hd4ever2008, the normal oil one gets from the dealership, I think. my knowledge is limited but it is in a black plastic container, hope that helps.

 

Here is South Florida, it's high 90s in the summer. I am curious about what others are running in their Ultras in the hotter climes.

 

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.

 

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

 

only in the motor..

 

Mobile 1 15W-50 for cars. Cheaper than the V-twin stuff and just as good. You can get it anywhere.

 

Hahah.... I thought I was the only one who does not like Amsoil. I hate their marketing BS. If they have a good product why they have to sell their products like "snake oil".

 

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....

 

Mobil agrees. Except they say don't put it in the primary/clutch. (I think it's because of the moly.) This is from their "Ask Mobil" site)


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.

 

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.