Syn oil Vs Reg oil
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
So if this is true, then Harley Davidson will be pulling all the SYN3 off of dealers shelves because HD Claims SYN3 to be the Synthetic Oil of choice for your Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Plus the CVO models come "factory filled" with SYN3 right from MOCO.
Thus, when HD no longer sells or promotes SYN3 and when CVO's no longer come factory filled with SYN3, then you could conclude that quite possibly SYN3 is after all, inferior oil made by the cheapest bidder with some possible problems (which I highly doubt)
Why? because the premium Synthetics on the market (not to exclude SYN3) such as those by Red Line, Mobil 1, Amsoil etc. have been proven to greatly reduce wear and prolong engine life. 
As for needle bearings not rolling (too slippery) but the lubricant 'not slippery" enough and causing them to skip and wear out???
To that I say, "HOGWASH" The real problem may be inferior or defective "Bearings" and that is quite possible.
Thus, when HD no longer sells or promotes SYN3 and when CVO's no longer come factory filled with SYN3, then you could conclude that quite possibly SYN3 is after all, inferior oil made by the cheapest bidder with some possible problems (which I highly doubt)
Why? because the premium Synthetics on the market (not to exclude SYN3) such as those by Red Line, Mobil 1, Amsoil etc. have been proven to greatly reduce wear and prolong engine life. As for needle bearings not rolling (too slippery) but the lubricant 'not slippery" enough and causing them to skip and wear out???
To that I say, "HOGWASH" The real problem may be inferior or defective "Bearings" and that is quite possible.
Last edited by RODEO; Apr 21, 2009 at 06:32 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I had a service tech at a dealer in Abilene tell me not to use syn because of all the problems he has heard. When I took my bike in for the 10000 mile service in san antonio they switched everything to syn because it makes the bike run cooler in the hot weather. Since then I have only used syn and since I ride about a 2500 miles a month its cheaper to change oil at 5k (syn) rather than 2500 (regular).
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
One of the guys at my stealer said he won't change to Syn because their head mechanic told him his engine would leak, LOL. I don't take anything the guys over there say seriously. I also think it's kind of funny that they would rather sell a $9.00 quart of oil instead of a $12.00 quart.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
I just changed my oil Saturday...running M1 and had 7000 miles on this pas run....There was nothing on the magnet drain plug...i mean nothing...i was very impressed...oil was a bit dirty but i thought there would be some metallic powder...sticking to M1 2007 FLHTC
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Mason City, Iowa
I have a friend who is a "non HD" mechanic and he has heard people throw around this "too slick" concept and he also agrees this is impossible. As mentioned above, too slick means no wear. He's seen several engines on syn that still look great after many miles.
I use syn myself...maybe that's a given.
I use syn myself...maybe that's a given.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 2
From: Upstate, NY
+1 for iclick. As usual, you have done the research and have facts. Glad that you are a regular poster on this forum!
I've been using synthetic oil in my cars, trucks, boats, sleds, bikes, etc.., for many years and thousands of miles. No problems yet!!!! Will continue!!!!
I've been using synthetic oil in my cars, trucks, boats, sleds, bikes, etc.., for many years and thousands of miles. No problems yet!!!! Will continue!!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 2
From: Monroe, Louisiana
Hey iclick, tell us what you really think. By the way, I totally agree. I always enjoy reading your posts, very informative. In fact I'll be using your fork oil change method soon.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
So if this is true, then Harley Davidson will be pulling all the SYN3 off of dealers shelves because HD Claims SYN3 to be the Synthetic Oil of choice for your Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Plus the CVO models come "factory filled" with SYN3 right from MOCO.
Thus, when HD no longer sells or promotes SYN3 and when CVO's no longer come factory filled with SYN3, then you could conclude that quite possibly SYN3 is after all, inferior oil made by the cheapest bidder with some possible problems (which I highly doubt) Why? because the premium Synthetics on the market (not to exclude SYN3) such as those by Red Line, Mobil 1, Amsoil etc. have been proven to greatly reduce wear and prolong engine life.
As for needle bearings not rolling (too slippery) but the lubricant 'not slippery" enough and causing them to skip and wear out??? To that I say, "HOGWASH" The real problem may be inferior or defective "Bearings" and that is quite possible.
Thus, when HD no longer sells or promotes SYN3 and when CVO's no longer come factory filled with SYN3, then you could conclude that quite possibly SYN3 is after all, inferior oil made by the cheapest bidder with some possible problems (which I highly doubt)
Why? because the premium Synthetics on the market (not to exclude SYN3) such as those by Red Line, Mobil 1, Amsoil etc. have been proven to greatly reduce wear and prolong engine life. As for needle bearings not rolling (too slippery) but the lubricant 'not slippery" enough and causing them to skip and wear out???
To that I say, "HOGWASH" The real problem may be inferior or defective "Bearings" and that is quite possible.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary