Safe to run 20-50W in a Shovelhead?

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Sep 28, 2023 | 04:31 PM

BB.No8

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2018

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From: Phoenix

Safe to run 20-50W in a Shovelhead?

I recently picked up a 1975 FLH. The bike has low miles and the original motor has never been opened up. I remember that years ago I ran straight 50W or 60W in my old bikes. I am not finding straight 50W or 60W oil locally. My question is, is it safe to run 20-50W Dino oil in an old bike? Thanks.

Sep 28, 2023 | 04:51 PM

Ken45

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2022

Posts: 953

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB.No8

I got the racing stuff from amazon for $46 shipped, just wait a few days.

Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 60 Motor Oil 1 QT, Case of 6

Sep 28, 2023 | 04:53 PM

Stiggy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Oxford, Nc

13840 North 35th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85053
(602) 375-0368 |Store 3002 Get Directions

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...rt/val0/race50

Sep 28, 2023 | 04:57 PM

BB.No8

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 547

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From: Phoenix

Thanks guys, I was just trying to see if it was safe to use some of the 20-50W oil I had on hand.

Sep 28, 2023 | 05:00 PM

M Oclaf

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2020

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From: Knoxville

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB.No8

Thanks guys, I was just trying to see if it was safe to use some of the 20-50W oil I had on hand.

To that, it won’t hurt it. Nothing’s safe. Nothing!

Sep 28, 2023 | 05:26 PM

crb2855

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2017

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From: Kentucky

My new when I bought it 1982 Electra Glide had a sticker on the dip stick that said to use Harley Davidson Power Blend Super Premium 20w50.

Sep 28, 2023 | 05:41 PM

Spanners39

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 7,736

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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand

A high zinc content is more important than the viscosity in normal temperatures. Winter in Alaska or summer in Death Valley may turn that on its head though.

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Sep 28, 2023 | 08:38 PM

kink04fxd

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 425

Likes: 261

From: Mid-Mo.

Been running 20-50 VR-1 In my 82 for over 50,000 miles. 100 degrees hot, 30 degrees cold. Change every 2000 miles.

Sep 28, 2023 | 08:44 PM

#10

M Oclaf

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 4,798

Likes: 5,889

From: Knoxville

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB.No8

Yeah, Phoenix. It gets warm. As noted high zinc is good for air cooled motors. Regardless of era. That VR1 is some really good stuff. I use the synthetic in most of my vehicles throughout time. As someone who’s lived in the metro area for 25 years, the heat is harder on the rider than the motor.