Oil Change
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13
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Oil Change
Just wondering if I have to flush the engine when changing from conventional to synthetic oil. Someone told me that I may need to do this and once I change I have to stay with synthetic. Would appreciate any info and if anyone has any opinion on the best oil to use.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
The best oil to use is the one you prefer; there are many good ones to choose from. Although some look down their noses and the HD lubricants, the HD20W50 conventional is a good product. I can't say that about the HD synthetic as, IMHO, there are other synthetics that are better. If your oil temps typically stay below 230*, I prefer conventional oil changed every 2500-3000 miles. However, if your oil temps exceed 250* from time to time, synthetic would be a better choice but I would still change at 3000 mile intervals. Valve train noise is typically louder with synthetic oil than with conventional.
Whichever you choose, changing oil/filter 2500-3000 mile intervals is more important than what brand of oil you choose.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: NC
There are probably many thoughts on your post.
I have watched a friend go from conventional to synth using the rogue chopper scavenger (you can search this site for people who have used one, or go the web site for it-google "rogue chopper").
As to going from synth back to conventional, I'm sure people have done that as well. Oil change intervals with synth are typically longer than conventional (or supposed to be anyway). How and where you ride also will factor into the equation.
I changed to synth after the first 1K. My reasoning for doing so was that the synth has a higher breakdown limit regarding temps than conventional oil. Let's face it, we ride air cooled engines and sometimes get stuck in traffic.
It all boils down (no pun intended) to what your willing to pay for and feel comfortable with your bike.
Go to the oil threads on this forum and you will see what everyone uses and the comments as well, then decide for yourself.
Lots of great synth oil out there as well as conventional-but you have to change fluids at the regular intervals.
Good luck with your choice!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,541
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From: Honah Lee
My opinion and experience is you will not need to flush. I would assume by flush you mean putting in a few and running , drain and refilling. What ever you do do not flush with anything but same syn oil. There is quite a bit of oil left in the motor on drain. Worst thing you could do is flush with some witches brew and then put the syn in. Any name brand name syn or regular motor oil is fine and long as you use correct weight range. Non Harley's may be a lower number like 15-50 were Harley is 20-50 but that's OK. Harley just brands it that way. It probably falls in the 15-50 range but by stating it that way get's a few more sells. Yamaha does the same thing.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
From what I understand, there is no reason to fear mixing synthetic and dyno oils. Some companies make and sell these blends.
The reason to do a flush is to eliminate any remaining dirty oil (synthetic or dyno).
The reason to do a flush is to eliminate any remaining dirty oil (synthetic or dyno).
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thanks a lot for your responses. You all have been a great help and really have eased my mind as I was worried that I would ruin the engine. The advice that everyone can receive from this forum is very helpful and is why I am in here almost every day. Thanks guys.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Some people flush their engine every oil change, others don't. I am of the latter variety myself due to laziness I guess. I have never flushed the entire engine while changing the oil and have 62500 on my bike. All is well. IF you do want to flush your engine get the rogue choppers puck thingee.
Drew
Drew