Evo Questions
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
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!
What matters is that you are happy with what you like.
Use the lube you like
Like the lube you choose PEACE!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,192
From: Anywhere we stop
So true, and todays lubes are sooooooo much better than when these bikes were new.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 186
Likes: 86
From: Pennsylvania
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.
we've been having a very hot summer up here in the mid Atlantic/northeast so i change the motor oil more frequently.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 44
From: WV
Ok, so I got the 1997 FLHTCUI. I serviced it this time with Harley conventional 20w50 and Formula Plus in primary and tranny.
I have been told that I should try the following:
Engine - any good conventional 20w50 motorcycle oil
Primary - 10w40 conventional motorcycle oil
Tranny - 75w90 Synthetic year oil
All thoughts are appreciated. The only one that concerns me is the synthetic gear oil in the tranny. Some say yes and some say no way.
I have been told that I should try the following:
Engine - any good conventional 20w50 motorcycle oil
Primary - 10w40 conventional motorcycle oil
Tranny - 75w90 Synthetic year oil
All thoughts are appreciated. The only one that concerns me is the synthetic gear oil in the tranny. Some say yes and some say no way.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
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.
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
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 dont 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 cant 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.
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 dont 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 cant 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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Ha ha, I dont 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.
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