| Author | Message | ||
     Jeepinbueller |
[Flame suit on] I know I'm going to catch hell, but I can't get a straight answer. I'm about to head out of work and pick up oil for my first oil change ('09 CR) but neither my bike mechanic or H-D/Buell of Frederick will recommend an alternative to Syn3 for the first change. I've heard automotive dino Valvoline 10W-40. I've heard Mobil 1 15W-50 synthetic. I've heard Amsoil 10W-40 dino. I just need something I can pick up at Advance Auto or Walmart ... for please. I know everyone's not going to agree, I just need a tried and true oil to put in at 620 until I switch to Mobil 1 15W-50 at 1500. Make fun if you want, I just need help. Thanks for those who can. [/Flame suit off] | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
I used the syn3 like hd says at 620... there is no chage at 1500.... but if u can only get it from wal mart or auto zone pretty sure they sell 10w50 for bikes. Idunno what to tell ya no flame suit needed just wonderin why u don't wanna use syn3 now or any other oil like royal purple or amsoil?? I know this is gunna come back but I was told the R comes from factory with syn in it like other big hds.... was told by 2 dealers actually. And buell cs... others sware it didn't I dunno but its got it now and likes it  | ||
| Mac_inger |
Im using a Motul 20w50 mineral oil for the break-in. I will run it till about 3000 miles and then swith to Amsoil full synth from then on. | ||
| Hootowl |
You can use any oil that carries the rating specified by the manufacturer. The stock oil, whatever it is, is not the only oil to carry the rating. Your owners manual specifies the rating. Look it up, go to Walmart, and get something that meets the requirements. Don't let oil fear mongers scare you. | ||
| Ysracer |
Shell Rotella T 15w-40. In the diesel aisle.  http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.ph p?ubb=showflat&Number=1064549 | ||
| Jeepinbueller |
Ysracer: see that's why I get confused. Why are we putting Deisel oil in our motors? You can see how someone new to motorcycles would get confused. I'll look for it. I usually don't let oil scare me, but with the primary and engine oil using the same thing, I get worried thinking about the tranny gears and slipper-clutch is all. Since I'm changing the oil filter, I know it's ~2.7 qts, or 3 qts as stated on here. Viscosity in the owner's manual is SAE 20W-50, and quoted: "If SYN3 or H-D 360 are not available, the final option would be to add a synthetic 15W-50 oil that meets SG and JASO MA specifications. We again suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible. At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil." (Message edited by jeepinbueller on March 05, 2010) | ||
| Moosestang |
The manual suggests a synthetic that meets SG and JASO MA specs. Advanced discount auto sells a dino motorcycle oil for $4 a quart. It's Valvoline 4 stroke and it meets both SG and JASO MA. It may be a syn blend, but it doesn't say. My discount auto keeps the motorcycle oils seperate from the auto oils. To the best of my knowledge only the diesel spec'd oils have a JASO rating. (Message edited by moosestang on March 05, 2010) (Message edited by moosestang on March 05, 2010) | ||
| Moosestang |
Sorry, that was Valvoline 4stroke. I've used it in my xb9 and it made the clutch feel like brand new. That was after royal purple (automotive) made it start slipping. | ||
| Tbenson |
Rotella is a really good proven oil, very reasonably priced. Just advice, not promoting the oil, nor suggesting this is the best oil ever made for your bike. I have used Rotella in my bikes and vehicles with good results. If in doubt or undecided, use what is recommended by the manufacturer or similar, which is available where you choose to purchase your oil. I am switching to Amsoil at my next change, not sure why, I guess because of the hype, not sure? | ||
| Syonyk |
The reason for "diesel oil" is that automotive oil has, for the past 20-30 years, been reducing the amount of good anti-wear materials in the oil, as these components don't get along with catalytic converters. Fouling out catalytic converters is VERY BAD (legally/for your product sales). Diesels, not having catalytic converters, can keep using oil with higher amounts of anti-wear materials in the oil. There's nothing magic about HD Syn3. It's a good motorcycle oil. There are better options, there are worse options. Personally, I'm running Syn3 right now, because that's what the dealer puts in, and I don't care enough right now to argue. Also, if there are warranty issues related to the engine, I don't want to fight the "Well, you used non-HD oil, it's clearly an oil issue" battle with the dealership. Once the warranty period is up, I'll probably go to Amsoil. I just need a tried and true oil to put in at 620 until I switch to Mobil 1 15W-50 at 1500. I don't think anything you put in short of sand will have any real long term effect on the motor in that short of a period. You're worrying too much about it. | ||
| Aseecobra |
Keep in mind the oil sump is common between the engine and trans. You will want an oil that is suitable for a wet clutch application. Most auto oils will have friction reducing additives that are unfriendly to the clutch. Amsoil has a good white paper discussing motorcycle oils. (Message edited by aseecobra on March 05, 2010) | ||
| Peter_nikols |
I recommend using the same oil from the beginning. Why mess with different oils? Mobil 1 is the easiest to find. I read somewhere it should be Mobile 1 20W50 V-Twin oil. Why is everyone talking about 15W50? Peter | ||
