Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 6
From: Lake Jackson TX.
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
ORIGINAL: lionsm13
Watch the color... When it starts lookin' black, then F-in change it, eh?
Watch the color... When it starts lookin' black, then F-in change it, eh?
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Show Me State
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
ORIGINAL: btefft
I know you can go farther between oil changes if using synthetic oil, but how far?
I use Syn3 in all three holes and just went 7K, did I over do it, don't think so. Every thing looked good and performed well before, during and after the oil change. Riding now gives me peace of mind that the HD engine is happy.
Think I'm gonna shoot for 5K in the future, but since I did 7K, I marked it in the poll.
BTW, I never change the oil without changing the oil filter also.
Got into the K & N air cleaner kit and cleaned the air filter, too. - it was dirty, washed it and sprayed it with K & N air filter oil and now it's nice and pink - ready for another long haul.
Hack
I know you can go farther between oil changes if using synthetic oil, but how far?
I use Syn3 in all three holes and just went 7K, did I over do it, don't think so. Every thing looked good and performed well before, during and after the oil change. Riding now gives me peace of mind that the HD engine is happy.
Think I'm gonna shoot for 5K in the future, but since I did 7K, I marked it in the poll.
BTW, I never change the oil without changing the oil filter also.
Got into the K & N air cleaner kit and cleaned the air filter, too. - it was dirty, washed it and sprayed it with K & N air filter oil and now it's nice and pink - ready for another long haul.
Hack
Talking about Syn3 in the tranny usually starts WWWIII - I'm on your side, works gr8 for me. I'm 3K crank - 5K prim/trans.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi.
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
ive heard that its ok to use the same thing in all three holes and ive heard its not a good idea to do that.
one advantage to it is, for emergancy pourposes, you only have to carry one brand of lube if your on a long trip.
some say you dont want a real slippery lube in the tranny.
soooo.....is it a good idea or not.
one advantage to it is, for emergancy pourposes, you only have to carry one brand of lube if your on a long trip.
some say you dont want a real slippery lube in the tranny.
soooo.....is it a good idea or not.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
In a blatant attempt to hijack the thread, & knowing full well that oil is a *religeon*, I have a question. How many, or can anyone, relate the last time they had a motor failure where oil failure was the primary cause? I'd be interested in some details like brand of oil, oil weight, average mileage between changes, type of use the motor was subject to,type of failure, & verification that oil failure was the primary cause.
I know we all have our favorite oil & I'm not interested in starting a debate about why one is better than another, but rather hearing about any verifiable failure.
I know we all have our favorite oil & I'm not interested in starting a debate about why one is better than another, but rather hearing about any verifiable failure.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
You can still go to an extended oil change interval.The filters have plenty of space.Amsoil for example, recommends filter change at 6 month intervalson their 25K, 1 yr oils.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Lynden, WA
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
I change mine at 2500 - 3000 miles, when the oil starts getting dark on the dip stick. I just added an oil cooler and am hoping that it will help, bike oil temp on digital dip stick running 250 - 265.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Ga
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
ORIGINAL: dog155
You can still go to an extended oil change interval.The filters have plenty of space.Amsoil for example, recommends filter change at 6 month intervalson their 25K, 1 yr oils.
You can still go to an extended oil change interval.The filters have plenty of space.Amsoil for example, recommends filter change at 6 month intervalson their 25K, 1 yr oils.
Hack
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
Looks like 5000 is pretty much the magic number.I wouldn't go any more myself
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: New York
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
Crankcase and Tranny every 2500-3500.
Amsoil & Redline SP Heavy.
Primary same, sometimes every other one.
Formula +
Keepingoil cleanis probably the best thing you can do to prolong engine life. A small price IMHO compared to what else we're spending on along the way.
Amsoil & Redline SP Heavy.
Primary same, sometimes every other one.
Formula +
Keepingoil cleanis probably the best thing you can do to prolong engine life. A small price IMHO compared to what else we're spending on along the way.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
RE: Using synthetic oil - how far between oil changes
5000 miles with synthetic oil, saves enough money to pay for the synthetic plus less to waste or recycle. (not to mentionsaving wear onthe drain plugs 
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