Got all the zinc you could possibly want in an oil product and that bike will like it much better than multi weights like 20-50, why not use what the factory recommended in the manual ?

Valvoline 50wt ,read up on it ....

 

My understanding is the Kendall GT-1 multigrade oil with zinc (for example) is a race oil that withstands hotter temperatures and a greater variety of weather temperatures. Iron heads supposedly run cooler though than let's says Evo's. I live in Canada where cooler temperatures are the norm, so a multi grade is better suited to our temps than if I was in Arizona for example. Modern oil (with zinc) are allegedly far superior than the old school single grade oils. As I have mentioned this is a very controversial topic and is endlessly debatable.

 

Alrighty then, enjoy the bike my friend.

 

That's all you can tell a fellow who knows everything!

 

Avon Roadrunners.

 

Once again, TwiZted Biker is trying to give you good advice on the engine oil and you are going another route. A bunch of Gents here in the forums rode Ironheads for years but what do we know. Valvoline 50W was all I ran in mine.....for the 7 years I owned it. There were a few exceptions, when I was in the deep south, I ran 60W.

But you know more than we do, go ahead with that 20W50 <sarcasm>

 

Just checking in on this **** show and I see it has turned into an oil thread.

Exactly why I bailed. From the feedback it was plain to see the OP only wants what he wants and doesn't care enough to post up the results after receiving valuable advice/information. Or even care enough about the bike to do something as simple as changing the ancient oil before riding it. Compulsive need for instant gratification combined with being self absorbed does not make me want to help.



Just keep doing it your way "Kewlthing". I'm sure it will all work out.

 

Ok, I will re-consider the 50w then. Spare me the sarcasm though.

 

Lighten up, Francis! In post #89 you asked for "some advice and some guidance "

Some of the best Harley Mechanics and Bikers I have met are known to be salty, egotistical and sarcastic. But they are because they know what they are doing and there is something to be learned from them.

 

Dude I'll be blunt here, you are cherry picking what you want to hear and going your own merry way regardless of sound advice given by professional bike mechanics that have been doing exactly this type of work since the 70's ourselves. What the blue f**k would a bunch of import riders know about old harley's ? Two very different animals with very different maintenance and care requirements, the lines do not cross up very well in this case.

Ment what I said please do enjoy the bike but I'm a spectator in here from now on, you are going to do exactly what you want so just post up the results as this goes on and quit asking for guidance you have no intentions of remotely listening to even over something as bone simple as correct oil for a 60's era machine, you got your ricer buddies for that.