What kind of oil you running?

I run the harley OEM 20-50 and have had no oil related problems...knock wood!

There are after market alternatives and synthetics, what are you running?

I've ran all my harley's to the ten K mark and then go to the synthetic. I'm running Amzoil. Dinasaur oil will burn and cause carbon. Carbon will cause wear!. Synthetic
will not burn. My bikes have all had a decrease of 20 degree's in running temperature.
Its a fact, just putting my two cents worth in, thats all, not trying to tell anybody what they should do. Argo

I've heard alot of folks running the synthetic lately. All good reports. I haven't gone there yet though.

I added the full syn Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W50 in my 04 FLSTC at the first oil change. I immediately noticed that it does run cooler. As far as I can tell from the research I've done, there are no cons to running syn except for $$.

I'm still on Reg. Harley oil. 4500 miles! However I'll probobly switch to the synth. @ 5000 miles!

MOBIL 1 VTWIN :moped:

Sorry about that could remember if i ask that question yet or not. :cool:

It's not a problem man. We just try and keep topics together when we can.

I'm almost at my 8000 mile service and I'm switching to synthetic. I've ran OEM oil since mile one. I think dino oil should be ran long enough for a very thorough break in period. Some say it isn't necessary. I think it should be done that way. Each person must make their own decision about their bike. I'm thinking of going with Mobil 1 because it's more readily available. I'm also considering Royal Purple. I'm ruling out Amsoil because of performance drops as indicated at a site that is doing long term research on synthetic oils with lab analysis. I'm also ruling out any synthetic that doesn't have a motorcycle specific version for sale.

I had my '04 RK switched to Syn 3 .......got 5000 on it and it does great......a little pricey but what the hell.....

I have heard all good things about synth. but this one! I had my motor built a little and I thought after the break in I would use syth. too. But the tech that built my motor (at a HD dealer) seen what I was looking at and came over and said that in a big twin it`s ok but he didn`t recomend using it in a sporty. I trust this guy and didnt ask why. I just listened and bought HD 20-50 (regular oil) and left.

I have heard all good things about synth. but this one! I had my motor built a little and I thought after the break in I would use syth. too. But the tech that built my motor (at a HD dealer) seen what I was looking at and came over and said that in a big twin it`s ok but he didn`t recomend using it in a sporty. I trust this guy and didnt ask why. I just listened and bought HD 20-50 (regular oil) and left.

I agree with during break in running dino oil. But after, how could you not benefit by running synth in a higher reving, air cooled engine? You should ask this guy for specifics. He might have an outdated prejudice. The science says a good synth outperforms dino in everyway except price. I have found that there are inferior sythetics out there though.

I switched to Syn3 at 10K , it runs better , shifts smoother . I've run synthetics in my vehicles for years and am all for them. I know there are other synthetics and better ones out there , but so far so good .

I run Yama Lube. No problems as to date.

Harley-Davidson 20/50

It is true that synthetic does not burn. Too some the cost becomes a problem but it truly is more effective than dino oil. Just my opinion.

I run 70w Havoline with a can of Bardahl#2. I've been really cooking in traffic and it seems to hold up well. I've heard that if you have a tendency to leak that the synthetic would find it's way out. If that is the case, I'd be running a total-loss lubrication system (ala speedway). I'm kinda afraid to even try it.

Yep, agreed, there are too many rumors and unknowns. Or at least facts ya can validate seem scarce.

I did the research about 7 years ago. If ya believe the data, ya have to switch to synthetic oil.

If you're running a newer bike or car or one with a TIGHT engine or fresh rebuild, then synthetic is the best way to go.
My bike is tired, old 1980 airhead twin and since most of it's life it has been running on petro based oil and it seeps a bit, it'll live on Golden Petro or BMW brand 20w-50W petro until the motor is rebuilt someday.
It your engine is not absolutely tight, the hyper slick molecules of synthetic will seek out the smallest leak and make that leak WORSE.
There is a very valid reason that most new bikes and performance cars recommend synthetic based oils, they are "slipperyer" and don't break down chemically as quickly in high heat operating conditions.

:cheers: After reading on this site & others about Rotella T synthetic oil, I just changed my Royal Star Tour Classic to it. The first thing I noticed was how quiet the engine was,which is something because its already really quiet. Also noticed the gear whine which is normal on this engine is cut about in half. My bike has 16000 miles on it,acceleration or smoothness also seems improved. Found this oil @ Walmart,12.99 for a gallon. Cant wait to put more miles on to see how it works,if our GD weather in Minnesota would ever cooperate.