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What oil should I use

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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 06:17 AM
  #11  
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xcelr8
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Originally Posted by Other Sheep
Syn3 is not recommended for all three holes anymore. Harley uses gear oil in the tranny and a primary fluid for the primary. Try a 75w90 or 75w140 in the tranny and you will never go back to syn3.
First I heard of that..........what's your source? I have used SYN3 in the trans in 3 bikes and they all shift smooth, are quiet, and easily slip into neutral/
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 06:23 AM
  #12  
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I use Amsoil in the primary, and their Severe Gear in the others
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 01:14 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Other Sheep
Syn3 is not recommended for all three holes anymore. Harley uses gear oil in the tranny and a primary fluid for the primary. Try a 75w90 or 75w140 in the tranny and you will never go back to syn3.
Not sure where you are getting your info on Syn 3 not being used in all three holes but I think you might want to re-check that. HD clearly states that Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes on big twins and 2 holes on Sporty's. You can choose to use the Formula + in the tranny & primary becuase it is a little less expensive but Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes and comes standard in all the CVO bikes.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 01:22 PM
  #14  
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Just had my 35k service on 07 Roadking done yesterday. Syn 3 in all three holes. They've put Syn 3 in since my first service. No problems here.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 01:48 PM
  #15  
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syn 3 harley is not all synthetic its made by citgo the cheapest oil you can buy
i used harley syn 3 after my 1st 1000nile break in when i changed my oil 2500 miles
later i noticed metal schavings on the magnetic plugs on the motor and tranny
since i have changed to amsoil no more schavings a true story-ride safe
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 02:29 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Peppa1
Not sure where you are getting your info on Syn 3 not being used in all three holes but I think you might want to re-check that. HD clearly states that Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes on big twins and 2 holes on Sporty's. You can choose to use the Formula + in the tranny & primary becuase it is a little less expensive but Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes and comes standard in all the CVO bikes.
+1 with almost 65k - smooth as silk ///....///..../// (couldn't resist - sorry).
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:19 PM
  #17  
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I've heard really good things about Amsoil... My buddy who is a service manager runs it in his two Harleys. I've thought about it pretty hard but the price is a little rich. Maybe I will give it a shot.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:26 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Peppa1
Not sure where you are getting your info on Syn 3 not being used in all three holes but I think you might want to re-check that. HD clearly states that Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes on big twins and 2 holes on Sporty's. You can choose to use the Formula + in the tranny & primary becuase it is a little less expensive but Syn 3 can be used in all 3 holes and comes standard in all the CVO bikes.
I've heard this too for 08 and later. the 08 touring manual states, in capital letters, to only use HD Formula+ in tranny and primary. I realize they are trying to tell you to only use their fluid - but SYN3 is also their fluid and the owners manual is basically saying not to use it in tranny and primary. I used Syn3 for 60,000+miles in tc88 bike. local HD mechanic told me the MOCO is saying No on TC96 tranny and primary. Not offering an opinion, just curious why the MOCO owners manual says what it says.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 08:39 PM
  #19  
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Too pricey? Whats your bike worth?....spread that cost over a year of worry free riding and you'll change your mind. HD dealer put Syn 3 in all three holes at my 1000 mi service about 2 months ago. At 5000 miles I changed all 3 holes to Redline....dramatic difference in how bike sounds, feels and shifts......yes, Redline is better!
 
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 09:08 PM
  #20  
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Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w50. Engine sounds quieter and runs cooler, (just a little for both). The local dealer mechanic, who's opinion I respect, says to run the Syn3. I tried it but I am always happier with the Mobil 1. I am yet to try the AmsOil, maybe next time.
 
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