Another Oil Question
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Another Oil Question
I am coming up on 1000 miles, got me a manual, and gonna do the service myself. My question is which oil to use, I think I am going to do with Mobil 1 V-Twin. What about the primary and tranny? Any thoughts?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 517
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From: Nebraska
Oh man, I have been on this forum long enough to know you just opened Pandora's Box. I would suggest you search this topic and you will find about 1000+ hours of reading on this very subject. I am not trying to bust your chain here; just trying to help.
I have come to a simple believe on this subject. ANY synthetic will do just fine. I know, I know, how dare I make such a blanket statement. However, as long you stick to your service intervals you should have zero problems. I would avoid convential oil and go with any of the oil Archer1968 has listed. Heck, you could even throw on Harley's SYN3 to the list (Yep!, I just said it).
The point is this, everyone has their preference. Everyone also has concrete, 100% proof their brand of oil is by far the best. I really don't know what to believe so do what I did. Go out, find a readily-available synthetic and don't look back.
Flame on!
I have come to a simple believe on this subject. ANY synthetic will do just fine. I know, I know, how dare I make such a blanket statement. However, as long you stick to your service intervals you should have zero problems. I would avoid convential oil and go with any of the oil Archer1968 has listed. Heck, you could even throw on Harley's SYN3 to the list (Yep!, I just said it).
The point is this, everyone has their preference. Everyone also has concrete, 100% proof their brand of oil is by far the best. I really don't know what to believe so do what I did. Go out, find a readily-available synthetic and don't look back.
Flame on!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Ruffin, North Carolina
Yes, this is a slicky subject. I've used HD synthetic in all three holes sence first oil change. Now at about 26K on the ticker, I've had no problems. But that's my choise, I also chose the bike that I ride. Now YOU have the choise too. HAVE FUN!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I run mobil 20-50 syn in the crankcase, 75-140 Spectro syn in the tranny and HD formula+ in the primary. Don't think namebrand matters.
The switch to syn in the crankcase has lowered my oil temp 10-15 degrees.
The heavier oil in the tranny has made the tranny shift smoother and neutral is much easier to find.
I've read that syn in the primary can cause shifting problems so I'm staying with the HD until I know for sure.
Whatever you use, make sure you keep your receipts. I'm even keeping my old filters with the change mileage marked on them. Least till the warranty is up. BTW, I do use HDs oil filter
The switch to syn in the crankcase has lowered my oil temp 10-15 degrees.
The heavier oil in the tranny has made the tranny shift smoother and neutral is much easier to find.
I've read that syn in the primary can cause shifting problems so I'm staying with the HD until I know for sure.
Whatever you use, make sure you keep your receipts. I'm even keeping my old filters with the change mileage marked on them. Least till the warranty is up. BTW, I do use HDs oil filter
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
Amsoil 20-50 for the motor and primary, Amsoil severe gear for the tranny, nothing but a K&N oil filter will ever touch my HD. 
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May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
HDChloe about covered it all, congrats my friend you covered it perfectly.
Personally I use the Mobile 1 20/50W for V-Twins in the engine and primary and Mobile 1 75/90W in the tranny.
BECAUSE ITS EASY TO FIND at ANY local Auto Zone. Amsoil and some of the other synthetics 'may' be better. But M1 is easier to find and even if I am somewhat **** about oil changes and other basic maintenance. Anything that's easier to aquire is more likely to be used on a regular basis.
Personally I use the Mobile 1 20/50W for V-Twins in the engine and primary and Mobile 1 75/90W in the tranny.
BECAUSE ITS EASY TO FIND at ANY local Auto Zone. Amsoil and some of the other synthetics 'may' be better. But M1 is easier to find and even if I am somewhat **** about oil changes and other basic maintenance. Anything that's easier to aquire is more likely to be used on a regular basis.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
HDChloe about covered it all, congrats my friend you covered it perfectly.
Personally I use the Mobile 1 20/50W for V-Twins in the engine and primary and Mobile 1 75/90W in the tranny.
BECAUSE ITS EASY TO FIND at ANY local Auto Zone. Amsoil and some of the other synthetics 'may' be better. But M1 is easier to find and even if I am somewhat **** about oil changes and other basic maintenance. Anything that's easier to aquire is more likely to be used on a regular basis.
Personally I use the Mobile 1 20/50W for V-Twins in the engine and primary and Mobile 1 75/90W in the tranny.
BECAUSE ITS EASY TO FIND at ANY local Auto Zone. Amsoil and some of the other synthetics 'may' be better. But M1 is easier to find and even if I am somewhat **** about oil changes and other basic maintenance. Anything that's easier to aquire is more likely to be used on a regular basis.
I use the same fluids and also get them from Auto Zone.
My Se Fat Boy came from the factory, with HD Sync3 in all 3 holes. Had no complaints with the Sync3 and now have no complaints with Mobile 1. I can tell no difference in performance,heat or shifting.
Tom
