Interesting Discussion about AMSOil
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
I needed to add oil last year 150 miles from home, at the end of a 4,000 mile trip. I had the amsoil with me, but wouldn't have carted the bottle around all that way had I known.
In addition, as I said above, I dumped it out the next day when I changed the oil.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
The parts manager at your dealership is just plain wrong. Either he is deliberately BS'ing you, or he just does not know what he is talking about. It amazes me how such an idividual like him can hold the position of manager. Kind of makes you wonder about the ability of the dealership as a whole. Amsoil is one of the best lubricants on the market. Amsoil has earned it's reputation in every field of motor competiton it has become involved in. If professional drivers and engine builders speak highly of the product, I would give their word more weight than one "parts manager" in one dealership. The manager in question is probably just trying to boost sales of H-D items including lubricants. Can't blame him for that, but buyer beware.
BTW. I use synthetic lubricants including Amsoil.
BTW. I use synthetic lubricants including Amsoil.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 3
From: Slidell, Louisiana
If you want some truth about the oil you use then send a sample in to a lab. I do and it tells me what i have and how well it's working. I use Amsoil and they do the testing but i choose to use another lab for an outside source. I am waiting for the results on my truck. The oil has been in it for 10 months and 7k. Cost a few bucks but the information is worth much more than opinions.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 7
From: St. Charles, IL
AMSOIL IS tested on motorcycles and made specifically for motorcycles. He's just trying to prep you for repair warranty denials. Don't let him deny anything.
Magnuson-Moss his *** if he does
Magnuson-Moss his *** if he does
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
First, there's no way Amsoil itself caused engine damage. It is an excellent synthetic oil among many other excellent products sold today--including Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Redline, etc.
Second, there is no advantage to using motorcycle-specific oils over "car oil." I ran a synthetic "car oil" (not Amsoil) in my '96 RK for 106k miles (now with over 115k) without any evidence of engine wear, and the heads were never removed from that bike. Oil consumption was unchanged and static compression was 160/160 at last test in 2006. The first test was in 1998 which was 155/160.
One year ago two friends with nearly identical bikes did a joint big-bore upgrade. One bike had 60k that ran Mobil 1 15w50 "car oil," and the second had 50k miles that ran Amsoil 20w50 (not sure which type). Neither of the pistons or cylinders on either bike showed any sign of wear, and the piston coating was still intact on both.
Don't believe your dealer when he states differently, as there is no evidence that I'm aware of that proves what he says. Ask him for it. Then check Motorcycle Consumer News and American Iron, among others, for articles and lab tests on oil. Both of these magazines concluded that the "car oil" was equal to the motorcycle-specific products and are available at a much lower prices.
Second, there is no advantage to using motorcycle-specific oils over "car oil." I ran a synthetic "car oil" (not Amsoil) in my '96 RK for 106k miles (now with over 115k) without any evidence of engine wear, and the heads were never removed from that bike. Oil consumption was unchanged and static compression was 160/160 at last test in 2006. The first test was in 1998 which was 155/160.
One year ago two friends with nearly identical bikes did a joint big-bore upgrade. One bike had 60k that ran Mobil 1 15w50 "car oil," and the second had 50k miles that ran Amsoil 20w50 (not sure which type). Neither of the pistons or cylinders on either bike showed any sign of wear, and the piston coating was still intact on both.
Don't believe your dealer when he states differently, as there is no evidence that I'm aware of that proves what he says. Ask him for it. Then check Motorcycle Consumer News and American Iron, among others, for articles and lab tests on oil. Both of these magazines concluded that the "car oil" was equal to the motorcycle-specific products and are available at a much lower prices.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: 60631
Sounds like the typical stealer line of CRAP. Have been using Amsoil in all my bikes for years and zero problem!
My bike, an 07 FLHTC, has 30K. I was having some problems with engine noise, backfiring, and starting. I was told that the lifters and may be the cams need to be replaced...all warranty work. The parts manager at my dealership told me that the possible cause of this is the fact I am using AMSOIL. He said AMS was tested using automobile variables, and was not tested using motorcycles. Therefore, it is not a "true" motorcycle oil. I said that it was stated on the package that it is for V-TWIN motorcycles. He said that is because they want to sell the product. The dealership sells AMS. So, if it is bad, why do they sell it? Have any of you heard this stuff about AMS. I have been using AMS since 15K and change the oil every 5K.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
or it could have been a quality built part to begin with..... and would have looked just as good with any quality oil
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 564
Likes: 7
From: Sunderland, MD
Also, at least some car/cycle/outboard manufacturers SPECIFICALLY say it must bear the API Starburst...not sure if HD does or not. I take delivery of my 09 FLHT in September when I get back to the world, so I have no way to check this...maybe someoone can.
Harry
Last edited by HarryDavidson; Aug 10, 2008 at 07:12 PM.