Thank you very much for this info. I did not know that HD Syn 3 was made by CITGO. You can bet I will not buy that....for those who do not know CITGO is owned by Venezuela, which is run by Hugo Chavez...who hates America....Americans....President Bush and anything else that has to do with or represents democracy. Venezuela is also currently hosting war games with Russia.....Can you say Cuban missle crises all over again. I think I feel the need to email HD and let em know what I think of using CITGO oil. Dam*it cHarley now I need a blood pressure pill and a shot of bourbon.

 

Thanks, good to know!

 

NOT THIS **** AGAIN!!
Where is beating a dead horse smiley when you need it?

 

Harley installed Syn 3 during my 1,000 mile service, by 3,500 it was black as coal and thin as water, I switched it to Amsoil and put BelRay 75/90 in the tranny. Having worked for Valvoline Oil in the early sixties I'd say the Syn 3 broke down.

 

I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. I am counting down the days till I get my service manual so that I can better understand everything. Since we're on the subject of Preventive Maintenance, what plugs are good? Right now I'm using Autolite's.


This is probably a stupid question, but I keep hearing Engine oil, Primary oil and Transmission oil. I thought the Primary was the transmission? So is there a 3rd kind of oil that I'll need?

 

Mobil 1 or Amsoil both are top shelf oils.

 

Might as well just get the stockers unless you've done upgrades to the ignition, wires, & engine, as you really will not see any difference with the more $$$(aka..Performance) plugs.
As for the engine, primary & transmission comments...The sporty only needs two oils, (engine & gear oil), as the primary & transmission are one. The "Big Twins" have three seperate holes, as their primary & trans are seperate.

 

Thanks for the clarification. Sorta reminds me of when i bought my first gear oil for my 2 stroke dirtbike. The guy kept trying to sell me gear oil and transmission oil. 2 strokes only use gear oil and engine premix.

 

good info guys, thanks. I just had my oil changed at harley (3500 miles) and used the synthetic. I will probably do it myself from here on out, just wanted them to do the first one (i bought the bike at 1600 miles, after the 1000 mile service was done). I have heard good things about mobile one, but mostly have been confused about which variety I am to get...I'm also profoundly confused by the diesel engine oil requirement. Anyone care to clarify?