Oil!!!!!!!!

'bout time for another oil thread I reckon. I'm using Syn 3 in all three holes. I like the idea of using sybthetic oil as I don't have an oil cooler..[bike get's most of the riding in Canada] I find the bike is noisier with the Syn 3 and from time to time it takes a bit of time to pressure up the lifters. I don't want to start a war or anything..just some thoughts on oil.

That should keep ya regular. Guess I should be using it..eh?

I switched to full syn my last oil change and my mileage went up about 2 mpg. Gotta change again before Reno next week.

oil

I've been using Mobil1 V-Twin syn oil just in the motor and haven't had a problem with a noisey top end. Use RevTech everywhere else. Got about 17000 on my '01 Dyna. No complaints so far. Wasn't the Company having second thoughts about using Syn 3 ?? (addressing the problems you're mentioning ... shavings, noise, ect.) I heard that from a couple of the long time riders I work with. I've never used Syn 3. good luck

not in all 3 for me

I have heard reports like that about Syn 3 before. I just can’t bring myself to use that stuff in the tranny. A gear box needs gear lube not motor oil. I guess I got that from my old man, he is very old fashion. Just my .02

you guys are the first that have pointed out metal shavings..but i'm assuming it's all from the transmission. I still haven't heard from the shop in regards to the clutch but Im going to go back to the older lubricants and will try to figure out which oil is best for my bike. My only concern with mineral oil is the heat issue and me pulling a trailer with the bike so Amsoil or Mobil one sound good.
thanks fellas

Syn-1

In my opinion syn-3 should be called syn-1. The concept of one oil for all three holes is a good and convenient one, but, as far as I’m concerned, it just ain’t going to work. The motor : yes. Trans and primary : no, the trans (no)for oblivious reasons. The primary? Why would you want to put something that is super-slippery (synthetic) into a wet-clutch? The oil in your primary is for cooling purposes. JMO.

I'm not sure if it is working anywhere, the Syn 3 that is. I think it's too light for the tranny..I haven't seen the shavings on the plug personally but I've been hearing about this. I've talked to some of the mechanics at the Harley shop where I've bought the bike. Their issues are leaks and valve train noise. I've known one guy for the best part of 20 years and he's a straight shooterso we'll see what shakes out. I'm also hearing that Harley is coming out with a different transmission lubricant so there may be something to the Syn 3 being lacking.

For the same reasons you can run it in a unitized engine or Mobil1 in your primary like we have done for years now. Folks, there are more urban legends about synthetic oil than you can count on both hands and feet. It is NOT more slippery, it does NOT cause rollers bearings to skate etc. It is a freaking OIL that meets the specific ANSI requirments that it is designed for. It continues to amaze me how often this comes up on BBS boards.

http://biketalk.directparts.com/showthread.php?t=942&highlight=synthetic

Was a recent one here.

Here is a link to a site dedicated to and run by professionals in the lubrication industry.
www.bobistheoilguy.com

I will find a link tomorrow that explained the reason you can use a 50wt oil as a 90wt gear oil as they are measured differently so visosity is not universal.

I wish that the lubrication industry would hold seminars in some major cities and invite anyone who wants to attend. Even then, you will have those that will claim it is witches brew .

There are some good reads on 710 at this site that support what CD is saying.

Yep

Actually I am a member of bobistheoilguy, there is some good reading there.

‘I’ll’ confess that I may have exaggerated a little on the ‘super-slippery’ comment.

‘I’ do like synthetics in motors and tranny’s as there are many benefits for it.

‘I’ have never personally come across anyone that likes Harley’s syn-3 in their trans.

And ‘I’ would not waste the money putting synthetic in the primary.

‘It’s just my opinion.’ Thank you.

looks like i fogot to put the link in post #13 up there. www.nightrider.com

Last time I did an motor oil change I used HD 20-50. it was over $5.00 a QT. I was told that using regular motor oil was a bad thing due to oil breakdown in the heat of summer. Could someone tell me what other less costly oils i could use that would not break the bank lol.

Why in the world would you scrimp on lubes for something that costs so much?
Dino oil works fine with regular changes. Indy shops have multiple brands to choose from. Change it every 3k and keep the engine happy.

I found the article I was talking about in the other post. This article and others like it convinced me to go with Modil 1 synthetic. it’s long but a good read. http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

Your right I wouldn't even think about using oil that would wear out my HD. I was just wondering if there were other quality oils that i could use less expensive. I really don't want to upset anyone but the fact is most anything that has the HD name on it you pay more for it. Example, I needed a new helmet so I when to the harley davidson shop. I found the one I wanted and it was about $80.00. I then went to the suzuki shop and found the exact helmet same brand same model for $59.00. If the HD oil can't be matched by a less exspensive brand then of course that is what I will use. Thanks for all your comments I really apprecieate them.