I am changing my own oil and would like some suggestions for oil that I can use. Buying Harley oil at the dealer here in Europe in crazy $$. Thanks for any suggestions.

I am changing my own oil and would like some suggestions for oil that I can use..
Now you've gone and done it!!

Opening up the "what oil should I use" can of worms :laugh

There's 6463 members here and they'll all have their own opinion of what is the best oil to use.

I'll start the proceedings..

I use Mobil 1 V twin in the engine and HD Sport-trans in the tranny.

NEXT :laugh

OK Gronk, I'll take the bait. I used H-D Syn 3 for engine, tranny, and primary.

Do a "oil" search and get 6463 answers right away.

Twist to the subject.i went to the dealer to get(bt) primary oil.and now they tell me that their new oil(not syn3) you can use in the primary and the trans.when i started thinking either the oil is too thick for the primary or too thin for the trans.now i only use dino oil.and i heard that the old hd primary oil was like 10-40 oil.and trans oil was 75-90w.so what the wieght of this new stuff?harley must've got a new deal from the oil manufactor.i'm confused

I use regular HD oil because it's not anymore expensive than the other stuff here. No syn for me as my bike doesn't run hot enough to make a difference.

If you're looking for other options, I think a lot of people here use Amsoil products, and I even think one of our new vendors is an Amsoil dealer? I've never used it myself in anything I own, but I've never heard anything bad about it and woudln't hesitate if I was looking for somethng different.

I use H-D Syn 3 for engine, tranny, and primary.

I run Amsoil synthetic in both bikes....bought two 12 quart cases for less than $5.50 a quart from a dealer around here.....There is an official letter from the MoCo stating that Amsoil is compatible with Syn 3 and there will be no adverse effects from running it in Harley's. Syn 3 is waaaaaaay overpriced as with most thangs that say Harley Davidson on them. All Harley add-ons and accessories are 'farmed-out' to the lowest bidder......so the MoCo can add on about another 75%.

I run Amsoil synthetic in both bikes....bought two 12 quart cases for less than $5.50 a quart from a dealer around here.....There is an official letter from the MoCo stating that Amsoil is compatible with Syn 3 and there will be no adverse effects from running it in Harley's. Syn 3 is waaaaaaay overpriced as with most thangs that say Harley Davidson on them. All Harley add-ons and accessories are 'farmed-out' to the lowest bidder......so the MoCo can add on about another 75%.

Where did you find this letter at? I use Amsoil also, I like it pretty good. I find it strange that the moco would actually endorse somebosy elses oil. :smoke

I am an oem kinda guy so I just use the h-d dino oil and sports trans. I even still run dunlop tires . it works for me my bike runs as good as I can ride it and if I put some change in the local dealers pocket thats cool too , he put change in my pocket when he built the new store. if they shop with me I have no problem shopping with them.

Over the years i always used automotive oil in all the bikes i ever had. When it comes to dino oil i use castrol 20/50. And synthetic either mobil 1 15/50 or castrol syntic 20/50. In over 30 years i've had no oil related problems! BTW the automotive castrol oil 20/50 (dino) Has been tested and holds up longer than most motorcycle only dino oils like, yamalube, honda oil, and a bunch more that i can't remember. And for the transmission i use any good 75/90 gear oil.

Now you've gone and done it!!

Opening up the "what oil should I use" can of worms :laugh

There's 6463 members here and they'll all have their own opinion of what is the best oil to use.

I'll start the proceedings..

I use Mobil 1 V twin in the engine and HD Sport-trans in the tranny.

NEXT :laugh

Ah, you're wrong! ;)

Actually, Sport-Trans has been replaced - probably the same stuff, new name. :)

i run syn 3 from harley and did check for the mobile 1 oil around here and it runs 8 and some change so i figured the syn 3 was a little better so i use it and hd trans and hd filters.and changed the oil at 3500(had it all done at dealer on 1000) so should i change the trans too or wait till the 5000 mile mark?
:smoke

Ah, you're wrong! ;)

Actually, Sport-Trans has been replaced - probably the same stuff, new name. :)
:laugh Yeah I know its been replaced by a newer version (can't remember the name) but I live Down Under and we are a cuppla years behind you blokes and the dealerships still have good stocks of Sport-trans.

Soon as it runs out I'll switch to the new version :)

I use Syn3 in both engine and tranny . Nice quiet gear changes now.It is very expensive here in UK , about $14 per quart but as I intend to stick to the 5K interval its not too bad, but then 5K for me is probably my annual mileage.I guess if you do a LOT of miles it will work out pretty costly.

Was going to go for Amsoil but that is even MORE expensive at almost $20 per quart :rolleyes:

I use Amsoil in my bike and in my truck. All my fluids are synthetic now on Sassy. I supplied my own oil and the dealer put it in. The only reason they did it was because they stored it for me. Had them get her ready for me and decided to go to the Amsoil. Only had 2000 miles on her.

The letter was in one of the 'dealer' packets from Amsoil. Written on official H-D stationary. I got two of them and can't find either right now. I got them in the spring of '05 when considering becoming a 'dealer' for 6 months so I could buy stuff at a discount. One of my pals did it instead, so I just stocked up from his supply. He got a copy of the letter also in his 'dealer' package.

Where did you find this letter at? I use Amsoil also, I like it pretty good. I find it strange that the moco would actually endorse somebosy elses oil. :smoke

Hi, I'm an AMSOIL dealer (thanks for the mention XL1200R!) and I run it in 3 cars and my bike. The cars start well in winter when it gets really cold and my bike runs cooler than it would with Dino oil. Synthetic oil is supposed to be more shear stable and I went with these guys as a Preferred Customer for a year and a half before just starting this dealer mumbo jumbo. A Preferred Customer pays a small fee and gets dealer prices. It's $10 for six-month trial Preferred Customer membership and Starter Kit or $20 for twelve-month regular Preferred Customer membership and Starter Kit. Preferred Customers buy AMSOIL products at wholesale prices. The discount price is 15-20% less than regular retail prices. If you buy $100 of AMSOIL products a year, a Preferred Customer membership will save you money.

I like longer oil drain intervals, which are better for me and the environment.

:tour

What exactly do you guys mean when you say "Dino" oil?

What exactly do you guys mean when you say "Dino" oil?

Non-synthetic oil

Mobil 1. If it's good enough for Porcshe and Corvette, it's good enough for me.

Royal Purple Syn.
All around.

What exactly do you guys mean when you say "Dino" oil?
You know like dinosaurs or decayed dinosaurs;) Refined, but not man made.

I use Mobil 1 V twin 20-50 in all the holes no problem... I can't believe H-D sells the worst oil for there bikes,it's all about profits....

Royal Purple = bad ass! Ilike it or Peptobismol(Redline)for trannies. Syn3 sucks, never seen an oil get so dirty within 1500-2000 miles, and thet say 5000 intervals now, piss on that. Aftermarket Synthetic is the only way to go, wether you ride your bike hard or soft.
-Jesse

Castrol 20w50,Formula +

AMSOIL for me in both.

And why the hell is oil so expensive in Europe?

I Used Harley 20W50 Up Till 50,000 Miles.Then Switched To Valvoline Racing 50 Weight.It Has 81,000 Miles Now.Mobil 1 In The Tranny/Primary.