Thoughts on oil.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
Thoughts on oil.
Hello,
I have a 2004 XL1200R and I'm approaching my 5000 mile tune-up. After doing a bit of research I have decided to use Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin in the engine and Mobil 1 75W-90 gear oil in the primary/tranny. I know that their are loads of quality sythetics out there but Mobil 1 seems carry a great reputation and it can be found almost everywhere. What are everyone's thoughts and opinions about these oils? I think I'm going to change the oils myself and then take it to the dealer for the 5000 mile tune-up and tell them not to change the engine and primary/tranny, but do everything else. I guess I don't trust that they would actually use the oil I gave them. That brings me to another thought. I'm sleightly hesitent about the HD dealership knowing that I'm using an oil that's not theirs during my warranty. I know that it won't but I've heard that some HD mechanics see it differently. I don't want to have to play the Magnusson-Moss card if I don't have to. The guys at the dealership are pretty cool and I don't want to make things uncomfortable by a stupid disagreement on oil. Thanks.
I have a 2004 XL1200R and I'm approaching my 5000 mile tune-up. After doing a bit of research I have decided to use Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin in the engine and Mobil 1 75W-90 gear oil in the primary/tranny. I know that their are loads of quality sythetics out there but Mobil 1 seems carry a great reputation and it can be found almost everywhere. What are everyone's thoughts and opinions about these oils? I think I'm going to change the oils myself and then take it to the dealer for the 5000 mile tune-up and tell them not to change the engine and primary/tranny, but do everything else. I guess I don't trust that they would actually use the oil I gave them. That brings me to another thought. I'm sleightly hesitent about the HD dealership knowing that I'm using an oil that's not theirs during my warranty. I know that it won't but I've heard that some HD mechanics see it differently. I don't want to have to play the Magnusson-Moss card if I don't have to. The guys at the dealership are pretty cool and I don't want to make things uncomfortable by a stupid disagreement on oil. Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Thoughts on oil.
We've been bashing oil around here quite a bit recently. You'll find plenty of semi-differing opinions, but most agree that the synthetic is the way to go. Check up in the tech area for some more info on oils.
Don't worry about you dealer and your oil. It won't mess your warranty up, as you know. If you don't trust your dealer to use the oil you provide, I wouldn't trust them to do anything. Tell 'em up front what you want and get their reaction. If it is anything other than straight up, tell 'em you're disappointed in their attitude, and take your business elsewhere.
Don't worry about you dealer and your oil. It won't mess your warranty up, as you know. If you don't trust your dealer to use the oil you provide, I wouldn't trust them to do anything. Tell 'em up front what you want and get their reaction. If it is anything other than straight up, tell 'em you're disappointed in their attitude, and take your business elsewhere.
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1
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RE: Thoughts on oil.
my wrench tells me NOT to use the new low micron oil filter in older sportsters ie before 2003 as the oil pump will not be able to handle the oil pressure necessary to force the oil through the smaller holes in the filter. you may destroy your oil pump. always use the regular filter , whether you use dyno oil or snythetic.
my 2 cents worth[:-]
my 2 cents worth[:-]
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,201
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From: s.e. Kansas
RE: Thoughts on oil.
I've been doing some reading on oils (too cold to ride at the moment) and I think I am going to use the amsoil 20w-50 synthetic. Seems to have the best wear rate according to studies. Its kinda expensive, but seems worth it. Anyone else out there ever use it. or will I be wasting my time?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Thoughts on oil.
Amsoil touts that "4 ball" wear test, but others say that particular test means little in the "real" world. Having said that, Amsoil is excellent oil that compares favorably to all but the very high dollar stuff - stuff that costs $20 - 35 a quart.
Doubt everything everybody says about oil, especially the manufacturers of the oil!
Doubt everything everybody says about oil, especially the manufacturers of the oil!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 593
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From: Austin, Texas
RE: Thoughts on oil.
Good advice. Also, nice picts there, pococj! Love the older sporties. I'm just now getting into street riding and bought my first street bike - a slightly used (240 miles) '04 sportster 883. Love the "old school" look. Love to ride!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Thoughts on oil.
I've used both the Amsoil 20W-50 MCV and the Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin in the engine of my 1200C, and my other Harley's as well.
Both are excellent products, and I don't have any preference over which one I run. But, I can get the Mobil 1 locally, and have to "internet order" Amsoil.
At my last 'fluid change' I used Mobil 1 V-Twin in the engine, and Mobil 1 75-90 gear oil in the tranny/primary.
On a different note, but kind of interesting is some talks I've had with some Harley mechanics I know, and also some employees of the Kansas City Harley plant (where Sportsters are produced).
Some of these guys own Sportsters, and I asked what kind of fluids they run in their personal bikes. Most of them are running Mobil 1 products, 20W-50 V-Twin and Mobil 1 75-90. It's also interesting that most of them are not using the 5, or even 10 micron oil filters. They are using the less restrictive 30 micron filters, either the standard length chrome 63776-77A, or the extended 63813-90T.
I found this to be interesting (and I do agree with them)..
Both are excellent products, and I don't have any preference over which one I run. But, I can get the Mobil 1 locally, and have to "internet order" Amsoil.
At my last 'fluid change' I used Mobil 1 V-Twin in the engine, and Mobil 1 75-90 gear oil in the tranny/primary.
On a different note, but kind of interesting is some talks I've had with some Harley mechanics I know, and also some employees of the Kansas City Harley plant (where Sportsters are produced).
Some of these guys own Sportsters, and I asked what kind of fluids they run in their personal bikes. Most of them are running Mobil 1 products, 20W-50 V-Twin and Mobil 1 75-90. It's also interesting that most of them are not using the 5, or even 10 micron oil filters. They are using the less restrictive 30 micron filters, either the standard length chrome 63776-77A, or the extended 63813-90T.
I found this to be interesting (and I do agree with them)..
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Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
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From:
RE: Thoughts on oil.
Here is a great link for those who like reading............... far more info than the average person wants about oil but is very interesting.
http://www.sportster.org/tech/Oiland...Motorcycle.pdf
http://www.sportster.org/tech/Oiland...Motorcycle.pdf
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