Oil, a weird question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
A dealer would never buy a generic 20W-50 motor oil in bulk and sell it to his customers as genuine Syn III...........(would he?)
In your case, since you know some of those folks, I'd ask them.
In your case, since you know some of those folks, I'd ask them.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
This^^.
Seriously, just ask: "Say, guys, I noticed that the Syn 3 you gave me from your drum is not the same color as the Syn 3 from a bottle. Any idea why?".
Even I'd be curious what they say.
Seriously, just ask: "Say, guys, I noticed that the Syn 3 you gave me from your drum is not the same color as the Syn 3 from a bottle. Any idea why?".
Even I'd be curious what they say.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
Trans and primary are both separated systems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,107
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From: Texas, USA
I have tried Syn3, Mobil1 and Amsoil in the oil bag, primary and tranny and have not noticed any difference in shifting or clunk.
I just think that so many people have mentioned it that others have bought into it. It's like my mirrors reflect better since I've been using Amsoil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
(I would suspect that its not Syn III in their barrels.)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
I was thinking the same thing. Ask your dealer! JR
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
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From: Great State of Canada
X2, but right or wrong, "suspicious" is all I'd have to be in order to just ditch it. If you haven't the confidence its even Sin3, what else don't you know ?? Its only a 6 buck quart of oil against whatever the cost of someone being wrong. Its not worth compromising your piece of mind IMHO.
Last edited by HKMark23; Jan 2, 2016 at 05:35 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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Likes: 176
Didn't they supposedly change the formula a few years back. Maybe they just have the old formula. Different color. I would think a 55 gallon drum of syn3 would last them awhile. Most people having them change their oil probably just have them put dino in it. My guess. But I would just pitch it. And ask them sometime.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
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From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
The oil the dealer pumped for you has sat for a while, so if you were to shake it up for a minute or so it would probably look like what you have in a bottle. And I believe Harley named their oil Syn III, because it was designed to be used in all 3 oil compartments of the bike. Motor , trans and primary. They have always referred to it as full synthetic oil. Whether it falls under certain peoples definition of "synthetic oil", has been debated since they came out with it.,,,