| Xelerator |
The Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 is formulated for air cooled engines (tending to run hotter than other types of engines). Use Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 | ||
| Moosestang |
15w50 is the mobil 1 automotive oil. You'll see it mentioned often if you google Motorcycle oil vs. auto oil. Many Harley owners use it. | ||
| Moosestang |
The manual only talks about using 10w40 below 40*F. I'm sure it will work fine above that and put a little more power down, but I run the heaviest weight that's acceptable. If I ran a 10w40, I'd have to change it more often, it will shear to a 30 weight in no time. My ford specs 5w20, but I use 5w30. Why you ask? Because in South American the same engine specs 5w30 and I live in Florida, which is almost South America. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I have been running Red Line M/C oil for the last year+. 10W-40 for Winter and 20W-50 for the rest of the year. I ride pretty much year round except when there's ice on the roads. Just passed the 24k mile mark a few days ago. Zack | ||
| Rogo66 |
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| Peter_nikols |
Hey Xelerator, I'm glad you brought up that point about air cooled engines. I always wondered why Harley suggested 20W50 for all their products. There should be a different weight for liquid cooled bikes (a.k.a. Buells, V-Rods). What's the diff between the 4T Racing Oil and the standard Mobile 1 10W40? Thanks Peter | ||
| Jeepinbueller |
Thanks for the help guys ... I just talked to a tech at my local dealer (Batley) who called the MC ... they came with dino oil from the factory (I'm assuming HD360). Which means I'll be getting Rotella 15W-40 or 20W-50 if they make it. I'll be keeping it dino until around 1500 miles where I'll switch to a full-synth, following the regular maintenance schedule thereafter. Thanks for the help fellas. | ||
| Jdugger |
What's wrong with Syn3? It's recommended, it's a decent oil, and I have 40,000 HARD EARNED miles on my track bike that tells me it's completely decent stuff. You only need 3 quarts, and you are only changing it every 6,000 miles if you are on the street. It's not expensive to go with what's recommended. | ||
| Ysracer |
Rotella is only available in 15w-50 in the dino blend, 5w-40 in the synthetic blend. Like Zac4Mac, I generally use Red Line once I move to synthetics. (Message edited by ysracer on March 05, 2010) (Message edited by ysracer on March 05, 2010) | ||
| Syonyk |
What's wrong with Syn3? It's recommended, it's a decent oil, and I have 40,000 HARD EARNED miles on my track bike that tells me it's completely decent stuff. But... but... but..... it HAS to be bad, it's what HARLEY recommends! Yes, there are "better" oils than Syn3. But it's still a perfectly acceptable motorcycle oil. | ||
| Blake |
You're in MD, where it is chilly and likely to remain so for a while. Going by the owner's manual, https://www.buell.com/om/99480-10Y_en/file-6.asp#h dtopic007160 I'd probably go with a good name brand synthetic in a W40 grade. If that's not available, then a W50 grade synthetic. | ||
| Hootowl |
From the manual: Engine oil is a major factor in the performance and service life of the engine. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest temperature expected before the next scheduled oil change. Your authorized dealer has the proper oil to suit your requirements. Refer to Recommended Engine Oils. Buell recommends using Screamin' EagleŽ SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant when adding or changing oil. If SYN3 is not available and addition of motor oil is required, H-D 360 SAE 20W50 may be used. Although H-D 360 is compatible with SYN3, we suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible. If SYN3 or H-D 360 are not available, the final option would be to add a synthetic 15W-50 oil that meets SG and JASO MA specifications. We again suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible. At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil. Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a) End Quote The bit about changing back to SYN3 at the earliest possible moment is in reference to BLENDING different brands/grades of oil when topping up, which can sometimes react with each other. Doing a complete oil change with an oil other than SYN3 is perfectly acceptable. | ||
| Blur |
I'm running the dino valvoline 10W40 and its running great. Just use something that isn't energy conserving and you'll be fine. | ||
| Black |
Well, As a long time (and very satisfied) customer of Frederick Buell.....I would have no problem following their recommendations. But if that ain't good enough, take a walk across the parking lot and go to their race shop, and ask them. | ||
| Tbenson |
www.rodandcustommagazine.com/0703rc_motor_oil/inde x.html | ||
| Metalrabbit |
Support Hugo Chavez and run Harleyzoil! (Message edited by metalrabbit on March 06, 2010) | ||
| Eece_ret |
Lets make this easy.... Citgo used to be owned by 7-11 and Venezuela state Petro. 7-11 sold off their share, VSP became sole owner. So... Citgo = Venezuela Petro. Venezuela Petro = Venezuela State owned Petro Co. Venezuelan Gov. = Radical Commy nut jobs. So put it all together... Syn3 = Citgo Supporting Citgo = Supporting Radical Commy nut job. That pretty much sums up why I will not buy Syn 3. | ||
| Cataract2 |
05 XB9SX. Mobil 1 15/50 for 50,000 miles. No issues. |
