What would be your cut off year for not using Synthetic oil ?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,380
Likes: 3,347
From: usa
What would be your cut off year for not using Synthetic oil ?
My friend has a 2000 bike and I can't talk him in to synthetic oil . He says, he would like to but his bikes is to old. So I'm wondering what year would you go back to for a start date for using this oil ? I'm thinking to at least 1990 but what do you think?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
Year doesn't matter. Just let the guy run dino. A good 20w-50 dino changed at regualer intervals is fine. Synthetics may be theoretically superior, but in the real world there are lots of variables. The synthetic oil causing leaks myth doesn't seem to be valid. But then I'm not an "expert." Never had synthetic cause leaking though. My $.02
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: At home
I am under the belief that any engine, regardless of year or mileage, would benefit from the added lubrication and breakdown resistance of synthetic oils.
Unless it is something where a synthetic oil may cause problems with internal components (like I have heard that synthetic will mess with the clutches in the primary) I would use it.
Unless it is something where a synthetic oil may cause problems with internal components (like I have heard that synthetic will mess with the clutches in the primary) I would use it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Do you try and tell him What gas station to use? What beer to drink? What TP to use and which direction to wipe? Seriously nothing wrong with synthetic but IMO if its a question of cost more frequent oil changes are better especially on engines with lots of miles on them. I'd rather change every 2500 with dino than 5000 with syn.
FWIW I run syn in some of my vehicles and still change oil every 2500 miles. Mechanics and salesmen tell me I don't have to and am wasting money running syn. Honestly I probably am.
FWIW I run syn in some of my vehicles and still change oil every 2500 miles. Mechanics and salesmen tell me I don't have to and am wasting money running syn. Honestly I probably am.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
Since it is an older bike and I suspect that he will not ride it much then...just go dino.
If he were going to ride the heck out of it then syn is clearly better.
He needs to make the choice. Age is not part of the equation as syn can go into any age bike
But to each is own.
R. Todd
If he were going to ride the heck out of it then syn is clearly better.
He needs to make the choice. Age is not part of the equation as syn can go into any age bike
But to each is own.
R. Todd
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,615
From: along the shore of Mishigami
The myth with the seals was the high detergent (cleaning) capabilities would clean the varnishs on the seals then allow the oil past the seals. Another myth was it was more slipperer than conventional oil. Then another was the effect of syn on bearings. If the engine is in good mechanical and "using"/leaking oil. Just change the oil at the next oil change. Most syns are compatible with the residual oil left in the engine at the draining procedure. Mobil1 oil insist their V-twin 20w50 ant their 10w40 syn motorcycle oils are compatible with wet clutches. Google Mobil1 for further info.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
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From: Ozark Country
People (especially those in the various on-line Harley Forums) would probably be surprised that the majority of Harley's on the road, including newer models, are running regular 'ole Dino oil....
I know many guys with very high mileage bikes that have never used synthetic fluids, and their engines are as trouble free as mine.
In fact, my Harley dealership mechanic friend has told me that the majority of riders that bring their bikes in for regular maintenance just want to use Dino oil, and the sales people sell more HD360 than anything else. And if you check your Owners Manual you will probably find that Harley still recommends 'HD360 Rated' fluids in all grades.
If you change your oil and filter at reasonable intervals you could probably use recycled Burger King french fry oil without any problems.
I know many guys with very high mileage bikes that have never used synthetic fluids, and their engines are as trouble free as mine.
In fact, my Harley dealership mechanic friend has told me that the majority of riders that bring their bikes in for regular maintenance just want to use Dino oil, and the sales people sell more HD360 than anything else. And if you check your Owners Manual you will probably find that Harley still recommends 'HD360 Rated' fluids in all grades.
If you change your oil and filter at reasonable intervals you could probably use recycled Burger King french fry oil without any problems.
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: upstate ny
i maintain all the small engins at work
syn in everything regardless of age
they all start easyer and have less down time since i switched over
anything i tear down shows little wear
syn in everything regardless of age
they all start easyer and have less down time since i switched over
anything i tear down shows little wear
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: The Great Southwest Desert
Cut off date for me is 2010 and counting. Why waste my money on it when I change my oil so often. My oil analysis always comes back good. (And I hate the feel of synth on my hands and how hard it is to clean the drain pan!)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
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From: Broomfield, CO
I have a 2000 Fatboy and run Mobil 1 15W50 synthetic in the engine. I find the motor runs cooler in elevated ambient temperatures (90-110 degrees) than with dino oil. Just my observation based on 10 years with this bike.