Synthetic Oil
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Synthetic Oil
I put Mobil1 V-twin 20w/50 in my bike, which is a synthetic. My bike sounds like a sewing machine after it gets warm, and I am going down the road at high speeds. I put the synthetic 75/140 gear oil in my tranny, and still get this "clunk" that is pretty loud every time I shift up or down, it doesnt matter. I am beginning to think my bike dont like synthetic oil and I wasted my money. As soon as I save up enough cash I am going to put regular oil, and gear oil in it. Which oil, which oil, which oil, which oil!? Cant stand it anymore aaaaarrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhh
By the way my bike is an 06 Heritage.
By the way my bike is an 06 Heritage.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 3
From:
I've been running Mobil 1 15w50 for YEARS in my Harleys. Belray hypoid in the trannies. everybody has their favorite oil, but I swear by synthetics and if Mobil 1 is good enough for Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, etc., it is good enough for my HD engines.
Plus, you can buy it at any Walmart if you need a splash while on the road.
Plus, you can buy it at any Walmart if you need a splash while on the road.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Ive used HD Formula +, Syn 3, Belray and now am using with Redline V Tin Transmission with Shockproof in the trans and Redline V Twin Primary in the primary and Syn 3 in the engine and my bike is the quietest that it has ever been. Shifting is positive , easy to find neutral, clutch is smooth.
Bottom line is Harley engines and transmissions are loud and the "B" is louder due to the counter balancers.
Bottom line is Harley engines and transmissions are loud and the "B" is louder due to the counter balancers.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 0
From: PA.
May just be the viscosity you've chosen.
From the HD manual for softails
below 40*f sae 10w40
above 40*f sae 20/50
above 60*f sae 50
above 80*F sae 60
My bike is pretty quiet when following these guide lines.
Here is the stuff I use. http://klotzlube.com/products.asp?cat=7
From the HD manual for softails
below 40*f sae 10w40
above 40*f sae 20/50
above 60*f sae 50
above 80*F sae 60
My bike is pretty quiet when following these guide lines.
Here is the stuff I use. http://klotzlube.com/products.asp?cat=7
Last edited by Mark g; Jul 7, 2009 at 09:09 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
My 06 Heritage sounds like a sewing machine also and I use Amsoil. I think that's just the way they sound. With the windshield on I really hear it, but without it's pretty quiet. I put the automatic chain tensioner in the primary and it helped quiet it down and shift better.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I have belray 75-140 Hypoid gear lube in tranny now, but thinking about going back to forumla+ next change. the gear lube is firmer to shift 1st-2nd till she get good and warm,
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May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Rochester, NY
Stick with the Mobile 1 20/50W in the engine and primary and their 90/140W in the tranny.
They will keep things going a lot longer than dyno oil will.
Harley engine's make that kind of sewing machine noise because they are aluminum, air cooled, use roller, ball, and needle bearings without the benefit of a water jacket that a cast iron block car engine has to muffle most of the mechanical sounds.
The tranny clunk's because its got big assed gears packed into an aluminum case to handle all the torque that big fat V-Twin is capable of putting out without coming apart at the seams.
Its just the nature of the beast.
They will keep things going a lot longer than dyno oil will.
Harley engine's make that kind of sewing machine noise because they are aluminum, air cooled, use roller, ball, and needle bearings without the benefit of a water jacket that a cast iron block car engine has to muffle most of the mechanical sounds.
The tranny clunk's because its got big assed gears packed into an aluminum case to handle all the torque that big fat V-Twin is capable of putting out without coming apart at the seams.
Its just the nature of the beast.
Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Jul 8, 2009 at 12:08 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I use Amsoil 20-50 and Amsoil Severe Gear. Putting dyno back in won't change things. I'm honestly not trying to insult you, but is this your first HD? I rode Honda for years and when I switched it took a while for my ears to adjust to all the new auditory input for the engine and transmission. I just wasn't used to hearing a mechanical symphony. I was sure the thing was on it's last leg, but several friends assured me all was well and with time I got used to it and now when something isn't quit right I can pick out that "different" noise from the normal noises. I can tell you this... running Amsoil has lowered my engine operating tempurature about 10 degrees; that may not sound like much, but I'll take it.