engine and primary fluids
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: ga
engine and primary fluids
I have been trying to understand this entire debate on sportsters. i guess cause its time for me to change my oil but after doing a Google search i am still kinda lost on what is best. 2011 sportster 48. 6k on it
There is no "best" other than the correct weight and viscosity.
That being said, I have used Mobil 1, Amsoil, Syn3 and Red Line. Syn 3 was the worst (oil was disappearing) and Red Line was the best and what I still use. It quieted my top end, dropped my oil temp and the level never changes.
For your primary, the Harley Formula+ is what is recommended by HD and it works fine. You can use that, wet clutch compatible engine oil (any of the above will work) or gear lube.
Most will recommend a synthetic gear lube. Again, I use Red Line MT90 and it's been fantastic
That being said, I have used Mobil 1, Amsoil, Syn3 and Red Line. Syn 3 was the worst (oil was disappearing) and Red Line was the best and what I still use. It quieted my top end, dropped my oil temp and the level never changes.
For your primary, the Harley Formula+ is what is recommended by HD and it works fine. You can use that, wet clutch compatible engine oil (any of the above will work) or gear lube.
Most will recommend a synthetic gear lube. Again, I use Red Line MT90 and it's been fantastic
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
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From: Central Illinois
There is only ONE way to know which oil is better for your bike.
Run one oil for exactly X miles (not less than 3000) and then have it sent to a lab and tested.
Then run the next oil for the same miles, same conditions, and send it off also.
Compare the lab results, they will tell you which is better.
Anything less than lab testing and you/we/I are guessing.
I have had my oil analyzed by a lab for every vehicle I have ever owned, so I know *exactly* if the oil I chose is working.
Here you go, stop guessing and do it:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php
Run one oil for exactly X miles (not less than 3000) and then have it sent to a lab and tested.
Then run the next oil for the same miles, same conditions, and send it off also.
Compare the lab results, they will tell you which is better.
Anything less than lab testing and you/we/I are guessing.
I have had my oil analyzed by a lab for every vehicle I have ever owned, so I know *exactly* if the oil I chose is working.
Here you go, stop guessing and do it:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php
Last edited by parabellum_9x19; Sep 17, 2013 at 01:24 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Nothing special about the HD brand oil other than getting a mediocre oil at a sky high price.
HD's synthetic motor oil, Syn3, is made by Citgo.
HD's synthetic motor oil, Syn3, is made by Citgo.
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Only issue I have with using or recommending Mobil 1 75w-90 is it does not say it's safe for yellow metals. Since our trans/primary share the lube, you're washing your stator in a potential yellow metal UNsafe lub.
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