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[evodistraction]

I was researching the site for discussions on oils. I found some good info but the most recent post I could find was from 2011. A lot can change in 2 years, has anyone had any recent experience with any new products? The general consensus seems to be Amsoil for engine/primary and Bel Ray for transmission. I also assume that factory recommended intervals are
accepted standards for changes since there was no discussion regarding anything different. A few others such as Royal Blue and Mobil 1 were mentioned but there were no specific data given about comparisons based on performance, wear etc. It doesn't appear that H-D products are highly favored. Most seem to agree that synthetic is the way to go.

Anyone want to chime in on this?

Evo

[GC_Super]

I would think if you did a search for oil you could probably find enough material to read for a year or so.  ;Dl

[110tHunDer]

 
Yep.  Not doing something right. 

[Midnight Rider]

I would think if you did a search for oil you could probably find enough material to read for a year or so.  ;Dl

No doubt...

I would say the consensus around here is Redline Shockproof in the tranny; Mobil I V-Twin, Amsoil, Redline in the crankcase (all synthetics); and for the Primary, Redline, Formula + (a HD product), or good Automatic Transmission fluid.  Nothing wrong with Bel Ray either...it just stinks.  The Redline shockproof is pink, so it makes it easy to tell when things start leaking...

There is nothing WRONG with HD Syn3, but there are simply products that equal or better it, and for less money out of pocket.  Unless you ride on dirt roads a lot, or do a lot of strictly in town riding, it is a total waste of money and resources to change the oil more often than every 5K miles.

[evodistraction]

I would think if you did a search for oil you could probably find enough material to read for a year or so.  ;Dl

Don't get me wrong there is tons of info here and it dates back to the beginning of the world, I was just hoping to find something more recent than 2011.

Evo

[evodistraction]

No doubt...

I would say the consensus around here is Redline Shockproof in the tranny; Mobil I V-Twin, Amsoil, Redline in the crankcase (all synthetics); and for the Primary, Redline, Formula + (a HD product), or good Automatic Transmission fluid.  Nothing wrong with Bel Ray either...it just stinks.  The Redline shockproof is pink, so it makes it easy to tell when things start leaking...

There is nothing WRONG with HD Syn3, but there are simply products that equal or better it, and for less money out of pocket.  Unless you ride on dirt roads a lot, or do a lot of strictly in town riding, it is a total waste of money and resources to change the oil more often than every 5K miles.

Thanks MR that is good info. So are you changing all the oils every 5K or just the engine?

Evo

[grc]

Don't get me wrong there is tons of info here and it dates back to the beginning of the world, I was just hoping to find something more recent than 2011.

Evo

There are plenty of posts and threads on the subject since 2011, because people keep starting new threads or reviving old ones.  However, to answer your question there really isn't anything new in the world of lubricants that would apply to a Harley.  Use products that meet the manufacturer's requirements (which includes a ton of products btw) and stop worrying about whether or not you are using the stuff with the most "buzz" on the forums this month.  Most of the info you will get on any of these forums is hearsay at best, kind of like the he said she said crap you find in the tabloids.  There are many excellent products out there, and even the Harley products like SYN3 and Formula+ are better than average.

Jerry

[skratch]

yep, as said, not to worry too much about the brand, but worry more about changing it when required.  almost any modern oil is going to meet hd specs.

to add fuel to the fire:  I use redline 20w/60 (hot here in la) in the engine, shell rotella t in the primary ($11.00 per gallon) and a good 75-90 gear oil for the tranny.  I change engine and primary every 5k, and then all 3 every 10k.

[quicked]

                           ^very ^well ^written^jerry^

[evodistraction]

There are plenty of posts and threads on the subject since 2011, because people keep starting new threads or reviving old ones.  However, to answer your question there really isn't anything new in the world of lubricants that would apply to a Harley.  Use products that meet the manufacturer's requirements (which includes a ton of products btw) and stop worrying about whether or not you are using the stuff with the most "buzz" on the forums this month.  Most of the info you will get on any of these forums is hearsay at best, kind of like the he said she said crap you find in the tabloids.  There are many excellent products out there, and even the Harley products like SYN3 and Formula+ are better than average.

Jerry

Sage advice indeed. Especially regarding marketing hype or current boutique trends. So far no one has referred to specific data or documentation comparing any of these products with each other. If such information exists I would love to see it. I know it's out there somewhere. I will research on my own for this but if anyone here already has it or knows where to get it I would greatly appreciate the tip.

So do you agree with the 5K/10K interval as suggested by ekim60? I want to establish a program and then stay with that going forward. I defer to the experience here but know that there will be different opinions.
 
Evo

[Eagle Eye]

Here is one link to a discussion that includes some study results. 

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=31814.0

Hope it helps.

Ken

[iski]

Single source DNA dino oil from Antarctica has proven to be petrometrically superior to ordinary multi DNA dino oil as to overall internal slideability metallicular quotients and the single DNA Synthetic Oil is a superior slickatious synthesizer to ordinary ultra low cost pedestrian synthetic oil which is suitable for squeaky luggage rollaway wheels & the like but not for an American V-Twin engine.  I prefer the pterydactyl variety since it is lighter weight & the dyno indicates a .00004% boost in HP & TQ.

[grc]

Link to Amsoil test report from 2009:
http://wpc.1c96.edgecastcdn.net/001C96/G-Items/Performance%20Testing%20Archives/g2156-2009-archived/index.html

The overall test results are attached as an image file.

Jerry

[Midnight Rider]

Nothing has changed in recent (last 10-15 years) history.

Like GRC (Jerry) said...there are a bunch of products out there.  I do think it best to put a specific product in each hole, instead of the same product in every hole.  Not that it won't work, but IMO it's just a better idea.  Particularly the tranny, where I think a gear lube like Shockproof is superior to regular 20W50 oil, regardless of brand.

[evodistraction]

Link to Amsoil test report from 2009:
http://wpc.1c96.edgecastcdn.net/001C96/G-Items/Performance%20Testing%20Archives/g2156-2009-archived/index.html

The overall test results are attached as an image file.

Jerry

Good info and saved me some time looking too. I hate to be picky but what about the oil change intervals? What are you guys doing?

iski.........is that polish?

Evo