I'm going to stick with 20w50 synthetic for most of the year. Question I have is, is it best to go with a lighter weight oil in colder temps? I ran 15w50 in the VLX year round with no problems, but it was liquid cooled. I'll ride in temps as low as the mid 30's.

I know there isn't a whole lot of difference between 15w50 and 20w50. I've read that the Sportster oiling system is more about flow rate than actual pressure, is that true? If that is true that is why I'm considering going with a lighter weight oil in that 'cold' time of year.

 

20w-50 synthetic should be good down to 30 F.
A 15w-50 would make no difference at 30F, and very little difference at 20F.

Harley does say to change the oil more often in cooler weather.
If you ride less than 15 miles at temps under 60 F they suggest oil changes every 1500 miles.
HD quit offering their HD360 10w-40. They used to suggest it for Sportsters at temps below 40F.

 

I ride thru the winter and use 20/50 wt. And even if the bike sits for 2 weeks in below 32 degree weather, it starts right up. Having and using a Battery tender while parked, will be more of a benefit then changing out the oil.,,,

 

The bike is plugged into a tender continuously unless it's being ridden. IMO, a battery tender is worth every penny.

 

Buy yourself a Shorai Lithium and kiss that tender good bye. Best money I've spent on my bike. Instant starts, no worries.

John

 

If the lowest you're going is about freezing, then 20W-50 should be perfectly fine. Use a good synthetic for better cold start performance. I run 15W-50 in to single digits sometimes.

 

Better man than me, at least at the age I am now. Coldest I've ridden in was 19* for about 20 miles at Interstate speeds back in the early '80's. A buddy at work had to help me off the bike I was so cold. Stupid move, a miracle I didn't die of hypothermia...

 

try throwing the beaumont enterprise for 3 years in any weather.

 

Check your owners manual, there is guidance in there. If you don't have one you can download a copy from the H-D website, go to the Owners tab. My first Harley was a kicker and it mattered a great deal which oil I used during cold weather, both in the engine and especially the trans! Kicking over straight 50 weight oil is not much fun.

 

I tend to take some info in an owners manual with a grain of salt, fluids being one of them. According the manual, HD says I can't use anything but HD oil as an example. I was just wondering what other's have been using, sounds as if sticking with 20w50 year round is the way to go.