Got me a new XL1200C 2.5 weeks ago and have 920 miles on it already. Loving it, its my 3rd bike, but its been 23 years since my last one and its my first Harley. I've got a set of SE II pipes and air filter kit that I'll be putting on in the next day or so to get the sound right...

Glad I found this forum, I've been reading for a few days now and have already picked up on a thing or two that helped out.

Now, the 1k service interval is just about here, but I may do the oil change myself in the next day or so to get the break-in oil out of there. I won't have time to take it to the dealer for service for another week or so, not to mention I am having fun and dont want to give the bike up for a day or 2 while they work on it.

What brand oil are most of you using? Do most stick with the Harley brand? I would rather run Castrol if other owners are and don't see any reason not too???

thanks!





[IMG]local://upfiles/12549/7F92E34773FA45C09201CA382F1F9F5F.jpg[/IMG]

 

Run what you want as long as it is a good oil and meets the specs. Welcome to the forum.

 

Do your engine a big favor: AMSOIL SAE 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (MCV) or MOBILE-1 V-Twin 20W-50. I used Castrol in my old 280ZX Turbo. After the stuff got hot, it had the consistency of water. Air cooled engines run a lot hotter.

 

I run Harley Syn 3, never add between changes it seems to work just fine.

DC

 

Just about anything will be fine it you change your oil and filter frequently (I don't go over 3,000 miles between changes, no matter what oil I happen to be using).

I'm a firm believer in synthetic fluids in air cooled engines, but I know guys with very high mileage Harley's living in hot climates that run nothing but Rotella T 15W-40, and have never had an oil related problem.

I really think that too much time, effort, and worries go into determining the type of oil to use. Just change the oil and filter frequently in bikes, cars, trucks, and anything else, and you should be fine.

I personally use Amsoil MCV 20W-50 in my 1200C. The engine should run slightly cooler running a good synthetic, and I use it in both the engine and tranny/primary.

 

Thanks for the input folks!

I noticed after I posted this question, there is an entire category on this forum about "oil". And after reading some of the info in there, I think I'll go with the Mobile 1 V-Twin stuff. I like the fact I can get it at Wally-Mart and with a syn. I wont feel as bad about not changing my oil every 3k like I do on my other engines. I just don't want to buy into the "have to use HD" products unless I really have a reason too.