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First off... I'm an old car guy and remember back to the days when if you heard engine ticking, it typically meant you needed a valve job if not some additional head work.
That being said, ever since I've owned Harleys, I couldn't help but think there was something "bad" going on with the engine from all of the valve train noise. Yes, I know, the engine is air cooled, you're sitting on top of it, etc. I even took my first Harley back to the dealer multiple times because of engine noise and was always told they didn't hear anything. I was like, how can you NOT hear that?
Anyways, yesterday, I changed the oil in my '11 RKC (500 mile break in) and used 3.25 quarts of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w-50 along with .75 quart of Lucas Synthetic stabilizer and Wow, what a HUGE reduction in noise.
I've always been a big fan of Lucas, but never even thought about using it in a bike. I don't remember who, but I found that information on this forum.
If noise is a concern for you, I strongly recommend trying out adding Lucas oil stabilizer on your next oil change.
First off... I'm an old car guy and remember back to the days when if you heard engine ticking, it typically meant you needed a valve job if not some additional head work.
That being said, ever since I've owned Harleys, I couldn't help but think there was something "bad" going on with the engine from all of the valve train noise. Yes, I know, the engine is air cooled, you're sitting on top of it, etc. I even took my first Harley back to the dealer multiple times because of engine noise and was always told they didn't hear anything. I was like, how can you NOT hear that?
Anyways, yesterday, I changed the oil in my '11 RKC (500 mile break in) and used 3.25 quarts of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w-50 along with .75 quart of Lucas Synthetic stabilizer and Wow, what a HUGE reduction in noise.
I've always been a big fan of Lucas, but never even thought about using it in a
bike. I don't remember who, but I found that information on this forum.
If noise is a concern for you, I strongly recommend trying out adding Lucas oil stabilizer on your next oil change.
Just curious, would there be a warranty issue if the dealer knew of the additive?
I will have to try the lucas stuff . mine has sounded like a threshing machine since it was new. can't hurt . I think starting your bike voids the warranty.
After the oil mixes together how will the dealer know what kind of oil is in the engine ? ? I don't
think that the dealers have any of the drain oil analysis to see what the customer has put in the
engine to void a customers warranty.
First off... I'm an old car guy and remember back to the days when if you heard engine ticking, it typically meant you needed a valve job if not some additional head work.
That being said, ever since I've owned Harleys, I couldn't help but think there was something "bad" going on with the engine from all of the valve train noise. Yes, I know, the engine is air cooled, you're sitting on top of it, etc. I even took my first Harley back to the dealer multiple times because of engine noise and was always told they didn't hear anything. I was like, how can you NOT hear that?
Anyways, yesterday, I changed the oil in my '11 RKC (500 mile break in) and used 3.25 quarts of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w-50 along with .75 quart of Lucas Synthetic stabilizer and Wow, what a HUGE reduction in noise.
I've always been a big fan of Lucas, but never even thought about using it in a bike. I don't remember who, but I found that information on this forum.
If noise is a concern for you, I strongly recommend trying out adding Lucas oil stabilizer on your next oil change.
Come back in a few weeks and let us know if it's still quiet...mine always gets quiet with new oil, but gets noisy again after a while.
I will have to try the lucas stuff . mine has sounded like a threshing machine since it was new. can't hurt . I think starting your bike voids the warranty.
LOL, that's so true.
Where are you now, Jack? In less than two weeks we'll be kicking back enjoying a fatty and a drink in the Cascades.
Lucas claims on their website AND on the product itself that it does NOT void new vehicle warranties and explicitly mentions Harley Davidson.
+1 on the, how would the dealer know anyways?
Just to clarify, I'm not saying ALL the engine noise goes away, but it is definitely, dramatically reduced, at least that's been MY experience / observation.
I will keep you updated on the "quietness" as time wears on.
Last edited by hdelectra; Aug 8, 2011 at 07:52 AM.
Reason: Additional Comments
Parts guy at dealer told me he uses Lucas in all three holes so I put it in all three on last oil change and can't believe the difference, Engine quieted right down, Trans shifts smoother and i can find neutral at a stop clutch is way smoother. I am sold and as far as the warranty, Like said above if you fart in the seat you will void the warranty.
From: CHILLIWACK B.C CANADA: have a u.s shipping adress
Originally Posted by JCleary
Wow. You can get 4 quarts in without being overfull? Or having lots of blow-by? That new breather vent design must work pretty well!
Most I can put in is 3.25 to 3.5 at the most. 1/2 way between "add" and "full"
ditto... i was wondering the same thing...
as far as lucas oils go i use them in my dodge cummins with good results.. will try them next chg in the scoot
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