps more effectively? This, I’ve seen as a big selling point. Less heat.
But now, like mentioned earlier, our choices are endless. And do not end at what our opinions may differ. Whether its organic or synthetic.
And probably one of the most debated differences involving lubes.
Ao in my most friendly manner. I will like to state my own two cents involving heat dissipation.
We all know that heat robs your motor of power. Agreed?
And why do you suppose that is?
My opinion is that heat makes things if all nature expand. And in our case, that is what is goin to screw your motor!
So we keep our lube fresh. Because clean fresh lube will dissipate heat best. My two cents.
So thanks for baring with me, and sorry for the extra wind it took me to get this fine point out.

 

A basic comparison between synth. vs conventional lube.
There is a difference. And for what ever its worth to you, the facts, remain.
So, take this only as a grain of salt. It is intended to point out why oranges can never become apples. Even if the box says its better than LOL

What is synthetic motor oil? Synthetic lubricants are chemically engineered to form pure lubricants. They contain no contaminants or molecules that don’t serve a designed purpose. Their versatility and pure, uniform molecular structures impart properties that provide better friction-reduction, optimum fuel efficiency, maximum film strength and extreme-temperature performance conventional lubricants just can’t touch.

Conventional lubricants, on the other hand, are refined from crude oil. Contaminating elements such as sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen and metal components such as nickel or vanadium are inherent to crude oil and cannot be completely removed through the refining process. The oil refining process separates the various types of molecules in the oil by weight, leaving molecules similar in weight but dissimilar in structure, reducing performance.

 

Please stop with all the oil crap.

 

Ha ha, I don’t think the OP will care either way. Though lots of good advice was passed on in case he/she is still following. Thanks for the brake adjustment bro.