What oil should I use

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Aug 8, 2008 | 10:44 PM

#21

Yachtman

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 1,325

Likes: 12

From: SE Florida

Ditto on the Kimber!

Aug 18, 2008 | 09:51 AM

#22

Streets of Fire

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 645

Likes: 2

From: Just outside of Cleveland.

How much should I buy... just get a case of any synthetic 20w50?

Oil fiters on available at the stealer?

Thanks!

Aug 18, 2008 | 12:58 PM

#23

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Quote:

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.

HD recommends Syn3 for all three holes for several reasons. It makes the oil-change process easier for owners, it is overpriced and they make a bundle on every complete oil change (5-7 qts. depending on model and year), and they don't care what's best for a given hole since the drivetrain will likely last past the warranty period anyway. After that, they make more money if/when things fail. It's not like the drivetrain will fail the day the warranty period arrives, but there are better lubricants available for lower prices.

Syn3 is an average-performing synthetic oil sold at a high price. You can do much better for your money, but your engine will likely not suffer from using it. Gearboxes are best suited for gear oil, and a 75w90 or ??w140 is the best choice. The primary requires oil, and almost anything will do (ATF, fossil 15w40 or 20w50, etc.). If you want to use $11/qt. HD Syn3 in the primary, go right ahead, as it won't hurt anything--but it won't operate any more efficiently or reliably either.

Last edited by iclick; Aug 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM.

Aug 18, 2008 | 01:13 PM

#24

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyhendley

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

Shavings on the mag plug for the first few K miles is normal, and changing to Amsoil after 2500 miles and noticing fewer shavings doesn't indicate Amsoil is a better product. For example, two friends installed big-bore kits together on the same day, and we compared jugs and pistons for wear. One bike (2000 EGC) had 60k on the clock and had been running Mobil 1 15w50 and the other (2000 EGS) with 50k running Amsoil 20w50. There was no visible or measurable wear on either bike, either the cylinders or pistons. In fact, the piston coating on both were still intact. Another friend has 75k on his 2002 WG using Syn3 for the duration, and he's have no trouble except at 70k he did his first cam-tensioner replacement. My last bike ('96 RK) had 106k on the odometer when I traded it in, which ran Royal Purple 20w50, and it showed no change in static compression or oil consumption in nine years. Actually, compression was higher on the front cylinder in 2006 than it was in 1998. It also never had the heads removed, and is still running today at >115k (at last check).

My point is that no oil is measurably superior to any other name-brand product overall. One will look good in one test, not so good in another, but no oil is superior in every category. Buy what you like, or just buy from among the usual suspects (Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Redline, etc.) based on price and availability. BTW, it is a myth that only motorcycle-specific oils (e.g., Mobil 1 VT 20w50) are suitable for V-twin motors.

Last edited by iclick; Aug 18, 2008 at 01:17 PM.