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Synthetic or Regular Oil?

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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by qtrracer
That is why I asked. I have never seen a listed spec for oil. The diesel alternatives don't count, because they are only for an emergency and the bike is recommended to be serviced back to HD oils at the first opportunity.
They can't require you to use HD oil. I don't care what they print. They can't deny a warranty claim because you didn't use HD oil. The HD oil container likely has the api spec on it. Maybe someone has a a quart and can check...

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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 12hdrk
They can't require you to use HD oil. I don't care what they print. They can't deny a warranty claim because you didn't use HD oil. The HD oil container likely has the api spec on it. Maybe someone has a a quart and can check...

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What is on the qt bottle. SYN 3 SAE 20W50 99824-03/00QT My thought is since they only spec a part number, if it were not for consumer relations, I think they could deny a warranty. My Honda manual says use Honda oil but they like you say spec an SAE or some such number probably only because a Car manufacture must be required to. Obiviously, Harley is not.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:04 PM
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As I thought, API SH spec is a gasoline engine spec for 1996 and older engines. Looks like MOCO buried it slyly in the manual in with the diesel spec.

Any input from "real" oil gurus is welcomed.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:05 PM
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Originally Posted by RIPSAW
What is on the qt bottle. SYN 3 SAE 20W50 99824-03/00QT
No api spec? I thought all engine oil had to have one specified... Maybe not for motorcycles?
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:11 PM
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Any name brand oil, dino or syn 20/50, will MEET or EXCEED HD's specs for engine oil. No warranty will be voided because you did not use HD (Citgo) brand oil. Just like you don't have to use Mopar, GM, or Motorcraft oils in your cars. Simple as that.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by BigDawgQC
Any name brand oil, dino or syn 20/50, will MEET or EXCEED HD's specs for engine oil. No warranty will be voided because you did not use HD (Citgo) brand oil. Just like you don't have to use Mopar, GM, or Motorcraft oils in your cars. Simple as that.
Oh. Definately agree. Just slick the way MOCO tries to scare you into using ONLY HD oil or a diesel spec oil in an emergency.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:21 PM
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Okay, after reading this thread I need to take a bathroom break. So do I use Syn toilet paper or Tree grade?
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 12hdrk
They can't require you to use HD oil. I don't care what they print. They can't deny a warranty claim because you didn't use HD oil. The HD oil container likely has the api spec on it. Maybe someone has a a quart and can check...

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Easy there, never said any of that. Only stated that I have never seen an oil spec anywhere except that emergency diesel spec. There are NO specs on HD oil containers, I have looked, except viscosity. I don't count HD's 360 oil spec.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by BigDawgQC
Any name brand oil, dino or syn 20/50, will MEET or EXCEED HD's specs for engine oil. No warranty will be voided because you did not use HD (Citgo) brand oil. Just like you don't have to use Mopar, GM, or Motorcraft oils in your cars. Simple as that.
But so we are clear GM and the others list a spec. You don't have to use the makers oil but you must use an oil that meets those listed specs. That part is simple, you are right.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by qtrracer
Easy there, never said any of that. Only stated that I have never seen an oil spec anywhere except that emergency diesel spec. There are NO specs on HD oil containers, I have looked, except viscosity. I don't count HD's 360 oil spec.
Sorry if I implied that. Didn't mean to. I think is strange and slick that MOCO hides that. Just a ploy to further enhance their revenue stream IMO.

Again, they do specify the SH spec in the manual, which as far as I know, is an API gasoline engine spec
 
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