does hd syn3 work ?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 499
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RE: does hd syn3 work ?
I'm curious. Where does H-D say not to use Syn3? I'd like to see some info from an independent source, not promotional sales anecdotes from AMSOIL. It's really tough to get info when most comments are opinions from folks that really don't know the technical info that would help us make intelligent decisions. My feeling is that there are probably a number of oil products that will work just fine. Someone that says everybody else's products/services are crap except theirs is someone that I will steer away from. Just past experience.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: does hd syn3 work ?
My service rep has told me he's never seen any such directive not to use Syn3 in all three holes.
I think that rumor abounds because the owner's manual mentions Formula Plus by name. But if you read the entire manual, no where in it do the words "Synthetic Oil" or "Syn3" appear, only to use Harleybrand products.
However, the company brochures, the oil bottles, and the parts manuals, including the new '08, all say approved to use in all three holes. In the parts manual, an entire page is devoted to Syn3, and it appears ahead of any of the other Harley brand products.
CITGOblends the Syn3 for Harley.
I think that rumor abounds because the owner's manual mentions Formula Plus by name. But if you read the entire manual, no where in it do the words "Synthetic Oil" or "Syn3" appear, only to use Harleybrand products.
However, the company brochures, the oil bottles, and the parts manuals, including the new '08, all say approved to use in all three holes. In the parts manual, an entire page is devoted to Syn3, and it appears ahead of any of the other Harley brand products.
CITGOblends the Syn3 for Harley.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: does hd syn3 work ?
Harley just did a full page in the harley enthusiast about Syn3 answering a lot of our questions we sent in after their last issue where they stated syn 3 was the only oil that would not impact warranty.They tell how they spent 3 years testing it and how it was the only oil they say can be used in all three holes. They also say other oils may be as good but they never tested them so they can't say. Also stated is the fact that any oil meeting the requirements listed in the owners manual can be used with no warranty issues.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: does hd syn3 work ?
You know really all this oil debate is BS, as often as everyone I know changes the oil in their harley anything will do the basic same job. Harleys 360 oil and All the syn oils, amsoil,mobil1, royal purple and a hundred others even the dreaded syn 3 will show no real difference in anything. I change my oil every 3k, harley says do it every 5k, most do it same as me or even sooner. Its just not a big deal which you use. Ive found reg.360 oil the motor will run quiter than with amsoil and mobil 1 after motor warms up too. Now flame away
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: does hd syn3 work ?
Gunrunner, or anyone that has a scanner: Can you scan that page and post it? Maybe this issue will be put to rest once and for all.
I wonder how chagrined the writer of the first article was when they received probably thousands of emails concerning his warranty statement?
I wonder how chagrined the writer of the first article was when they received probably thousands of emails concerning his warranty statement?
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 26
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RE: does hd syn3 work ?
I have been running syn 3 since it came out, I even use it in my trainer bikes for my riding school. (I have 18 Bikes in the fleet.) Not a single problem with syn 3 in any engine or tranny, and beleive me new riders can dish out way more punishments to a bike than any seasoned could ever dream of.