Synthetic or Regular Oil?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
Because even at these miles, the bike still doesn't use oil between 5,000 mile services.....I'll never use a different brand than I run now. I switched at 50,000 miles. Don't even ask me to, I know it is the best, I'll never, never switch! 
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Harnett County NC USA
This is interesting.....I bought an Ultra Glide with 58k on it. It came out of Southern California via Nevada...Seller says he always ran Valvoline VR1 straight 50W racing oil. AsI am in N. Carolina at it does get cold at times, I am wondering should I change engile oil to something else? and to what?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
This is interesting.....I bought an Ultra Glide with 58k on it. It came out of Southern California via Nevada...Seller says he always ran Valvoline VR1 straight 50W racing oil. AsI am in N. Carolina at it does get cold at times, I am wondering should I change engile oil to something else? and to what?
(90% of an engine's wear occurs in the first 10 minutes of operation. Your 50 wt is good when the coldest it gonna' get is 60*.)
Last edited by Stiggy; Jan 16, 2014 at 06:01 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 10
From: San Angelo, Texas
Geez, some people...
And just to be on the safe side, and so as not to offend the synth OR the Dino people, I've decide to run a 50/50 blend of each using every brand made to make up the special blend.
Can't be offending anyone, must be more tolerant. That was my New Years Resolution...be more tolerant...must. Be. More. Tolerant. Must. Be. More. Tolerant.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
This is interesting.....I bought an Ultra Glide with 58k on it. It came out of Southern California via Nevada...Seller says he always ran Valvoline VR1 straight 50W racing oil. AsI am in N. Carolina at it does get cold at times, I am wondering should I change engile oil to something else? and to what?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
Likes: 6,442
From: Honah Lee
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
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From: Oxford, Nc
Ahhh Rip, you're no fun...(!)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I'm looking in the touring service manual and it only specifies for diesel alternatives.. SH, CH-4, CI-4, CJ-4. I think SH is a gas engine spec though. Maybe some api spec gurus out there but any recent name brand 20w-50 would be acceptable and meet the spi sh grade. I think the sh grade is an older designation. Most newer oils far exceed that. My user manual has disappeared but maybe it has more info on oil specs.
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Sent from my Galaxy Nexus