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Ahhhhh... Quiet

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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 07:58 PM
  #1  
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Default Ahhhhh... Quiet

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.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 10:54 PM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by hdelectra
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?
 
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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 11:07 PM
  #3  
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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.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 11:12 PM
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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.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 12:04 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by hdelectra
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.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 12:31 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by jackstrr
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.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 07:44 AM
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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
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 08:40 AM
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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.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 09:23 AM
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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"
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 09:28 AM
  #10  
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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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