I've had my 01' FLHTCI for five years now. When I first got the bike it had
45,000 miles on it and was using 20/50 oil. After I had purchased the bike I
changed to HD syn 3 and changed the oil every 2 mos. to try to clean up
the oil a bit. After about 4 oil changes the oil was still going black!!!
So I changed to Moble 1 V Twin 20/50. After 4 times the oil was still going
black!!! I then went back to HD Syn 3 w/ Lucas oil stabilizer for syn oil it
was still going black. I then questioned a mech at my local HD Dealer and
was told to change more frequently. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE!!!
Please if anyone has had this problem to this solution give a shout to me,
because now I'm thinking that there is more to this problem then just oil change. Other then this problem the bike runs GREAT!!! I just think that
oil should be cleaner.

 

I bet if you put fresh oil and crank the bike up and let it idle for 15-20 mins the oil will be black. At least that is the way it is with mine. Just how it works.

Might try one of these.
http://www.roguechopper.com/index.htm

David

 

Oil turning black is normal, all oil. You should take a little sample and send it to get tested to see if its breaking down before you change,watch for dillution. Until you do this I would not worry about it.

 

Oil getting black doesn't have much, if anything, to do with it's condition or cleanliness. Oil turning black is a sign that it is doing it's job of cleaning and trapping contamination created by the combustion process. Don't worry so much and ride.

 

Yep Your Correct. Have'nt heard anyone say what You said for a long time, That the oil is doing it's job when it turns black. How true that is.

 

My oil is always black even right after a change.

 

Just run it for the recommended lenght of time and change it...don't waste your money.

 

Oil color, even black, isn't an indicator of its condition. In fact, the oil I use is black when new. Change it every 5k with the filter and you'll be fine, but if you are worried about it send a sample to a lab like Blackstone for analysis.

 

Black oil isn't a problem. If your trying to clean out carbon etc. Try adding some Sea Foam to your oil about 50-100 miles before your next change. It also is good to add some to a tank of gas occasionally.

 

Interesting, I agree oil color is not an indicator of durability etc. but I have yet to see my oil go black. I change it out usually around 4K, using 20-50w mobile one. Does it change color...usually much darker but still brown. Black....in a small motor such as this would have me suspicious. Possibly blow by.... just my 02's.

Cheers