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[rayz1951]

I'm ready for the 5000 mile maintenance on my 2014 ultra limited. It came with Dino oil in it, so, do I stay with that or can I switch to syn? I realize this topic has been discussed over and over again, but I've always used Amsoil in my other bikes, without issues, and the dealer I bought it from recommends staying with Dino oil, so what do I do?   

[grc]

Ray, IMHO you are better served using a good synthetic, like Amsoil, if that's what you prefer.  Sadly, the last place to go for informed recommendations is your Harley dealer, so I wouldn't put much stock in what they said.

Long before Harley even considered selling or recommending synthetics, and before Mobil 1 and others started offering a V-Twin version of their products, I was running the automotive 15w50 Mobil 1 in my bike based on what I know about lubricants.  The only thing that's changed is that now everyone has jumped on the bandwagon and come out with V-Twin labeled products, and sold them for higher prices.

Jerry

[2k]

I agree with Jerry...........as usual. You are much better off with a GOOD syn. I used Mobile 1 back in the Shovel days when the MoCo said NO SYN. They were still saying NO SYN until they came out with their own. I have never had a oil related failure, so why switch. 15-50 Mobile 1 CAR oil.

[CVODON]

Sad that the person at the dealership told you this. He is probably not speaking for the COMPLETE dealer, only for himself. But regardless, sad he is so misinformed and attempting to influence someone.

[SDCVO]

Ray, IMHO you are better served using a good synthetic, like Amsoil, if that's what you prefer.  Sadly, the last place to go for informed recommendations is your Harley dealer, so I wouldn't put much stock in what they said.

Long before Harley even considered selling or recommending synthetics, and before Mobil 1 and others started offering a V-Twin version of their products, I was running the automotive 15w50 Mobil 1 in my bike based on what I know about lubricants.  The only thing that's changed is that now everyone has jumped on the bandwagon and come out with V-Twin labeled products, and sold them for higher prices.

Jerry

Jerry, just installed my new 124 and the tech that did the work prefers Amsoil but I already have 2 cases of Redline 20-60. I figure not really a diff between the 2?

[grc]

Jerry, just installed my new 124 and the tech that did the work prefers Amsoil but I already have 2 cases of Redline 20-60. I figure not really a diff between the 2?

I've never come across a technical comparison of the two products, but I'd assume the Redline would be fine.  In hot climates where you might want a 60 weight, I think I'd rather have the 20w60 versus a straight 60, so your choice would be appropriate.

Jerry

[mark]

Getting advice at a dealer can be a crapshoot. You always wonder if the guy dispersing wisdom has a basis of knowledge - or is he just repeating rumors.  A brief list of some wisdom dispersed:

-In 2015 all the CVOs are hand assembled in York.
-Syn oil is too slippery.
-Don't leave your cruise control switch on or it will burn up.
-Service desk didn't know the difference between ECM plug and the aulixiliary plug.
-Factory employee at Bike Week suggested removing the baffles from stock SE mufflers.
-The 110 lifter problems are just internet rumors.

[Para Bellum]

Getting advice at a dealer can be a crapshoot.
-Service desk didn't know the difference between ECM plug and the aulixiliary plug.
-The 110 lifter problems are just internet rumors.

-Tech didn't know the difference between the seat heater plug and the auxiliary plug (seat plug always has power; aux plug controlled by aux switch).
-Service manager never heard of lifter problems on 110 (then I reminded him of 2 previous 110s that had lifter blowouts, and he knows both of those customers very well)   

[themooser98]

  Been using Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic, pick up at Advanced Auto when it goes on sale.

[Harley88]

Amsoil

[CVO2FIXUP]

 Just tried this Valvoline VR1 20/50 Racing non synthetic. I cant believe how much quieter my engine sounds. What a huge difference.  I will change it more frequently but totally worth it to get rid of all that ticking. Love it so far. And its way cheaper that syn.   

[skratch]

Long before Harley even considered selling or recommending synthetics, and before Mobil 1 and others started offering a V-Twin version of their products, I was running the automotive 15w50 Mobil 1 in my bike based on what I know about lubricants.  The only thing that's changed is that now everyone has jumped on the bandwagon and come out with V-Twin labeled products, and sold them for higher prices.

i don't have the longevity experience jerry has, but i had been using mobil 1 car oil 15w-50 in my bike for several years as well.  the only reason i stopped is that i can no longer find it anywhere around here.  especially for the price i used to pay.  could get it from walmart for $27 for a 5 qt jug.  sure beats $15 qt...... 

