What Oil
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2022
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From: UK
Interestingly, Harley used to say that you should not use synthetic oils in Harley motorcycles. Then they would repeat many of the old urban myths about synthetic oils in an attempt to keep Harley customers buying Harley dino oil....
Then, Harley came out with Syn3, and now synthetic oils became such a great thing, you should use it in all three holes..... I've been riding Harleys since 1978, and in time you will learn that not all of the advice HD gives is because they are suggesting something that is best for their motorcycles.... Often, it is just marketing....
Again, IMHO.....
I am not a fan of uses the same lubricant in all three holes... I believe each area needs a certain lubricant. Obviously you CAN use an engine oil in all three holes, but I don't believe it's the best choice.
I like a good multi-weight oil int the engine. I use a straight weight, non-synthetic lubricant in the primary (HD Formula+ is good) and I use Bel Rey products in my primary. I like to use a 75-90 gear oil in the transmission, again I use Bel Rey products in the trans.
Many believe that a synthetic oil in the primary can be bad on the clutch discs. There are some aftermarket, performance clutch makers that suggest automatic transmission fluid for their clutches, and some warn against synthetic lubricants for their clutches....
Harley used to warn against 140wt gear oil in their transmissions.... Now that they offer a 80W140 transmission gear oil for sale, it's the "way to go".... Hmm, sounds familiar to me...
There are a lot of "shades of gray" in choosing a lubricant.... Decide what lubricant you want to use where, pick a quality name brand that matches required specs, and then enjoy riding your bike...!!!
Then, Harley came out with Syn3, and now synthetic oils became such a great thing, you should use it in all three holes..... I've been riding Harleys since 1978, and in time you will learn that not all of the advice HD gives is because they are suggesting something that is best for their motorcycles.... Often, it is just marketing....
Again, IMHO.....
I am not a fan of uses the same lubricant in all three holes... I believe each area needs a certain lubricant. Obviously you CAN use an engine oil in all three holes, but I don't believe it's the best choice.
I like a good multi-weight oil int the engine. I use a straight weight, non-synthetic lubricant in the primary (HD Formula+ is good) and I use Bel Rey products in my primary. I like to use a 75-90 gear oil in the transmission, again I use Bel Rey products in the trans.
Many believe that a synthetic oil in the primary can be bad on the clutch discs. There are some aftermarket, performance clutch makers that suggest automatic transmission fluid for their clutches, and some warn against synthetic lubricants for their clutches....
Harley used to warn against 140wt gear oil in their transmissions.... Now that they offer a 80W140 transmission gear oil for sale, it's the "way to go".... Hmm, sounds familiar to me...
There are a lot of "shades of gray" in choosing a lubricant.... Decide what lubricant you want to use where, pick a quality name brand that matches required specs, and then enjoy riding your bike...!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
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From: England
The Mobil 1 that is being recommended is difficult to find in the UK and not at the usual motorcycle outlets. There is only one seller on ebay and has 8 quarts to sell. That's it. Being so rare it isn't worth the effort in my opinion for a long term solution.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Dec 4, 2022 at 05:30 AM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 40
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From: UK
Thank You
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
From: UK
Thank You
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Sunshine State
ouch...
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 90
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From: Manchester
During my first service workshop used Drag Specialties oil for engine and different oils for the primary and gearbox. Last year I used everywhere Motul 7100 20w50 but as I found the primary case a bit noisy this year I used Motul in the engine and dedicated oils for the primary and gearbox. Happy with the result and going to continue this way.
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Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
From: UK
During my first service workshop used Drag Specialties oil for engine and different oils for the primary and gearbox. Last year I used everywhere Motul 7100 20w50 but as I found the primary case a bit noisy this year I used Motul in the engine and dedicated oils for the primary and gearbox. Happy with the result and going to continue this way.
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