Why motorcycle oil.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: oregon
I've run mobil 15-50 forever.
While I would ~feel~ better running "motorcycle oil," I think its really snake oil in disguise. While it may have different additives, that doesn't mean more expensive and I have this issue about being overcharged. I suppose if it was the same price as automotive I would buy it. Oil companies make enough money already but they can't produce a competitively priced oil for motorcycles? Hello??
While I would ~feel~ better running "motorcycle oil," I think its really snake oil in disguise. While it may have different additives, that doesn't mean more expensive and I have this issue about being overcharged. I suppose if it was the same price as automotive I would buy it. Oil companies make enough money already but they can't produce a competitively priced oil for motorcycles? Hello??
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
But many non-HD bikes use the same engine oil for their clutch and tranny. A lot of modern engine oils contain stuff that's "energy conserving" and that can cause issues in wet-clutch applications.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
MC-specific oil is not necessary in a Harley, and will only increase your costs. As mentioned by others, the 15w50 M1 is a favorite and is an excellent choice. I picked up a 5-qt. container last week for a friend for $22 at Wal-Mart. That's about $2 cheaper than two qts. of Syn3.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 5
From: Draper, Utah
I've been using Amsoil synthetic MC oil and it is getting quite expensive, although i can go about 8k between changes (I know some will disagree with the change intervals but I had it tested by an oil lab and it was fine) my question is how many miles do you go before you change your M1 and does it handle the heat (230-280 degrees) the V-twinn puts out.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I've been using Amsoil synthetic MC oil and it is getting quite expensive, although i can go about 8k between changes (I know some will disagree with the change intervals but I had it tested by an oil lab and it was fine) my question is how many miles do you go before you change your M1 and does it handle the heat (230-280 degrees) the V-twinn puts out.
About 1˝ years ago a friend performed a DIY big-bore and cam upgrade on his bike (2000 EGC with 60k miles run on M1 15w50) and another bike (2000 EGS with 50k miles run on Amsoil 20w50), and neither showed any visible or measurable wear on the cylinders, pistons, or rocker hardware. I saw the jugs and pistons for both engines and they were indistinguishable. I think any of the major players in the store's oil section would do as well, and to me the most important criteria for choosing an oil is cost and availability. I use another brand that I buy at dealer cost from a distributor and he delivers it to my door, usually the same day I order it. The price is right and I can't imagine availability being any easier!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I've run mobil 15-50 forever.
While I would ~feel~ better running "motorcycle oil," I think its really snake oil in disguise. While it may have different additives, that doesn't mean more expensive and I have this issue about being overcharged. I suppose if it was the same price as automotive I would buy it. Oil companies make enough money already but they can't produce a competitively priced oil for motorcycles? Hello??
While I would ~feel~ better running "motorcycle oil," I think its really snake oil in disguise. While it may have different additives, that doesn't mean more expensive and I have this issue about being overcharged. I suppose if it was the same price as automotive I would buy it. Oil companies make enough money already but they can't produce a competitively priced oil for motorcycles? Hello??
Later edit: I believe that test was in fact from American Iron, and I don't see it around. Will keep looking and I hope I didn't throw it out, as that was one I wanted to keep.
Last edited by iclick; Jun 17, 2009 at 03:54 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Some of what Iclick was talking about can be found here. It changed my mind about the money I was spending on oil.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Chapin, South Carolina
I noticed yesterday that the "5 quart" containers are now 4.73 quarts. Keeping the price point but lowering the contents.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Check it again. It says "4.73L / 5 U.S. quarts."