huge debate on what to run...
myself generally, i like to stick to full dino oils, preferably with a good amount of zinc for added lube (i know)...but i change fluids often in all vehicles.

synthetics if looking for extended intervals, but i would also suggest the use of a lab to indicate remaining oil life.

weather related, in warm climates...again, usually a full dino oil, but in colder or real cold climates, i switch it to synthetics.

the only one i highly suggest full synthetic, is if you drive a ford 6.o diesel.

my current FXLRS is running amsoil

 

 

Brown for motor
Green in primary
red in trans

 

First Cold Press Extra Virgin.

 

I was reading my HD service manual about something and ran across the Recommended Oils if the HD 20/50 is not available. It states to use Auto Diesel Oil. I thought that was very interesting. I have been doing that with Rottella and Delo in the vehicles for many years. The long ongoing debate about Diesel oil in motorcycles and gas autos Is like talking politics. But, I have never seen it in any auto or motorcycle manual. So there ya go. For whatever that is worth to ya.

 

All I'm going to say is that Reaper's engine went over 217,000 miles before the bottom end needed to be done. With the exception of the original oil, and break-in oil for a couple of top end jobs, all those miles were done using Amsoil 20w50, and 60w.

Cheers!

 

m8deluxe,

Since you're new here... FYI... oil threads are numerous, and everybody has their favorites..

You can search "best oil" and read for days... both oil recommendations, and the various barbs, jabs, and jokes as in this thread...

IMHO... oils have come a long way in the last 30 years... As long as you take notice of the manufacturer's recommended viscosity ranges per operating temps in your owner's manual, and change it on schedule, you will most likely get long life out of your engine...

The biggest differences between oils these days are the additive packages, which often are reflected in their cost. Those additives can make a substantial difference in the quality, properties, and longevity of an oil. On a stock, street driven bike, they are nice to have. They aren't as important to an OEM street driven bike, as they are on a bike that is raced or has high HP mods. Raced engines & high HP mods put bigger stresses on the engine and drivetrain.

Some of the preferences you will read about:

Synthetics handle higher heat before break down than DIno oils, so many prefer to run synthetics in their Harleys, as they are an air cooled engine and temps can be higher than water cooled engines.

A major oil manufacturer that makes an oil for "Big Twins" is most likely more than marketing. It most likely has additives suited for air cooled engines, again to handle the generally higher heat levels.

I have my favorites but they are just that, my favorites... I seldom push them in posts, other than as a FWIW comment... That's why I originally posted a "Best Oil" cartoon in this thread.. I figured you would get more recommendations that jokes... oops, I was wrong... the natives are restless today... But it's all in fun...

I choose my oils based on the varied mods, varied uses, and annual mileages of my bikes. My choices have changed since my '78 Low Rider bike, and I still change brands from time to time based on price and availability. There are several good choices out there

IMHO, frequent oil changes with a high quality oil are cheap insurance for my bikes...

Chose a recommended viscosity for your temp range, from a major oil manufacturer, that suits your budget, and change it per recommended oil change intervals.... you will be fine...!

Enjoy your bike...

 

Wow.....such douchery. It's obviously clear the brother is new. Great way to turn him off to what is, and has been for most here, a very informative forum. As usual Hat has gone above and beyond to help him out.

Thanks Hat.

@m8deluxe good luck, don't let the ball busters get to you, most of em good guys just having a lil fun. In any event. Amsoil for me, like Clammy said. 20/50 and 60

 

Days ? more like Months or Years !

 

Since in the softail section, it doesn't matter, it won't see that many miles. If you ride a lot see what kind of oil they use touring section.