Synthetic oil
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
I used to use Amsoil 20W50, but always had to order it. Now I just use Mobil 1 15W50 synthetic that can be purchased at any auto parts store, Walmart, K-Mart etc. That is especially convenient if you are on the road and find the bike a little low on oil. A good quality auto dino or synthetic oil works as well at motorcycle specific oils, and at a lower cost......according to Donny Petersen in American Iron magazine.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Bay area, Florida
I use the HD SE sny3 in all holes. I live in Florida, it gets hot so I figure it might help cool the engine a little bit more than reg. Anyhow, HD's have been running on dino oil forever and work fine. I just see no downside to the syn3, the price isn't a big deal and on a road trip its at every single HD joint along the way. JMO
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: First State
Amsoil is pyramid sales, and I would NEVER buy it because of that. Besides, Mobil 1 V-Twin is just as good or better than Amsoil, and I don't have to deal with all the BS that you get with Amsoil.
Question................WHY doesn't Amsoil, if it's SO good, just sell it's oil at the local store like everyone else? Hmmmmm?
Question................WHY doesn't Amsoil, if it's SO good, just sell it's oil at the local store like everyone else? Hmmmmm?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I went all synthetic at 10k service. Runs quieter and possibly a bit cooler. I will never go back to dino in anything I care about.
I could be wrong, but HD gets Syn 3 from Amsoil, so why would you go out of your way to buy Amsoil? HD has to get their oil from somewhere....
I could be wrong, but HD gets Syn 3 from Amsoil, so why would you go out of your way to buy Amsoil? HD has to get their oil from somewhere....
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 504
From: Northern WV
Question:
Using Mobil 1 15W-50 in Harley-Davidsons
Several independent tests have shown that Mobil 15W-50 is virtually similar to Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 oil. Since Harleys utilize separate oil supplies for the primary and tranny, is there any valid reason not to use the 15W-50 in a Harley?
-- Dave Gartner, Goodyear, AZ
Answer:
As long as the primary and tranny are separate sumps and there is no concern for clutch performance, then Mobil 1 15W-50 can be used in a Harley.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
Synthetic - nope don't use the crap. Bike runs quieter (no top end noise) and cooler (as tested by myself with an infrared thermometer and candy thermometer, stuck in hole for oil temp).
Tried Syn 3, Amsoil, and last but not least Mobil. Serviced bike with mobil prior to trip to Fl. Pulled into Tallahassee begging them to get that chit out of my scoot. Had 450 miles on it and I thought it was gonna throw a rod.
Recorded ambient temp., cylinder head temp and oil temp for a year and five oil changes. Dino oil won. I service our bikes and have noticed less "fuzz" on the magnetic drain plug while using dino.
As a mech.eng with a background in gear drive components and self employed as such for the last 23 years, 85W140 gear oil in the tranny. HD Primary oil in the primary due to additives it contains. If you're gonna run motor oil in the primary at least run a few ounces of friction modifier.
Not gonna start a debate. Run what you want.
Tried Syn 3, Amsoil, and last but not least Mobil. Serviced bike with mobil prior to trip to Fl. Pulled into Tallahassee begging them to get that chit out of my scoot. Had 450 miles on it and I thought it was gonna throw a rod.
Recorded ambient temp., cylinder head temp and oil temp for a year and five oil changes. Dino oil won. I service our bikes and have noticed less "fuzz" on the magnetic drain plug while using dino.
As a mech.eng with a background in gear drive components and self employed as such for the last 23 years, 85W140 gear oil in the tranny. HD Primary oil in the primary due to additives it contains. If you're gonna run motor oil in the primary at least run a few ounces of friction modifier.
Not gonna start a debate. Run what you want.