Interesting thread. Guess it makes a good argument for using semi synthetic oil.
Get the best of both worlds then.

 

I found my motor quietier with the Mobil1 then with the HD syn 3. I am very happy with Mobil1.

Doug

 

Now that you mention it. When I read all the hoopla on here about amsoil I decided to try it. Did not like it, noisy valve train, and when the bike was warm when I start it again a lot of rapping up top until the oil reached the area.

Well, a friend of mine builds race motors (moto x) and he showed me three motors that blew....yep all of them used amsoil. I'm not bad mouthing amsoil, if ya use it, ya use it.

He suggested get this....Delvac super 1300. It's a diesel oil (at least that's what it was designed for) and has one of the highest ratings an oil can have. So, I put that in the motor and primary. I switched to mobil 1 75-90 in the tranny, and it quieted it down quite a bit (07 road king) the dreaded "rocks in a can" is alot more quiet. I only hear it when it's extremely hot.

Anyway, my .0002 worth.

EDIT: spelling

 

My top end is definitely louder than when I had dino oil. I ran dino for the first 7500 and switched to the H-D @ that time. It has 18K now and is as loud as ever. Listening from the left side, riding slow in my neighborhood, it sounds like a sewing machine.

 

I did, I thought it was just me........I used M1 V twin at the 1k oil change because I've used M1 MX4T in my sportbikes with good results. I did notice more top end noise with my TC96 so I switched to 15w40 Rotella for the 5k since it's cold out and I ride all winter. I guess I'll use HD360 when it warms up again. I'd rather support Chavez who just talks a lot of crap than the Saudi's who attacked our country.

 

So what's the general consensus on the HD360 oil, in terms of valvetrain noise? I know that noise (or lack of) is no indication of protection, but what is the experience with the HD360 in 20w50?

 

HD 360 20w50 is ok...not stellar. But dino based oils begin to oxidize at 250*F and syn oils go well over 300*F before they begin to break down. That is why I use them because of their ability to withstand higher temperatures. In an air cooled engine that is a big consideration. Plus HD360 is almost the same price. I usually but what is on sale and meets the spec. I did get a case of Redline 20w50 for $40 at AAP when they closed it out so I am good for a while. If you go with a dino oil then I would recommend Brad Penn Racing 20w50 or Spectro Synthetic Blend 20w50. Both have a better additive pack than HD360 and the cost is not much different. Google them to find a supplier.

 

M1--yes my valve train has some noise---but my oil temperature dropped 15 degrees. Not going back to dino oil.

 

I just switched to Mobil 1 when I did my 10k last week (Harley wanted $11.95/qt for their HUgo Chavez Syn3) Walmart charged $8.95/qt for Mobil-1 Vtwin but I got the last 6 quarts they had and the clerk said they had rec'd. notice that they weren't getting anymore til spring!

Anyway, to answer your question, no - if anything the opposite happened. My engine is much quieter since the change.

 

Been using Mobil 1 since my first oil change at 1000 miles and its been running perfect. Won't switch. I've got about 21,000 not on her now. I've got Mobil 1 in my Chevy Blazer, my lawn mower(Briggs&Statton engine of course), and even my power washer(also a Briggs&Stratton) and its been flawless. No issues at all.