I have just bought a 2009 XL1200 low Sporty with 7200 miles on it. When I bought it the dealer told me it had HD oil in it. It has sat the last couple of months due to snow. I am wanting to change the oil before riding season and want to know if there would be any pros or cons in going to a synthetic when I do the change. Being there is already 7200 miles on the bike is the synthetic going to be any better as far as wear on the engine versus the HD oil that was in it when I bought it a couple of months ago. I have talked to a few local riders and they tell me to make the change to synthetic and that even with 7200 miles arlready on the engine it will be the better way to go. If that is the case and I don't know that it is, what synthetic should I purchase? Thanks!

 

I would also like to know what to use. Plan to do a chnge today

 

From what Ive read the HD synthetic oil isnt that great. Go with a high quality Synthetic like Amsoil.

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...t=syn+dino+oil

 

Oil is probably the most discussed and over-rated topic in HDF! There is no answer to your question, as the more you look, the more confusing and misleading 'advice' you will find.

Your bike will be fine with HD dyno oil, which is what it came with. There is no NEED to use anything else! You really should go into a darkened room, prey to your chosen gods and make up your own mind.....

 

There is absolutely no reason for you to change the oil if it had just been done by the dealer, a few months ago.

Listen to all the non-expert advice you want. But do your own due diligence and make your own informed choices on which oil to use and where. Read your owners manual! It shows when each service is to be performed and what to use. If you're going to do your own maintenance, buy the service, parts and diagnostics manuals.

 

Like the general consensus is syaing, It's pretty much your own personal preference at this point. Read the manual and follow those guide lines. My self. I have a 2001 1200xlc & I use Royal Purple 20W50 and change it every season along with the primary trans fluid. Prob way over kill but that's my personal preference. And there's always the debate of HD oil filter vs after market too?

 

Agreed, Amsoil is one of the best, I usually run Mobil1 20W-50 VTwin, cuz it's easier to find. But, IMO, yah put the best oil money can buy in any air cooled engine.

 

Also use Royal Purple Max Cycle 20W50 here too, in both holes. It made my bike run 15 degrees cooler over the HD brand. I could also feel it in the seat of my pants when I opened it up. Can't go wrong with RP max Cycle.

 

Many years ago a guy who raced SCCA told me about Red Line. When I did my first oil change I switched to Redline synthetic. When HD shop put in bigger pistons and cams the mechanic suggested I use Harley oil for 500 miles change oil do another 500 then switch to synthetic.