Oil Change Question ???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
You can never change the oil too much on an air cooled engine. I am not that sold synthetic oil...I would rather use cheaper oil and change it more often. I change at least every 3000...2500 is even better. But what do I know...I riding an 1984 EVO that has never been rebuilt.
You can never change the oil too much on an air cooled engine. I am not that sold synthetic oil...I would rather use cheaper oil and change it more often. I change at least every 3000...2500 is even better. But what do I know...I riding an 1984 EVO that has never been rebuilt.
I am using Rotella T 15w40 in two of my bikes and it seems to be holding up well. May soon be switching in the Fatboy 
my .02
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: NJ
People swear by Rotella. If you money is an issue, stay dino and change often. Every 3K and atleast before winter. Since the oil in your bike sat all winter, I say put a few miles on it and change it. A year is a long wait to change the oil, next time try to do it before winter layup so the acids don't corrode your engine...that's what they say. If its dino, change to dino and on that tank decide what syn you will later change to. I am headed to Royal Purple, a true synthetic. Mobil 1 recently released they have no true syns, just blends with false packaging. Once they learned Castrol did that, they jumped on the bandwagon to save money even after trying to sue Castrol for their behavior.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I love oil threads. I have Mobil 1 Vtwin 20-50 in my 99 Softail Custom, but am going back to Castrol GTX 20-50 at the next change. That was what was in it up until the last change.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
I recommend redline oil. I always use synthetic and tried mobil 1 and amsoil in the past, but I just switched to redline and I'm pretty happy with it. Gear shifts are much smoother/quieter. If you go to the oil forum on here you'll read a lot about it...something about how it's the only class 5 oil...blah blah blah. They have v-twin power packs, one stop shop for all three fluids.
-Barry-
-Barry-
I agree. I have used Redline in all 3 holes since 1500 miles.
If it was my ride I'd change the oil that has been sitting.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
yea dude, if it were me i would change it now since its been sitting. can't hurt, and oil changes dont break the bank. ive been using the standard HD (dino) oil and its changed every 2500 (springers need service every 2500 anyways) and before it goes away for the winter. i say change it, cheap way to keep the motor lubed properly.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, TX
I recommend redline oil. I always use synthetic and tried mobil 1 and amsoil in the past, but I just switched to redline and I'm pretty happy with it. Gear shifts are much smoother/quieter. If you go to the oil forum on here you'll read a lot about it...something about how it's the only class 5 oil...blah blah blah. They have v-twin power packs, one stop shop for all three fluids.
-Barry-
-Barry-
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Oswego NY..."a little town, a lotta assholes "
If I'm going to change it(the oil) at least once possibly twice per year, I'll stay with the dino oil. Seems to me most of the people who use Synthetic do so because somebody that they know uses it and heard it's the best. I've never been much of a follower, so I'll stay with the old stuff.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
I would suggest changing it BEFORE storage because byproducts of combustion produce acids in the oil that can harm the inner metal surfaces..
I change out to cheapo 20/50 dino when in goes into storage and in the spring a fresh Amsoil change
I change out to cheapo 20/50 dino when in goes into storage and in the spring a fresh Amsoil change
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
If I'm going to change it(the oil) at least once possibly twice per year, I'll stay with the dino oil. Seems to me most of the people who use Synthetic do so because somebody that they know uses it and heard it's the best. I've never been much of a follower, so I'll stay with the old stuff.