| Author | Message | ||
     Harley_jethro |
Bike = 2003 XB9S, Engine Oil = H-D 20/50 Syn3, Daytime temp 25~35°F. Morning start-up in garage 50°F. Basic question...who rides / commutes in these temps and what engine oil are you using? Details...Still riding the bike (XB9S) as it is my only transport at present time. Running Syn3 20/50 and am concerned about startup after 8-9hrs parked at work. My dealer says plenty of people are doing it, proper warm up is key, the syn pours better than the 10/40 non-syn. Considering a different brand synthetic (Mobil 1 or Rotella) but have been advised that some synthetic oils don't mix well because of additives and composition. Any reply on various brand and grade is appreciated. Thanks, JB | ||
| Fullpower |
your owners manual specifies 10W-40 for these conditions. you have been mislead by the following statement, which is patent bullshyt:" some synthetic oils don't mix well because of additives and composition" | ||
| Harley_jethro |
Thanks Fullpower, Don't see an issue switching between HD 10/40 and HD Syn 20/50. Just prefer to stay with a synthetic and this is where I was cautioned on the mixing. Right now, Mobil-1 10/40 or 15/40 is all I can find and I'm leaning towards it. The oil-head BMW guys run a non-synthetic 10/50 this time of year, (apparently keeping the 50wt is important) still think synthetic is a better option. Thanks for the reply. | ||
| Bugman |
I agree with the dealer's assessment. It shouldn't be a problem as long as you allow a little more time to warm up before riding and always reach full warm up before shutting it down. Which brand you use isn't an issue as long as you don't mix them indiscriminately. I have been riding for years right down to freezing and I always use full syn., either Mobil 1 or Amsoil. | ||
| Crusty |
I've used my M2 as a commuter in winter, and I never had a problem using 20W-50 H-D. My bike was kept outdoors and it always started right up, even when the temps were in the single digits. A long easy warm up is essential, though; otherwise, you'll blow a head gasket. I'd use the Syn 3 and not worry about it. | ||
| Harley_jethro |
Thanks All, greatly appreciate the feedback.  BTW Crusty, 100 thru VT is an awesome road. Only traveled by car, can't seem to get there in nice weather. This spring I plan on taking Rte 7 thru CT, MA & into Rutland, VT and pick up 100 from there. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
You'll see in my profile that 100 is one of my favorite roads. The pic in my profile was taken on 100 also. Pic up route 17 in Waitsfield for some awesome twisties and spectacular scenery. On the oil subject. If I left my bike to cool regularly in sub-freezing temps and then had to start it and ride it in those conditions, I would personally go with a 5W40 Rotella Syn. The peace of mind from the 5W flow characteristics at low temps would be the clincher for those cold starts. It is a "diesel" oil(ie used in diesel engines and thus acceptable to Harely motors). | ||
| Steve_mackay |
30F? I wouldn't worry about a different oil. I ride my S3T year round(as long as there are dry roads, and no precipitation in the forecast). I went for a ride on Thanksgiving day at 12F. I still use mobile 20W50. I just start the bike before I suite up. It's usually nice and toasty by the that time. | ||
| Brucelee |
I am with Johnny on this one. I would run Shell Rotella Syn 5W-40. Cheap and good. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Steve - but did the bike start out in a garage or was it at 12 deg also? Consider you may have to park the bike and come back to it 3 hours later and it is still 12 deg outside. I've been screamed at more than once for suggest using 5W40 but at those temps I wouldn't hesitate. | ||
| Crusty |
Harley_jethro, may I suggest a slightly different route? Take Rt.7 through CT up to Williamstown, MA. Then take Rt.2 east to Charlmont, MA and pick up Rt.8A north to VT Rt.100. Some of the best curves on Rt.100 are below Rutland. Plus, Rt.2 in MA between Williamstown and Charlmont is a treat on a bike as well. It will add a little time to your ride, but the extra enjoyment will be worth it. Also, when you get to Stowe, VT take Rt.108 over Smugglers Notch. It's a GREAT road. | ||
| Crusty |
Johnnylunchbox; My M2 lived outdoors when I was using it as my only transportation and it started fine after sitting out all night in single digit temps using H-D dino 20W-50. That was the winter of 2000-2001. The engine has 55,000 miles on it now and it runs fine. I don't think the Rotella will hurt anything, but I also don't think it's a necessity. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Crusty - I've heard quite a few people say they had no problems with 20W50 at low temps. As with all of these bikes I've been told, the key is to warm up properly. I love these oil threads LOL | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Johnny, I don't own a garage. I've got a 10x12 shed. The bike cranks over just fine at single digit temps with mobil1 20w50. And Redline in the primary. The Redline in the primary seemed to half helped the cranking over quite a bit. | ||
| Brucelee |
BTW-Castrol makes an excellent 5W-50 Syntec. That might fit the bill. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
5W50 Castrol???? Really??? I'll have to look for that. I think I found my new favorite oil LOL | ||
| Brucelee |
More info on Castrol 5-50 SAE 5W-50: provides the widest range of protection available. SAE 5W-50 delivers exceptional cold temperature pumpability for rapid oil circulation at start-up and provides a thick oil film for ultimate wear protection. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, ACEA B3, meets Japanese valve train wear and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF-3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils, as well as Porsche, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes Benz. |
