Oil change
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I see that you've only been here for a short time compared to many of us so before you say anything more, you need to realize that the topic of oil is one of the topics that has been beat to death on here, so that is why you have gotten some of the replies that you don't seem to care for. That is also why I mentioned about looking for the section on oil and oil related products because there you have a good chance of finding the answers that you are looking for and just maybe without having to ask any questions that could give you comments that you seem to take offense at.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
used syn from 1k to 15k, then switched from syn3 in all three, to mobil 1 v-twin 20-50 in all three at 15k when I had the cams installed... now with 53k,,, The bike has never had an issue, problem or needed any repairs to engine, clutch or tranny...
Years ago I talked to several HD mechanics that I trust as well as a couple of service managers who recommend regular over syn for all but the guys doing few miles and only getting 1 oil change a year. The consensus was that if you run 5K a year or less resulting in one oil change a year then go with syn, if you are doing 15-20k a year changing fluids 3-4 times a year regular oil is fine. 20 plus years of HDs ranging from Evos to TCs and now the M8 and I have not run any syn, piled on lots of miles and no engine trouble at all.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
I've been using synthetic 20w50 Mobil 1 in the primary for the last 100k miles and never had any issues except for replacing the stock compensator at 97k miles, they also replaced the primary chain tensioners while they were in there. Still have the stock clutch and primary chain.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 476
Likes: 133
From: BlueGrass
Synthetic is a great option and a top choice. The only thig is I would go with a gear oil instead of 20w50 in the trans. Its a much better option then motor oil.
If you really want to get into to it, visit bobistheoilguy forums. Dudes over there take lubricants and filtration very seriously.
If you really want to get into to it, visit bobistheoilguy forums. Dudes over there take lubricants and filtration very seriously.
