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Changing oil brands! Can it be bad?

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Old 11-23-2012, 11:02 PM
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Default Changing oil brands! Can it be bad?

Hey everyone,

I've been using the Harley 20w50 oil on my bike, and have decided that on my next oil change I'd like to try Mobil1. I've read some really good reviews on their synthetic oils. My question is, would it be bad to change oil brands? I've heard rumors that it could possibly be bad.
 
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Old 11-23-2012, 11:30 PM
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Last edited by scottmohara; 11-26-2012 at 05:25 PM.
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Old 11-24-2012, 12:31 AM
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Doesn't matter as long as you have the right weight and change your oil regularly. Tranny oil and motor oil are different weights on your bike. Tranny oil goes in the primary, the 20w50 is what goes in the motor. The only real concern is voiding your warranty if you have one. HD is wierd about different oils in their bikes and using anything other than HD oil could affect your warranty.
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 12:50 AM
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Originally Posted by afraziaaaa
The only real concern is voiding your warranty if you have one. HD is wierd about different oils in their bikes and using anything other than HD oil could affect your warranty.
Wrong Answer!
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 12:52 AM
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Originally Posted by afraziaaaa
Doesn't matter as long as you have the right weight and change your oil regularly.
Ding! Ding! Correct Answer!
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 12:59 AM
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Correct weight and change when needed.

HOWEVER, don't mix some oils....lol

I usually run Redline (synthetic) in my engine....was on a trip and got a bit low, added in some Castrol Dino...it made a mess...frothed up and left a white sludge on my dipstick. I think the detergents/additives were not compatible.

Did a change about 800 miles later...no lasting or ill effects.
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by afraziaaaa
Doesn't matter as long as you have the right weight and change your oil regularly. Tranny oil and motor oil are different weights on your bike. Tranny oil goes in the primary, the 20w50 is what goes in the motor. The only real concern is voiding your warranty if you have one. HD is wierd about different oils in their bikes and using anything other than HD oil could affect your warranty.
I guess you've never heard of the federal Magneson Moss Act.
Any dealer that requires your to use their oil to keep your warranty intact, is required to give you their oil for FREE.
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by scottmohara
A friend of mine made a "good idea" change in his Yammy and totally affected his clutch. Mobil 1 is a great BRAND. I would ask "whats the right oil"?
After all my screw-ups I like to tell myself,
"If it ain't fixed, don't broke it".
Your friends Yammy has a single sump oil system, Harley's don't.
For the same reason, there is absolutely no reason to run a $$$ V-Twin oil in a Harley motor. V-Twin oil is specifically made for single sump oil systems.

Mobil-1's 15w-50 "automotive" synthetic is an excellent choice for the motor.
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 09:38 PM
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I have no warranty. Funny, because my local HD dealership sells a variety of oil brands, not just Harley's. Looks like I will go with Mobil 1 or Redline on my next oil change!
 
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Old 11-24-2012, 11:36 PM
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Last edited by scottmohara; 11-26-2012 at 05:27 PM.


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