Hi,
I have been given conflicting information by 2 different harley dealers. I put sae 60 oil in my vrod about 1800 miles ago based on one dealers recommendation but was recently told by another dealer that it is too heavy. The brand I used was Valvoline racing oil. Have had no issues as of yet, but just want to know who's right. Secondly, the 2nd dealer also told me not to use anything other than HD oil. Can I use the valvoline (I'm partial to valvoline and use it in all my vehicles).

 

Problem with asking dealers is that they don't always know what a particular model of bike requires, but rarely will they admit to not knowing. Thus you end up with their WAG and they expect you to take it as gospel.

The owner's manual (and service manual) tell you exactly what viscosity to use. My recommendation is to follow it, whether using Harley-branded oil or not.

On a side note- personally I wouldn't use 60W racing oil in this application (water-cooled street engine) as IMO it isn't warranted. I'd use the manufacturer's recommended viscosity and I wouldn't hesitate to use Valvoline, especially in a water cooled engine like the V-Rod. (Nice bike, BTW!)

 

Thanks! Sounds like a good suggestion. I don't have an owner's manuel for the bike, so if anyone in here has a vrod, night rod, or street rod could help me out, I'd be very appreciative. I'd like to know what the manuel says about the viscosity rating for the 1130cc revolution engine.

 

Sorry, I was going on the assumption you had an owner's manual.

You might try posting your question in the VRod section as well- might get more visibility that way.
You can also buy a service manual for it- most dealers sell them for about $55.

Best of luck!

 

I own a 2003 V-Rod since new and have enjoyed every mile on it.

The entire V-Rod line uses 20w-50 above 40*F or 10w-40 below 40*F.

Go to www.1130cc.com for all your V-Rod needs. Ask them over there what to use.