Mid August up here in Ontario and the weather is still consitantly above 75 deg every day and for the most part been in the mid to high 80s most of the summer. My question is this. Everyone says that using a 60 wt oil up here is not good because it does not flow cold well and given the fluctuations in weather its not advisable, so is it not logical to assume that the "20" in 20-60 allows the oil to flow at a 20 grade viscosity when cold which will allow the bike to roll over and start without damage? That being said, that as the bike warms up the need for the lower temp flow rate is replaced by the natural thinning of the oil as the temperature rises. So why would it not be ok to run this oil up here in my area during the "riding" season? I have asked this question on many forums and have never got an answer to it.

randy

 

I have run 15-50 and 20- 50 in Michigan summer. Just don't see the need for more but I do have a oil cooler. Maybe no one has responded because there probably is nothing wrong with useing the 20-60 in the north but most probably like me have not tried it .

 

Try and find a chart with Temperature vs the Viscosity. It will show you the range each viscosity is intended for. Straight 30 weight is listed as good up to 100 F ambient, However, I like you like the idea of thicker oil when it's hot outside. I use a 20W50 early in the season. Then switch up to straight 50 or 60 weight for the hottest months of the season. (July and August), No issues in the East Kootenay region. We run pretty close to your temps back there. Maybe a little warmer. So plan on at least two oil changes per riding season, Unless you are a mega miler which equates to more oil changes per season, use the same time split though. You'll be fine, The hottest I've ever seen my oil is 256 F in 115 F ambient desert air at road speed. In the 85 to 90 F range I run about 225 F oil temp. I use an Oil Bud Cooler for Softail. I am also a great believer in using an oil cooler regardless. Check my profile and I'll show you another minor oil cooling trick that works.

 

Randy, you can run this oil with no issues.

The 20w60 will meet the same cold flow ratings as a 20W50. The benefit of the 20W60 is when your oil is hot, the 20W60 thins less.
Ken

 

20w 60 is what I use here in Perth Western Australia. From what I gather Canada has way colder winters than us here ( obviously !) , but can have summers much the same as us ?
We have lots of days over 30C,many over 35C and a few over 40. Just "the season" lasts longer here than yours.
As you are "summer" riding the "Redline 20W60 HD" should be fine.

 

 

I use Red Line 20W60 in Sweden at spring, summer and fall. Temp around 10C-30C but the bike always stays in a warm garage when not in use. I do not use the bike at wintertime.
e.

 

20W60 Redline......no worries.
Scott