I have 12,000 miles on my ultra. I have been telling dealer to use Syn3.
Today I dropped in to a private but authorized HD shop. They don't use Syn3 but use Redline. So what is the benefit of Redline vs Syn3 or Mobile one. Mechanic was out to lunch and guy at desk did not have answer on this.
I tried a search but no luck. Thanks.

 

the shop gets a better margin on the redline, they may not be able to stock the syn3 at a good price if they can't buy wholesale.

redline can be an advantage when trying to find a leak due to the color.


aside from that I have high mileage bikes running HD branded oils with good results.

No special sauce and nothing in a bottle will ever solve a mechanical problem ( although 60% of the display shelf in the auto parts store are products that fall into that category)

Use the product you have confidence in, cost is a concern, but a couple fo bucks total every 3000 mile oil change isn't much.

oh yeah, change oil when dirty and especially if it has been subjected to very high temps- I still go 3000 miles


Mike

 

To simplify the answer... Redline uses THE HIGHEST quality level base stock available. This provides it better thermal protection from breakdown. (Syn3 is sufficant, I'm sure... but it is worth it to me to use Redline in all 3 holes)

 

I'm not sure that most folks here can tell the difference between oils even though they say they've rode thousands of miles on a single brand without any problems. What problems would they expect? Provided they change their oil regularly, the internals should stay lubed and perform as designed.

Now, I will say a rider might notice the difference between synthetic oils and non synthetic with temperature and possibly mileage because I noticed a temperature difference when I switched to Mobil 1, but my bike still performed the same otherwise.

I do agree that additives can make a difference in how well the oil cleans, prevents corrosion and foaming, but again I’m not sure there are any oils in the industry that perform badly.

I think it just comes down to what you are willing to pay to be comfortable with your ride.

I really like Mobil 1 20w50, but I’m thinking of trying a 60w oil this summer for the Oklahoma heat because I’ve noticed that I burn a little oil when the temps get above 100 degrees F. What’s the worse that can happen?

Beary

 

I don't mean to hack the thread but why do people feel that they need synthetic oil in the first place? Other than spending extra money because a person buys into the marketing propganda or a person plans on going 10k miles between oil changes, seriously, what's the point?

 

Oh boy, here we go.

 

The point is, greater thermal protection from breakdown, greater protection for oxidization, better contaminate control etc...
Dino Juice is probably fine for most applications, but for an air cooled big twin in summer heat I personally feel MUCH better running Redline.

http://www.valvoline.com/car-care/au.../vcc20060101so

http://james-clausen.suite101.com/sy...or-oil-a136539

 

I don't notice any difference other than a few extra dollars missing from my wallet. Sync3 is good and so is mobil1 and cheaper.

 

There is no margin on the syn3. Harley has ceased selling syn3 in bulk to anyone including indys. They want you to go to them for oil changes.

 

- Mobil1, Redline, Amsoil, Syn3 & others are all good oils and do the job correctly.
- I get M1 V-Twin at dealers cost, thats why I use it & change it at 5000 miles
- Independent Lab test ( not Amsoils ) show M1 & Amsoil at the top in almost all testing for thermo & wear protection with Redline near the top & Syn3 near the bottom.
- On hot summer days Ive seen my oil temp hit 260 alot, so I just feel better with a synthetic oil.
- Millions of bikes run regular Dino oil with no issues.
- Buy what makes you happy