best engine oil
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Sorry guys, I couldn't disagree more. Been using synthetic oils in everything since their inception (40+ years). New, used, no miles, tons of miles, everything. No leak issues that I could ever at any time say were related to using synthetic oil. Not ever. And I've got several buds as well as many customers to back that up.
If you developed a leak, it was going to leak anyway, no matter what brand or type of oil was used. It's oil, guys, it's derived from the same base stocks as dino but arranged to deliver certain improved qualities. No magic, just science.
If you developed a leak, it was going to leak anyway, no matter what brand or type of oil was used. It's oil, guys, it's derived from the same base stocks as dino but arranged to deliver certain improved qualities. No magic, just science.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Maybe it's a hardening of the gaskets after age or heat and miles, I don't know. But it certainly leaked with synthetic oil. That didn't discourage me away from syn oil, I use it in my SG without any problems.
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Sorry guys, I couldn't disagree more. Been using synthetic oils in everything since their inception (40+ years). New, used, no miles, tons of miles, everything. No leak issues that I could ever at any time say were related to using synthetic oil. Not ever. And I've got several buds as well as many customers to back that up.
If you developed a leak, it was going to leak anyway, no matter what brand or type of oil was used. It's oil, guys, it's derived from the same base stocks as dino but arranged to deliver certain improved qualities. No magic, just science.
If you developed a leak, it was going to leak anyway, no matter what brand or type of oil was used. It's oil, guys, it's derived from the same base stocks as dino but arranged to deliver certain improved qualities. No magic, just science.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
On what Crazy Planet does synthetic oil cost $15 or $20 dollars /Qrt??
HD SYN3 , Mobile-1 V twin and even Amsoil around $5 to $10 /Qrt , depending on sales and retailer.
Shop around Wallmart , AutoZone ect
HD SYN3 , Mobile-1 V twin and even Amsoil around $5 to $10 /Qrt , depending on sales and retailer.
Shop around Wallmart , AutoZone ect
Last edited by baust55; Jan 21, 2012 at 12:55 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
You're right, I was way off base with my price target, If I changed it to $10-15 or $8-12, would it really modify the intent of my message. The high cost of synthetic is not my focus, It's not that I can't afford to run syn, I just don't need to and I don't want to. The true reason people "need" to run syn is its resistance to thermal breakdown. My bike doesn't get hot, so I don't need it, all the other benefits of syn are just a bonus, its absolutely not a necessity, and my engine will live just as long with conventional. Most people do a complete overhaul with performance upgrades long before their engine ever needs rebuilt, so the longer engine life claim is wasted on me. Besides, I tried it and developed a leak, so I'm done with it for now, it ain't like I didn't even give it a chance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 65
From: Earth
yuuuuup!
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
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I service my own, go to the upper limit on the intervals in the Alabama heat, no problems. By the way, old used 20w50 syn engine oil makes excellent bar oil for the chain saw too.
But to the OP, as mentioned, probably little difference if you service early and often, and extreme heat is not a factor. Another .02 to you.
Stage I
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
The oil debate is as old as time. But to be honest the best oil to use is one that is available no matter where you go. Back east Amsoil is available in stores. Out west you can get a hold of Red Line. But at a cost of 23 bucks a quart. Syn3 is available at every Harley dealership but you will pay the Harley tax. I run redline in trans and primary because they are available or I have time to order them. But Amsoil and Redline have been a pain to get so I switched to Mobile 1 V-Twin 20W 50. You can get it in Walmart or a gas station and most Automotive stores.