Hello all!

I am fairly new to the wide world of harley but believe I am more than capable of changing the oil in my 2001 sportster custom 1200 (i guess i will find out). Does anyone have any information on the type of oil I should use? Synthetic vs. Normal HD Oil? If synthetic is recommended, what type? I live in Milwaukee, WI and use my bike for leisure and work commutes.Any information would be great. Thanks!

 

Asking about oil is akin to starting religious wars.

If you use the correct type and follow a regimented schedule for maintenance, it doesn't matter much dino vs. synth.

Synth lasts longer in harsher environments, so if you *can* let your oil changes go longer, but you really don't want to. All the best oil in the world won't help if your filter can't hold the dirt.

Synth also has better heat transfer properties, so in extreme-heat conditions, Synth might be a little better. Again, it all comes down to the proper weight (and type as far as additives goes), and using a quality oil filter, changing both at the same time on a proper schedule.

Opinions and advice will vary; settle in for lots of reading.

 

Thanks for the warning...as I am reading through previous forums I am understanding the religous nature of choosing an oil. Thanks for a base to build off of.

 

Just use the standard stuff.. synthetic oil is not that much better for the cost... so much hype placed in it these days that the price has gotten out of control..

 

Welcome to the forums. Learn to use the search feature. There are numerous posts covering this topic. Good luck.

 

Synth does do a better job of reducing the heat. I yse Amsoil, but, Mobile1 is just as good. One thing to remember. do not get an oil filter that filters the oil finer than the book says, it will cause problems. Ask me how i know.

 

Welcome, If for no other reason, I suggest running synthetic just for the extra cooling it will provide over a fossil oil. Oil temps will run 10 -20 degrees cooler using synthetic. In addition, fossil oil breaks down at about 250* while syn. withstands temps over 300*. You don't need an expensive "botique" syn oil either. Many riders here use regular Mobil 1 15w-50 syn. automotive oil. You can usually get it at Walmart in 5 quart jugs for about $20.

 

Syn does run cooler. I am glad that I switched if for no other reason.

 

Planning to switch to Mobil 1 this year. Seems to be widly used by many members here with good results. The $20 for 5 quart jug is just a bonus for me since I change my oil every 3000 miles.

 

I would do some indepth research on the oils.
If you have slipper bearings synthetic would be fine but with roller bearings in can cause the whole race to spin
and create excesive wear on the bearings, race and crank.
Lucas non synthetic would be my recommendation.