Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[grc]

Very good. Thanks for the explanation.

Personally, I would like to see testing done by an independent lab. That way you can 'hopefully' avoid any conflicts of interest.

   Most definitely.  Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find any "independents" willing to spend any money on real comparison tests.  All I see these days in the enthusiast mags is thinly veiled endorsements of products that just happen to be heavily advertised in the mag.  One of the main reasons I haven't renewed any subscriptions, as a matter of fact. 

We need a "consumer reports" type of publication for motorcycles.


Jerry

[Diamondback]

 

It would be nice to see and independent study but who would pay for it.

That said, I would bet there is little difference in any bike with the Mobil 1, HD Syn 3 (which tested better this time around), Amsoil, Royal Purple and Redline.

We know that HD doesn't make Syn3, does any one know who does???

 

[Twolanerider]

We know that HD doesn't make Syn3, does any one know who does???

Citgo.

[Diamondback]

 

[GtreetSlide]

I have seen Twin Cams with over 150,000 miles that never ran anything except Harley's cheap oil (probably bulk oil)...
Saw an Evo with close to 300,000 miles using Walmarts Cheapest oil, go figure...

I run Redline products, but probably just wasting my $ for nothing..

My only advice is NEVER trust an oil comparison test done by an oil maker.... If you do, send me some $$$ and I will sell you some good bridges over prime swap land...
jb

[nidan]

I just switched ,  I've used several synthetics in the past , including Amsoil  and have found Royal Purple to be great.  There is a noticeable difference in smoothness, and engine noise.

[LC110]

If you want to know how well your oil is working in your engine, take a sample at your next oil change and send it in and have it analyzed.
Here is a short list of the more popular oil analysis labs.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
http://www.polarislabs1.com/oil-analysis.php
And the very best IMO http://www.dysonanalysis.com/

Here is a Oil Analysis on Royal Purple I found. (not mine)

Royal Purple 20w50, 5,240 miles, 2005 Harley TC88

Blackstone's Lab Comments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No problems showed up in the initial sample from your Harley. All wear read close to
averages for this type of engine, which is a very good indication of normal wearing parts. The universal
averages show normal wear after 3500 miles on the oil. Insolubles (oil oxidation due to heat, use and
blow-by) were low at 0.2%, showing good oil filtration. No fuel dilution or coolant was found. Silicon
was okay indicating adequate air filtration. The TBN was 5.6, strong - 1.0 is low. Viscosity was in the
SAE 40W range. Other than the low vis - the RP oil is doing a nice job.

Owners Comments:
This bike has 9,640 total miles with 5,240 miles on the oil. Stock engine and air cleaner with the 10 micron Harley-Davidson oil filter. The oil did thin down to a 40 weight however.

ALUMNUM = 8
CHROMIUM = 1
IRON = 22
COPPER = 16
LEAD = 3
TIN = 0
MOLYBDENUM = 90
NICKEL = 0
MANGANESE = 1
SILVER = 0
TITANIUM = 0
POTASSIUM = 0
BORON = 28
SILICON = 10
SODIUM = 6
CALCIUM = 2995
MAGNESIUM = 125
PHOSPHORUS = 876
ZINC = 1165
BARIUM = 2

Sub Viscosity @ 210 F = 76.3
Flash Point = 410
Fuel = <0.5
Insolubles = 0.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------