Should I switch to synthetic?
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
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Should I switch to synthetic?
I have an 03 Heritage a bit overdue for its 10k checkup. After owning a few older metrics, this is my first Harley.I bought it about 1 1/2 yrs ago with 2,500 miles on it. (Its got a carb. if that matters) And the motor is stock except for Python slip ons and a carb adjustment. It has given me absolutely no problems at all. Much to my surprise actually..I have never even seen a drop of oil under it! Anyways, I was thinking of switching to all synthetic.
What do you guys think? Should I switch over? Is it likely to cause oil leaks? Is it really any better?
Thanks for your input.
What do you guys think? Should I switch over? Is it likely to cause oil leaks? Is it really any better?
Thanks for your input.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
Synthetic makes the engine run cooler.
Will not cause oil leaks.
Stands up to heat better.
Causes less wear on the engine, tranny, and primary.
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the engine and primary and Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 in the tranny. You will get opinions on several different types (Mobile 1, Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, etc.)
Will not cause oil leaks.
Stands up to heat better.
Causes less wear on the engine, tranny, and primary.
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the engine and primary and Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 in the tranny. You will get opinions on several different types (Mobile 1, Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, etc.)
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
I would, and did, if that makes any difference. Like WARG said its better in a lot of different ways for the engine, primary, and tranny.
Unlike him I use Mobil 1 for V-Twins 20/50W in the engine and primary, with the Mobil 1 75/90W in the tranny. Not because I think itsany better than Amsoil, but its easier to find locally, or anywhere elsethere is an Auto Zoneand I don't want to have to add a different brand of oil to top it off if it ever became necessary. That its also slightly less expensive isa bonus in my view.
As often as I change it, its probably overkill to use virtually any of the high grade synthetics, but I want the bike to last as long as I do and I plan on living a looooong time.
Unlike him I use Mobil 1 for V-Twins 20/50W in the engine and primary, with the Mobil 1 75/90W in the tranny. Not because I think itsany better than Amsoil, but its easier to find locally, or anywhere elsethere is an Auto Zoneand I don't want to have to add a different brand of oil to top it off if it ever became necessary. That its also slightly less expensive isa bonus in my view.
As often as I change it, its probably overkill to use virtually any of the high grade synthetics, but I want the bike to last as long as I do and I plan on living a looooong time.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 55
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RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
I changed to synthetic oil at the first opportunity, the 1600kmservice of my '07 NT. Changing to synthetic oil will not cause oil leaks, I think your confused with the mineral oil that has or hasn't got detergent additives.... Anyway I use Mobil V Twin oil and the K.I.S.S. principal, that is I use it in all three holes.
Cheers Rich
Cheers Rich
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
ORIGINAL: WARG
Synthetic makes the engine run cooler.
Will not cause oil leaks.
Stands up to heat better.
Causes less wear on the engine, tranny, and primary.
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the engine and primary and Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 in the tranny. You will get opinions on several different types (Mobile 1, Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, etc.)
Synthetic makes the engine run cooler.
Will not cause oil leaks.
Stands up to heat better.
Causes less wear on the engine, tranny, and primary.
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the engine and primary and Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 in the tranny. You will get opinions on several different types (Mobile 1, Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, etc.)
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl.
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
Changed mine to Syn3 @ 1000 miles at the advice of the dealer. Noticable difference in temp. At 4000 miles I changed over to Mobil 1, shifts much smoother now than with Syn3 in the tranny.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
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From:
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
I switched to Amsoil at 1000k service and have noticed a measurable difference. The fact that I also opted for PC111 and V&H pipes has also contributed to a better running bike.
There is a varied opinion on the merits of synthetics with pros and cons.
The pro is thatthey are more heat tolerant and you can if required go longer between oil changes.
The con is that it's dearer than dino. Small price to pay for added protection IMHO.
There is a varied opinion on the merits of synthetics with pros and cons.
The pro is thatthey are more heat tolerant and you can if required go longer between oil changes.
The con is that it's dearer than dino. Small price to pay for added protection IMHO.
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Stage I
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
I HAVE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND STUDY BEFORE SWITCHING TO A SYNTHETIC OIL. I READ ALL THE INDEPENDENT STUDIES REGARDING BEARING WEAR, HEAT/THERMAL BREAKDOWN, ETC. A SYNTHETIC IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO. HOWEVER, HARLEY PRODUCTS ARE NOT THE WAY TO GO. THE SYNTHETICS WILL DEFINATELY HELP YOUR MOTOR RUN COOLER. PUT RED LINE OIL (HEAVY SHOCKPROOF 75W-250) IN YOUR TRANSMISSION. ITS THICK, WON'T SLING OFF THE GEARS, AND WILL QUIET YOUR TRANNY DOWN. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW PUT IT IN HIS BRAND NEW 2007 CLASSIC WITH THE SUPER-NOISY 6 SPEED TRANNY, AND IT QUIETED HIS TRANNY DOWN AT LEAST 50-60 PERCENT. I HAVE IT MY 2006 ROAD KING POLICE, AND IT HAS STOPPED ALL THAT TRASHING YOU NORMALLY HEAR WITH A WINDSHIELD-TYPE BIKE. AS FOR ENGINE OIL, I'M USING AMSOIL 20W-50 WITH THEIR OIL FILTERS. AMSOIL IS ADVERTISING EXTENDED OIL CHANGES (10-12,000 MILES OR MORE). I DON'T KMNOW IF I'LL GO THAT LONG. THE BEST SUGGESTION IS TO USE WHAT YOUR WALLET CAN AFFORD ALONG WITH THE PRODUCT REVIEWS-AMSOIL, MOBIL1,SPECTRO, BEL-RAY, RED LINE. HOPE THIS HELPS.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Should I switch to synthetic?
Use conventional oil in all my scoots and cages and have never had an issue. Why spend alot more money on a synthetic oil that is going to basically do the same job as conventional oil? Synthetic oil was developed to run in gas turbine engines (jet engine) and latter adopted for use in internal combustion engines were it caused more damge than good in the begining because of its incompatability with many seals and gaskets used in engines. Todays engines have improved gaskets and seals and can hold synthetic oil without leaking, yet most manufactures continue to use conventional oil.