Hi Guys,</P>


I've just got a stock 1974 XLCH Sportster (1000cc). I read the owner's manual a few days ago and I think it called for 65 or 75 weight motor oil. Wow, that's some thick stuff. Should I hunt some down or switch to a newer multigrade? What are you old Sportster guys running? </P>


thanks,</P>


bob</P>


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First of all, let me say, "nice bike". The '74 sportster is in my opinion the best of the ironheads. I have one that I'll keep forever. I use straight 40 weight in my bike. I'm in S. Fla where it gets hot and the bike runs great with it. 65 weight sound real thick to me, but what do I know.

 

HD 60w from the dealer. It's an air cooled older engine you know... Use an oil formulated for a diesel engine, CI-4 (ideally) or CH-4, CG-4, or CF-4. That engine could be converted to full synthetic as well. Rotella is probably the best of the manufactured full synthetic but Red Line formulated oil is what I use. The Rotella 15w50 is ideal for that engine taking into consideration the age and that the oil is common with the transmission.

BClem

 

w30bob.
I would stick to a straight 50 wieghtfor temperatures under 80 dergees f.
over 80 degrees f.go to the 6o wieght,especially if its a high milage motor.
try the rev-tech,my bike runs noticably cooler.Harley oil is good too.

 

I figured I couldn't go wrong with whatever my local Harley Dealer suggested.