Engine, tranny oil

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

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

CD is the host of this BB . Killer-B was being respectful of the no spam zone.

Man, I'm about as dense as can be, I even emailed "CD" about somethings. I must be in a fog Thanks

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

I'm not familiar with RevTech, but will look it up. Thanks for the info

Steve

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

Geeeez, now what, muddier water yet! Does it ever end? Thanks

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.

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..