Syn 3 in all 3. Not a fan.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,566
Likes: 85
From: Calgary
My wifes Dyna has used Syn 3 in the crankcase for 110,000 miles at 5000 mile oci's. All highway miles in mostly hot weather and it still runs strong.
Syn 3 in the primary and Redline in the gear box.
Syn 3 in the primary and Redline in the gear box.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 115
Likes: 33
From: Central California Coast
No mechanic at my shop will put Syn 3 in the primary or tranny. We use Red Line's products for that, but for warranty or service, its Syn 3 all the way (3 holes) unless the customer specifies something else. They keep coming back, as we are a certified dealer, but Syn3 is not what the mechs or anyone else at the dealer will use in anything but the engine. Sorry, but this is true information. Do with it what you will. The Harley engine layout is one of the few with 3 separate cavities, and the factory sorely needed a universal lube for all 3 for several reasons, including logistics (distribution, marketing, shelf space, stocking, etc.) and human error (factory and service operations), as well as for customer performed services. This one oil for all addressed many of these concerns, but it has drawbacks.
Last edited by Ericson38; Dec 1, 2017 at 07:48 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 12,638
From: South Carolina
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Been using Red Line to good effect since my second oil change, (2014 BO).
If I were faced with using Syn 3 or HD 360, I'd use 360. No point in paying a premium for what probably amounts to the same thing. I also don't extend change intervals regardless. Thats just me.
We all have access to oil information here on HDF, and elsewhere, that you can read till your brain rots, as mine probably has
. Biggest, (only IMHO), fault with synthetics is paying for it when you're not getting it and that is not uncommon.
If I were faced with using Syn 3 or HD 360, I'd use 360. No point in paying a premium for what probably amounts to the same thing. I also don't extend change intervals regardless. Thats just me.
We all have access to oil information here on HDF, and elsewhere, that you can read till your brain rots, as mine probably has
. Biggest, (only IMHO), fault with synthetics is paying for it when you're not getting it and that is not uncommon.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 285
Likes: 64
From: idaho
That is way too many miles for me. There is no oil filter in the primary, so all the giant chunks that constantly wear off the clutch are free to float around in the oil and act as an abrasive on every moving part...no way can I sleep at night picturing that.
2500 miles is max for me; more often if it's all city driving. It takes less than quart to change...why go so many miles in a part of the engine that wears constantly?
Since you're experimenting with oil, give Mobile1 Racing 4t in 10w40 (sub 80 degree riding) or 15w50 a try...it's JASO MA/MA2 certified which means it's the best rating possible for a clutch oil...and with sales/rebates, it's ~$7qt.
I don't trust Harley products at all...their only concern is the warranty period...no failures due to oil during the warranty put's money in their pocket...failures due to oil after the warranty period also puts money in their pocket...so the cynic in me, and the "design it to fail to boost profits" mentality of CEO's of dang near every product,..forces me to stay away from "OEM Oils".
2500 miles is max for me; more often if it's all city driving. It takes less than quart to change...why go so many miles in a part of the engine that wears constantly?
Since you're experimenting with oil, give Mobile1 Racing 4t in 10w40 (sub 80 degree riding) or 15w50 a try...it's JASO MA/MA2 certified which means it's the best rating possible for a clutch oil...and with sales/rebates, it's ~$7qt.
I don't trust Harley products at all...their only concern is the warranty period...no failures due to oil during the warranty put's money in their pocket...failures due to oil after the warranty period also puts money in their pocket...so the cynic in me, and the "design it to fail to boost profits" mentality of CEO's of dang near every product,..forces me to stay away from "OEM Oils".
Last edited by HDSlimJim; Dec 2, 2017 at 10:52 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 285
Likes: 64
From: idaho
You haven't learned that it real life? Seriously?
Someone else said it best...if Harley spent as much on engineering as they do on lawyers; they'd need a lot fewer lawyers...
Something wrong with your NEW Harley?...first response from the dealer is "That's normal".
How many posts, just on this site, are of dealers screwing over people with problem bikes?
Someone else said it best...if Harley spent as much on engineering as they do on lawyers; they'd need a lot fewer lawyers...
Something wrong with your NEW Harley?...first response from the dealer is "That's normal".
How many posts, just on this site, are of dealers screwing over people with problem bikes?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 12,638
From: South Carolina
You haven't learned that it real life? Seriously?
Someone else said it best...if Harley spent as much on engineering as they do on lawyers; they'd need a lot fewer lawyers...
Something wrong with your NEW Harley?...first response from the dealer is "That's normal".
How many posts, just on this site, are of dealers screwing over people with problem bikes?
Someone else said it best...if Harley spent as much on engineering as they do on lawyers; they'd need a lot fewer lawyers...
Something wrong with your NEW Harley?...first response from the dealer is "That's normal".
How many posts, just on this site, are of dealers screwing over people with problem bikes?
So I was right, you learned this on the internet.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 285
Likes: 64
From: idaho
So in your (non internet) reality, Harley proudly stands behind their products; offering impeccable warranty support without the slightest hesitation to do what is right by their customers.
oky-doky.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 151
Likes: 84
From: Centennial, CO
I used Syn3 in all three for a while, mostly because I was being lazy and having the dealer change my fluids.
During hot weather, the primary had an awful rattle coming from it when idling. I asked the dealer service writer about it one day and he scratched his head and said he'd never heard of anyone having that problem and told me to bring the bike in for service to determine the cause of the rattle.
I politely declined and switched it to F+ in the primary and the noise went away.
I've since switched to Redline in the motor and their Shockproof stuff in the tranny. Engine runs cooler and quieter now with less top end noise than the Syn3 had.
I can't say I can tell a huge difference with the Shockproof in the tranny as opposed to the Syn3, but having gear oil in there makes me feel better.
During hot weather, the primary had an awful rattle coming from it when idling. I asked the dealer service writer about it one day and he scratched his head and said he'd never heard of anyone having that problem and told me to bring the bike in for service to determine the cause of the rattle.
I politely declined and switched it to F+ in the primary and the noise went away.
I've since switched to Redline in the motor and their Shockproof stuff in the tranny. Engine runs cooler and quieter now with less top end noise than the Syn3 had.
I can't say I can tell a huge difference with the Shockproof in the tranny as opposed to the Syn3, but having gear oil in there makes me feel better.