took a trip to the ocean today with a buddy, 200 mile trip round trip. Got to the ocean, when it was time to leave decided to check my oil, oops almost nothing showing on dipstick, small amount on very end. Only store around was a safeway. Had to buy some 20/50W car oil. Put a quart in to fill it up. Does that matter? I mean you dont have to buy specific "motorcycle" oil do you? Just plain old car oil works right?

 

Nope, not on an air cooled V-twin.

 

You will be ok, I would change the oil out as soon as I got home for some motorcycle specific oil. Alot of people run just plain automotive oil in their bikes with no problems at all.

 

better then nothing.

Change it out as soon as ya can.

 

Did the same thing durring my Arkansas trip. You gotta do what you gotta do. Will be fine until your next oil change.

 

I know guys with a lot of miles on various V-Twins, and they have used nothing other than plain old 'car oil'. They have never spent extra money for oil with a 'magical' Motorcycle Label on the container.

Untold millions of miles have been ridden on V-Twin bikes back before the 'formulated especially for motorcycles' oils were available.

Didn't cause anyones engines to blow up.

In fact in all the years that I have been riding with various groups I can't recall one mechanical problem caused by the type of oil being used. Sure, there are problems caused by failure to perform basis maintenance, but as long as you change your filter and keep fresh oil in your bike you will be fine.

Riders worry much more about the type of oil being used than their bikes do.

 

I use Valvoline 20w50.When the dealer does the service they use Harley 20W50.I was told by an Indy that the Harley Oil is no different than car oil.He told me just make sure it is the same weight as whatever the dealer uses.He told me 20W50 is 20W50 no matter what the brand.He did tell me never mix regular oil with synthetic though.

 

You can mix regular with synthetic without worry, unless there is something on the can that says otherwise, "Warning: Mixing this oil with synthetic will cause your nuts to shake loose and drop off.", or words to that effect. As far as car oil, this dead horse has been beat senseless over and over. OldFenderGuy is tellin' it straight. I use nothing but car oil, 'cause I refuse to pay for the hype. Havoline 20w-50 works better than many high-buck synthetics, and costs about $2/qt.

 

*whew* When he said "Safeway", I thought he was going to also say that he dumped in a quart of Wesson oil or something. Of course, WE all know that Puritan is the way to go in a situation like this.

You could have the first biodiesel Sporty; wow!

 

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