Jerry, just installed my new 124 and the tech that did the work prefers Amsoil but I already have 2 cases of Redline 20-60. I figure not really a diff between the 2?

funny, as this is what i've been running for the last couple of years.  yes, it gets hot here in la.  in the middle of summer, my oil pressure doesn't drop as low as it did with the 20w-50.  and damn, i do hate spending the $15 (per).....

[RGlideKid]

I've used AMSoil in all my Harleys and wouldn't use anything else.  They make a primary oil now, and I like the 75-90 severe gear in the tranny.  Have used it in all my previous Harleys as well, and would highly recommend it.  Really quiets the tranny down and smooths the shifting.  They don't recommend it if all you ever do is make short trips, but if you like weekend rides, etc, I think you could do worse. 
As far as making the switch to full synthetic, the sooner the better with a new engine is what I've always heard.  I don't think I'd wait until the 10k checkup to do it, but that's just me talking.  Seems to me I switched to synth at the 5k mark in one of my bikes without any hiccups.
Do some on-line research first to satisfy yourself.  Heck, call or write AMS oil and get their opinion.  Or call any reputable synth oil manufacturer, and ask them too.

[tdkkart]

so what do I do?

Find a dealer that's not still stuck in the 50's..........

[RAINEY]

I've used AMSoil in all my Harleys and wouldn't use anything else.  They make a primary oil now, and I like the 75-90 severe gear in the tranny.  Have used it in all my previous Harleys as well, and would highly recommend it.  Really quiets the tranny down and smooths the shifting.  They don't recommend it if all you ever do is make short trips, but if you like weekend rides, etc, I think you could do worse. 
As far as making the switch to full synthetic, the sooner the better with a new engine is what I've always heard.  I don't think I'd wait until the 10k checkup to do it, but that's just me talking.  Seems to me I switched to synth at the 5k mark in one of my bikes without any hiccups.
Do some on-line research first to satisfy yourself.  Heck, call or write AMS oil and get their opinion.  Or call any reputable synth oil manufacturer, and ask them too.

Just curious. What do they not recommend the product for short trips?

Thanks,
Jason

[RGlideKid]

Rainey,
Well...this came from my dealer...so...
I believe his explanation was that with the thicker viscosities, the short trips all the time don't give the oil time to heat the way it should and it could become "sludgy" or something like that.
I've been using the 75-90 weight in my Harley trannies since 2007 or 2008 and have had NO issues whatsoever.  Just the opposite in fact.  My trannies have been quieter and smoother since switching to it.  Short trips or not!

[Puma]

Synthetic, man. It stays a little cooler and should make it to your next change in much better shape than natural oil would. I finally found an independent guy nearby and he used Spectro. I never had a problem with my old bike using SYN 3 in all three places, but I did think it was weird. This guy put different stuff everywhere. 20w 50 Heavy Duty Platinum synthetic in the motor, Heavy Duty Plat. six speed 75w 140 in the trans, and Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase in the primary. I've only put about 9 miles on it since the service, so I cant say I noticed any diff, but I do like that there is something heavier in the tranny especially. Looking at the bill, the Spectro synthetic is $$$$$.

[RAINEY]

Rainey,
Well...this came from my dealer...so...
I believe his explanation was that with the thicker viscosities, the short trips all the time don't give the oil time to heat the way it should and it could become "sludgy" or something like that.
I've been using the 75-90 weight in my Harley trannies since 2007 or 2008 and have had NO issues whatsoever.  Just the opposite in fact.  My trannies have been quieter and smoother since switching to it.  Short trips or not!

Were they referring to using the 75w90 Severe Gear?  75w90 Severe Gear or any other synthetic 75w90 should perform the same regardless of the temps and short trips.  I guess at least you realize the dealers are usually the worst for recommendations and offering valid opinions and suggestions.

[grc]

Gotta love dealership folks.  Don't know chit, but have an opinion on everything and of course state those opinions as fact.

Dig a bit and you might find that the actual viscosity of a 90 weight gear oil is in the same range as the actual viscosity of a 50 weight motor oil.  The scales are different for motor oils and gear oils.  So I really love comments about the "thicker" gear lubes.  There are plenty of differences between motor oil and gear oil, and I personally prefer to use real gear lube in a gearbox, but if it really was twice as viscous as that 50 weight motor oil I probably wouldn't use it.

Jerry