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[mark]

Was actually told recently from a "EX-Harley Davidson Mechanic" that Harley's "Syn3" isn't actually a synthetic oil.  He claimed that it was actually Mobil 1 "labeled" for Harley. 

He claimed that if you read the bottle, nowhere will it state that it's a full synthetic oil but rather a play on words.  Don't know if what he told me was true but plan to research it more to be sure. 

He suggested that if I wanted a true synthetic to go with either Red Line or Amsoil...

Unless the vendor has changed, Syn 3 has long been rumored to be produced by Citgo.  Syn 3 is a good oil, it's just easier to find Mobil 1 and it's less expensive by about $3/qt if you catch it on sale.

[Striker]

If you do some searching, you will find a thread that was done on here about 10 years ago comparing the various synthetic oils for the bikes, and ever since that report I have been using the HD syn3 only in the crank, and the tranny and primary get only the Redline products. They measured the amount of particulates and the relative break down of the lubrication properties in this report, so it seemed pretty thorough. I don't know if anyone can find that thread anymore, or even can remember it, but it was very detailed. Been happy with the combination in my 05 SEEG

[bakon]

I do like redline after 15 years of HD Formula plus  in the primary and Mobil 1 75-90 or 75-140 in tranny. I find neutral easier and clunk in first gear slightly less. I would use either in future. 

Mobil 1 15w50 from wally world in motor.  four bikes, well over 100k miles, tear downs everything loks clean, but bikes are tuned properly and maintained.

As for syn 3- used it and cant say much bad except the price and nobody ever been able to figure out what it truly is, surrounded in mystery. I would use it if it cost less than other products but its so close I like using something I know what it is.

Amsoil- scam in my mind. Only because I personally know a distributer and know he makes money off each bottle some other guys sell for him. Guess its the mark up I don't like. Product supposed to be great. But aren't they all?

[sadunbar]

I do like redline after 15 years of HD Formula plus  in the primary and Mobil 1 75-90 or 75-140 in tranny. I find neutral easier and clunk in first gear slightly less. I would use either in future. 

Mobil 1 15w50 from wally world in motor.  four bikes, well over 100k miles, tear downs everything loks clean, but bikes are tuned properly and maintained.

As for syn 3- used it and cant say much bad except the price and nobody ever been able to figure out what it truly is, surrounded in mystery. I would use it if it cost less than other products but its so close I like using something I know what it is.

Amsoil- scam in my mind. Only because I personally know a distributer and know he makes money off each bottle some other guys sell for him. Guess its the mark up I don't like. Product supposed to be great. But aren't they all?

This is simply one method of how they sell their product, thru individual distributors.  It's the same as with any oil (or other product) you buy at a parts store.  The parts store pays their supplier less money for a quart of oil than they charge you for the same quart of oil, right?  As long as it's a competitive price for the product, who cares how the supply chain works? 



disclaimer:  I have never used Amsoil, but I have a friend who for years was a large warehousing distributor who sold Amsoil products to smaller mom and pop distributors...

[bakon]

You are correct. My friend is probably at your friends level and brainwashed by amsoil. Many other friends use his same lines but continue to call me and ask what should I use? Then after receiving answer they spout "Kenny says ..." I tell them Kenny rides a golden wing and not a Harley plus Kenny is brainwashed by the money he is making off you window lickers buying it.