Synthetic Yes Or no
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 275
Likes: 2
From: La Quinta CA
Synthetic Yes Or no
Been riding over 40 years had many different bikesNever used Synthetic oils. got a new Ultra Limited dealer it's suggesting for me to used Amsoil Synthetic 20/50.what you guys think .its it worth the extra money.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
yes
synthetic stands up under high heat, extends change intervals.
the motor is designed for it, as are the seals.
break in with conventional, switch to syn.
If you would like to know more about oils, Lake Speed Jr. has been interviewed a couple of times on adam carolla's carcast podcast. worth a listen
Mike
synthetic stands up under high heat, extends change intervals.
the motor is designed for it, as are the seals.
break in with conventional, switch to syn.
If you would like to know more about oils, Lake Speed Jr. has been interviewed a couple of times on adam carolla's carcast podcast. worth a listen
Mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
You will see varied opinions on this. Synthetic resists breakdown due to heat but as Tucci said it makes the top end noisier. In my opinion noise is metal to metal contact and bad so I do not use synthetic. I have used it in my previous bike and stopped because of the noise. I use conventional in all three holes and have done so for 50k+ miles with no issues. I am strict about maintenance and regularly change my engine oil at the 3 or 4k mark, 4k being the absolute top end. I use any name brand (typically Valvoline) 20w-50 oil but not motorcycle oil because it tends to be overpriced.
Just my way of doing things. Of course since this is an oil thread, it will garner plenty of heated debate
Just my way of doing things. Of course since this is an oil thread, it will garner plenty of heated debate
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Synthetic on a brand new non broken in motor? NO WAY!!
Change away once you hit your first service but I wouldn't before then!
Change away once you hit your first service but I wouldn't before then!
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I have worked in the Chemical industry for close to 35 years. My company is the 2nd largest chemical co. in the world. Syn oil is by far the best and the one and only oil that one can use. Also, oil is oil and syn oil is syn oil too. What sets them apart is the additive package that one brand has or offers over the others and Amsoil offers the best additive package by far and No, I do not work or have anything to do with or for Amsoil. 20/50 in the motor and primary and the 75/90 gear lube in the tranny. I also agree you are going to hear many sides and opinions on this particular topic but I prefer to stick with the science on this topic. Mobile 1 is a very tight and close 2nd.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Great Lakes State
Been using regular oil for hundreds of years with no issues. I used to use Syn in my Yamaha V-Twin but have yet to switch in my EG and probably won't. I have talked with many LONG time riders and owners and most still use regular oil. Never been an issue, why now,and regular oil has been much improved over the years. Just keep up on your regular oil maint.
