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Dec 23rd, 2005, 07:17 PM
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#1 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
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I did a search but came up basically empty handed. I am brand new to the HD bikes, and the one I bought, needs the fluids changed. Looking in the owner's manual, they recommend Harley oil this, Harley oil that. I can't believe there aren't equivalent oils or even better oils to use in all the necessary places. The book says to use a diesel oil if the HD oil isn't available, but to change back to HD oil as soon as you can.
What's everyone doing with the different areas, i.e. engine, primary, trans etc? I think I read the primary and trans share the same oil on the Sportster, but might be wrong.
Thanks | 
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Dec 24th, 2005, 07:58 AM
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#2 | | Has posted 500+
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 827 Interests: Bikes, Boobs and Beer Occupation: Biker
| Hey there ctd, oil is one of those well-worn topics that can go on for ever. Go over to BITOG, they have an motorcycle area, they're some real experts on oil there. You can read and then make some of your own informed decisions. http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi | |
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Dec 24th, 2005, 09:41 AM
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#3 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| Thanks for the URL, that's going to take some reading~  I have a hard time believing the rest of the rotaing machinery out there in the world can do just fine with the major oil company products and the Harley's are only able to digest HD oil. I'm probably missing something, so will read all the info I can. Thanks. | |
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Dec 24th, 2005, 07:37 PM
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#4 | | Moderator Has posted 500+
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,069
| here is another great oil related link http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
chuck
whoops, looks llike it goes to the same place.... | 
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Dec 28th, 2005, 06:41 PM
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#5 | | Has posted 500+
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,801
| CTD
the main thing is to change the oil on a regular basis
HD manuals call for 5K intervals.
HD 360 is Dyno oil, for the motor not bad stuff
HD Syn3 is for all three Motor Trans and Primary, personally I wouldn't put it in a trans for various reasons.
I run Redline Synthetic 20W-50, it's less expensive than HD oil, most independent shops will carry it, or Royal Purple, Mobil1 V-twin.
Run 20W-50 oil for Vtwins that are air cooled, many have run 20W50 Mobil1 car oil without issues.
Redline makes a good synthetic gear oil, Heavy Shockproof is what you want. and Redline MTL in the primary
Or run Syn3 in the motor and Primary, and a good syn in the trans, shifting will improve.
Oil's been debated for ever on the boards so if you ask you could get hammered on some sites so be prepped.
Red Line
Royal Purple
Mobil1 Vtwin
Castrol Vtwin
HD SYn 3
I'd run synthetic in a HD you have an air cooled motor and the Syn will hold up better over time. | |
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Dec 28th, 2005, 06:55 PM
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#6 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| Thanks for the reply and good information. I was just at the dealer yesterday, (getting a service manual) and noticed they were selling Amsoil and another brand of synthetic that was not the HD brand. The parts guy showed me on the back of the bottle where it was for HD's and V-twin air cooled engines. The HD sythetic was $10/qt. so a little pricey. I think if I use a good synthetic like you mentioned, it'll be good protection. Thanks | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 02:52 PM
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#7 | | Has posted 500+
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 827 Interests: Bikes, Boobs and Beer Occupation: Biker
| Hey ctd, you can do yourself and your wallet a big favor and go elsewhere to buy your oil.
You pay a BIG premium when you walk through the door of the Harley Davidson stealer. 
Good luck. | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 04:37 PM
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#8 | | More than 100 posts!
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 177
| I read somewhere (online) that Synthetic oil shouldn't be used for the primary chaincase because it is too slippery and allows too much slip in the clutch plates.
Any knowledge or ideas on this? | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 04:53 PM
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#9 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| The synthetic oil Harley sells in a 20-50W is recommended for the whole setup from crankcase through the transmission. If you hit the Harley site, it indicates it makes it easy by having just one oil to deal with. I think the additives in some of the multi-weight oils SH (?) and newer are not recommended. The more I read, the more confused I become, but I DO believe HD oil is not the only oil that can be safely used. | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 06:09 PM
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#10 | | Has posted 500+
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 827 Interests: Bikes, Boobs and Beer Occupation: Biker
| Oh hrk, where are you? Lol… 
Steven, most synthetics have a high moly count ((friction reducers)(extended-mileage oils)) and some say a high moly count can possibly cause clutch plates to slip, but tests have been done on the subject and only in extreme cases is this true.
