Winter oil, what do you use ?

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Sep 30, 2019 | 08:30 AM

#11

cowboydoc

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 1,296

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From: Depends on where I am

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyuchem

It’s October and we already have first snow of the season up in the mountains. I think I’ll still able to ride for couple more months before putting my bike in storage. It was 45 today and while starting it felt my bike was taking its time to start up. Felt like it was struggling. Wonder if it will help if I switched to HD 10w40. It says in manual excellent for cold start below 50 degrees.

I use redline full synthetic 20w50 but will switching to HD 10w40 hurt ? Cuz in Manual it says “ Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed.”

Slow and difficult to start - I would check battery before changing to a different oil.

I have only used 20w50, mostly the HD Syn3, but have used Amsoil once in the past and the last time Mobile1. No difference that I can tell between them. No issues changing brands - no way to get ALL the oil out during a normal oil change.

I ride year round as long as no ice or salt on the road, regularly start the bike to ride when temps are in the 30s in the morning, lowest temp was 23 one morning at elevation in New Mexico on a spring road trip. I do let the bike warm up a bit longer and take it easy the first few miles when it is that cold.

Sep 30, 2019 | 09:16 AM

#12

Architect

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 9,570

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From: Long Island, New York

I do not change oil with the seasons. Modern bikes all run Syn3, no issues with riding in temps down to the teens. Vintage bike run 60w, out of the basement they are fine, but leave them outside for a while and they will let you know they are cold. Since that does not happen that often, no worries. I am more worried about running a thinner oil for winter then it gets hot out one day. Good luck.

Sep 30, 2019 | 09:33 AM

#13

Fireball Jack

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 2,681

Likes: 851

From: Puyallup, wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboydoc

Slow and difficult to start - I would check battery before changing to a different oil.

.

Sep 30, 2019 | 10:17 AM

#14

Beak

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,012

Likes: 285

From: Alva Florida

Since I started running this I don't have to worry about changing oils. Run it all summer and winter. Ran Redline 20w-60 before. This is good stuff and you can get it off Amazon.