[Hdtractor1]

Can any one give me an idea of best interval to change my oil now with the SYN 3 oil? Some has said 2500 to 3000 the same as non SYN oil others have said 5000 miles.Any ideas how often I should chane it?I just had 5000 mile service done and switched it all out to SYN 3 oil.

[skull2007]

i change oil when it starts getting dark/dirty, usually around 3000-6000 mis

[ringo912]

I run Amsoil 20-50 in the engine and primary, 75-90 in the tranny. I change the engine every 3000-4000, primary every 5000 and tranny at 7500. I have 32K on bike and she runs like a fine swiss watch.

Heat is the biggest enemy for all oils, however the synthectics tend to stand up better to heat than the dino oil. A lot depends on your riding habits, do you do more city riding or long cruises? Do yuou ride a lot in a hot climate, 90+ degress? Do you take a lot of trips with the bike loaded down?

HD's new spec is every 5000 miles but I have never followed the logic that one size fits all. A lot of things to consider, however, I agree with Skull, no matter what the milage is, when it's dirty it's time to change it. Considering the cost of an engine rebuild, it's cheap insurance.

[hotroadking]

5K on the Engine
I think it's 10K on primary and tranny for the new bikes

Syn will work longer, it cleans better and doesn't break down as quickly from the heat

I go about 3K because I get bored and want to futz with something I'll go change the oil LOL

[Hot01]

I've run Syn3 for a while now. I'll probably change to Amsoil when I run out of Syn3 after the next oil change. I've gone from 3000 to 5000 since I've had the bike. I've had it 7 years and will hit 75,000 miles this weekend. I didn't change the cams until about 70K, which was when the cam shoes were starting to go. I've heard that most people get to about 30K. I also have an oil cooler, which I think makes a big difference.

Not sure if that helps, but 3K to 5K has worked for me.

[cowboy]

I run amsoil have around 56K on my 03 E Glide change it about every 3-6 K , Once went up almost 9K (Don't ask ) & it still looked ok

[HellBoy]

I'm at 5k now and that's when HD recommended an oil change/tune up. I was at a big Harley dealership this week, and they had an oil change special sign. I asked about switching to syn, and they said there would be an increase in engine noise. I wish I could hear what they're talking about for myself. I haven't decided if I'll hold on to my Sporty for a while or move to a bigger bike, but I'll know which way I'm going in a month or two.

I suppose I'll switch to syn anyway, if I decide to hold on to my bike and do some upgrades. I'm thinking of the 1200 bore kit and chroming the rocker boxes, as well as extending the forward controls even more.

[hotroadking]

More noise????

Syn typically reduces noise, however I found HD Syn3 to be noisier than Mobil1 but it could be my anti factory attitude to oil from the (syn will ruin your warranty days bull****e they gave you because HD didn't have syn)

[HellBoy]

Funny, HRK, I've heard that a few times at HD, but if I recall, At Njr also said the noise wouldn't be a factor.

[hotroadking]

JMO if you can change it yourself go for it and use Mobil 1 Vtwin.

[Hot01]

I've never heard the "more noise" comment. I'd think they would push it, since I'm sure they make more profit off of it.

Hellboy, it's demo time. Try to find a dealership that's doing demo rides and see what you think. I think you'll find a huge difference between the Sportster and a big twin, although the Sportster is probably easier for getting around the city.

[HellBoy]

That's my dilemma Hot01, I mainly ride in the city, but do plenty of 200-300 mile rides. I've thought of doing the 883-1200 bore kit, but will wait a few months before making any final decision. I'm probably due for an oil change and was thinking of going to syn. If I sell it though, I probably won't bother, and stick with dino fuel.

[Sleepy]

Got an '04 EG not a lot of miles..about 30 k and the motor is noisy, always been, I've been running SYN 3 from the start. I've heard the noisier with Synthetic line at the shop but I kept with the Synthetic. I'm going to have a look at the cam chain tensioners real quick and see if the whizzy oil helps. I change the oil out every three thousand or less if it's all city in cool weather. The majority of the miles on this bike involves trailering....pulling one.

[Lucifer]

Originally Posted by hotroadking

More noise????

Syn typically reduces noise, however I found HD Syn3 to be noisier than Mobil1 but it could be my anti factory attitude to oil from the (syn will ruin your warranty days bull****e they gave you because HD didn't have syn)

Yeah, typical HD BS. Syn oil will void the warranty, too slippery for the bearings yada yada yada. Then all of a sudden there's SE Syn 3 oil good enuf to run in all 3 holes. I said to the Stealer here there's only one hole you can put your SE Syn 3

[chucktx]

i use mobil one....change at 2500. i ride an 06 electraglide....2 up, bags full and pull a trailer sometimes.........42k on the clock........all is good so far!!

[Hdtractor1]

I had a few dealers to tell me to put about 4000 to 5000 miles on it first ( 08 Streetglide) before switching all to SYN 3.

Then I hear not to go over 2500 to 3000 miles between motor changes and 5000 for Primary...lol....bs from evey dealer!!!

I ride two up most of the time open back roads and full bags...

Seems I get the best advice right here with no BS!!!...lol....Thanks for the comments....ride safe

[Lucifer]

HellBoy, if you do a lot of city riding, I'd go with syn oil.A lot more heat when sittin still, stuck in traffic.

[HellBoy]

Funny you should mention that Lucifer, I took a ride last night, cool evening, just a few miles locally, and it was damn hot. I'll give it some serious consideration when I finished with a few other more pressing things in the next few weeks.

[fujimo]

hey guys,,,in last quick throtle mag,,,arlen ness,,, dynoed mobile 1 ,,,his favorite for years,,, syn 3,,, new thin purple somethin,,,, and amsoil 00/30,,,all run on same bike,,,three runs each ,,,he said had trouble getting amsoil up to temp for run,,, than at full run bike did not get as hot as other oils,,,, is very interesting reading,,, gives numbers of each run,,,, HE said,,,also got 2 more horse out of amsoil,,,, claims he is now changing to amsoil,,, 20/50,,,he does not trust 00/30,,,, just old school ,,,i think,,, he also said he had to turn fuel mix back to 12 to 1,,, in order for bike to run best with amsoil,,, now that should mean better mileage,,, i always have to do these things myself,,, so will be in future as i have case of syn 3 left,,, oh,,, my buddy switched to amsoil, two years ago,,, same bagger as mine,,,he does get 45 to 48 miles to gal,,, i have been too hard headed to change,,, but after article from ness,,,i am going to try ,,,pops

[HellBoy]

Very interesting Fujimo, good post!.