Ctd, you might want to try http://www.myoilshop.com/
They have some of the best prices on oil around in 'mail-order'.
Good luck in what ever you decide.
CD, I dont think you sell oil but,if you do sell oil, I apologize, and delete away. | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 07:10 PM
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#11 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| I don't sell oil, is there someone else on the board with the user handle "CD?"
I have used Redline products in my Dodge diesel (hence the CTD) and had good luck with them. I would think Redline would be a quality product to use in the HD's. Thanks | |
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Dec 29th, 2005, 08:16 PM
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#12 | | Has posted 500+
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 596
| CD is the host of this BB . Killer-B was being respectful of the no spam zone. | |
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Dec 30th, 2005, 07:28 AM
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#13 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| Man, I'm about as dense as can be, I even emailed "CD" about somethings. I must be in a fog Thanks | |
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Dec 30th, 2005, 05:17 PM
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#14 | | 200+ posts and climbing
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio....Brrrrr
Posts: 309 Interests: Easily amused by two wheels or two tits...whichever... Occupation: Military Police
| If it helps at all, I use Mobil 1 20W50 for the engine, and Rev Tech synthetic for the others in my Sporty. Noticeable improvement in the engine, nothing huge though. I like it. Will keep using it from now on. Have 8570 miles now since April, and runs like a champ. Shifts good, too.
scoot | |
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Dec 30th, 2005, 05:59 PM
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#15 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| I'm not familiar with RevTech, but will look it up. Thanks for the info
Steve | |
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Dec 30th, 2005, 07:43 PM
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#16 | | Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: California
Posts: 5
| I also agree the more I read about oil the more confused I get.. Then I read this about using synthetic oil in the motor. Who do you believe... http://www.harleyhelp.com/faq.html#stp | |
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Dec 30th, 2005, 09:20 PM
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#17 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| Geeeez, now what, muddier water yet! Does it ever end? Thanks | |
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Dec 31st, 2005, 11:36 AM
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#18 | | Very Active Poster 50+
Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 60 Interests: Model A's & Harley's
| I've been thinking about the statements made on the website the URL takes you to. At first I thought it made sense, and really confused the oil issue. However there was only opinion, no hard facts to back up his statements and hearsay of telephone conversations leading to conjecture the statements were true. I'm not a engineer or remotely related to that profession, so this is only MY opinion here. If "bearing skate" was an issue in roller bearing applications due to the "slipperyness" of the synthetic oil, the major automobile manufacturer's, motorcycle mfgs, rearend, transmission mfg's would ALL disapprove synthetic oils. Think of all the transmissions, rearends, transfer cases etc. that all use roller bearings, needle bearings etc, that come with factory fills with synthetic oils. The manuals all recommend synthetic oils for high heat, heavy loading applications, so the "bearing skate" scenario in MY opinion just doesn't wash. Am I willing to use synthetic oil? I use it in my Dodge diesel with very heavy loading and IS factory recommened. The trans (manual) is only approved WITH synthetic oil and that puppy has roller, needle bearings. Will I use synthetic in the HD? I think I have made up my mind and will use it. Anything that can withstand the higher heat w/o break down, has to be superior to dino oil.
Sorry for the long post, thanks everyone. | |
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Jan 1st, 2006, 08:12 PM
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#19 | | Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: California
Posts: 5
| Well you make a good point and I was thinking about switching also, but I've heard so many pro and cons, but I do see 2 of the dealers in my area now starting to carry amsoil synthetic so I'm thinking I may give it a shot also.. | |
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Jan 1st, 2006, 09:58 PM
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#20 | | Moderator Has posted 500+
Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 951 Model: 07 SE Ultra Interests: Motorcycles, camping, fishing, old cars Occupation: Home Inspector
| Been running Amsoil in my Harley's for several years now. Motor and Tranny run quieter, smoother and cooler. 
Marc G | |
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