Not to hijack the post but this puts things into perspective, I switched over to AMSOIL and I too started noticing a "ticking" noise when it was running cold (not so distinctive after the engine was warmed up) so I think I'll be changing it out at the next oil change interval.

 

Usually Castrol V-Twin....all 3 holes.

 

I have used all that are listed and a few more. I have moved to Royal Purple as my choice in all holes.

With this bike (04 Ultra) I started with RP at the 1st change and noticed it quietend everything down considerably. Had a buddy talk me into Amsoil and that was the most noise my engine ever made. Also was running 20 degrees hotter than with RP.

Drained it and started trying others but came back to RP. It was the quietest and coolest at least in my bike and in this Texas heat.

I will not wander away from it again.

 

Which RP for each of the 3 holes? Thanks.

 

Max Cycle 20/50

As aside note here is an independent test on several oils
http://www.animegame.com/cars/Oil%20Tests.pdf

 

You use the 20/50 for all 3? After reading that report, the RP certainly seems superior to any of the others in that test. I don't think I'd go as far as the $30/qt racing RP but the investment for the regular seems like a fair value. With all the talk of extended service intervals and most autos now saying 5k on dino oil and as high as 10k on synthetics is it possible to safely get a little more than 5k on the bike, maybe 6k intervals using RP?

 

Castrol V Twin or Rev Tech 25 60

 

No matter what you use, change it every 3,000 miles!

 

Was that being facetious and just didn't show in print or serious? If serious, why? The point of the serious synthetics is to extend the service life. Saying change at 3k is like saying throw away the double roll of tp or pt when half used up because that's the full life of a regular roll.

 

Amsoil 20w50 for motor and primary, severe gear oil for 6-speed.
I have been using Amsoil in the past 6 years, 3 different Harleys, run smooth and cool, never had problem.