I now park my trike on a 6'x10' flat deck trailer with 4"drop axle and a full width ramp. I just realized how simple it would be to change the fluids without riding100 miles to the nearest dealer. Due to personal physical limitations, I haven't done changed oil myself for several years. With my last bike I would use Amsoil in the engine and leave the rest for dealer service intervals. I have a friend willing to pick up some oil on my travels this week. Is Syn3 "in all three" a good practice?

 

I use motorcycle oils that are specifically for the engine, tranny and primary.

 

I am also more comfortable using different lubricants and not fooled into thinking Harley oil is necessarily better than other popular brands. However, when Harley says their Syn3 product can be used in all three holes, I can't see any motive for them leading us astray to premature equipment failure. I know they may sell more of their oil with this claim, but I don't see them deliberately sabotaging the longevity of their bikes.

 

For me, I run Amsoil 20w-50 in the engine, Amsoil tranny fluid and store brand 30 weight non-detergent in the primary.

 

Since getting the '22 FLRT I've used the Syn3 in all 3 holes for the 1K, 5K, and 10K, no problems yet. It does make topping off easy too (since I don't have to remember which fluid goes in which hole). And I only need to have one container of fluid for topping off in between services.

 

I have yet to change the fluids in my '18 Tri-Glide myself but I have the dealer use SYN3 in my engine and primary but the heavier synthetic in my transmission.

Prior to this, when I had my 13 CVO Ultra I was pretty much doing the same for it when I changed the fluids myself with the exception of using Red-Line Heavy Duty Shockproof in my transmission.
I did, one occasion (for a trip south) switch from SYN3 to Red-Line 20w-60w in the engine and I think it did make a difference in the way the engine sounded (lifters) when running at maximum temps.

As for changing my own fluids in my bikes, even with all of the "right" tools I seem somehow manage to make some mess regardless of how much care I take

 

I run Red Line products in all three holes. You can buy a complete Red line kit off of Amazon but need 1 extra qt. of the Primary fluid, been using it for years.

 

Don, lots of good reading on oils here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...ted-topics-30/

We even have a certified lubrication person member on the forum: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...l#post21613389

 

I have enough SYN3 (and filters) in the garage to do another oil change (or maybe two) but I will need some transmission oil.
A friend and I "stocked up" on the SYN3 a few years ago.

I also have enough fluids and filters (I think) for my EVO Springer and that definitely is overdue (in time not miles) and I'll get to them as soon as the "spirit" hits me

Even though Spring officially arrived yesterday, and we have had some nice weather recently today we have a snow covered yard with temps in the 30's this week!---It's Michigan folks!

 

Syn3 is just too damned thin, especially in your transmission. You will hear every gear whine!