| Author | Message | ||
     Syonyk |
It now seems that Amsoil is causing "carbon buildup" in Harley motors. The local dealership told me this when I asked how much an oil change would be if I brought my own oil & filter in, with an implied "You're gonna wreck your motor if you put anything but Genuine Harley Oil in it." I decided not to do this due to their $60 price to drain & pour. A bit of a mess on my garage floor later... I called the good dealership to check on some other stuff I had on order, and they'd heard of this as well, but didn't put much weight in it. Anyone else hear anything about this? Or is Harley just pissed that Amsoil is funding those "goofy plastic jap-clone rice rockets" that Harley was Truly Wise to get rid of? Or would they really rather get the profits from their Genuine Harley Davidson Oil to cover for declining sales? (either way, I'm running Amsoil in my Buells) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Somebody at Harley is sending out talking points. Do full synthetics still flat spot your roller bearings because they have "too little friction" now that Harley is selling full synthetic oil? Or did those physics change when Harley had a synthetic product?  | ||
| Froggy |
I thought I've heard it all! Some dealers will sell Amsoil in addition to the Syn3 due to its popularity. | ||
| Ljm |
That's the party line. Keep in mind that these are the same type of folks who told me that if I change the pipes on my Electraglide I would have to do their reflash and buy the screaming eagle intake or my warranty was void (I don't have one). My response: no thanks, I'll load the map myself, and will find an intake system I like better that is cheaper. Guess I'll have to deal with the buildup later though from the Amsoil its run all its life. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Amsoil will F up your muffler bearing and Knutsen valve too!  | ||
| Syonyk |
Do full synthetics still flat spot your roller bearings because they have "too little friction" now that Harley is selling full synthetic oil? Or did those physics change when Harley had a synthetic product? Nah, see, Syn3 is *just the right amount* of slippery. It's not as slippery as those /other/ synthetic oils, but it's slipperier than the old, crappy, non-synthetic Harley oil that was the best stuff on the planet until their engineers invented synthetic oil (or, rather, a synthetic blend). I never quite understood "roller bearing skate." If they're skating on an oil film, doesn't that imply they're not wearing anyway? If it's skating, it's not metal to mental contact. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Apparently there is such a thing as roller bearing "skate", but the SKF guide I found on-line refers to it as "smear", and it apparently doesn't have anything to do with synthetic oil. It can result from inadequate lubrication, or from excessive clearance. If a roller bearing has too much clearance, the rollers under load spin while the rollers on the opposite side of the bearing lose contact with one or both races and stop turning. When the rollers come around to the load side of the bearing again they skid for a short distance before they start turning again. This eventually wears flat spots on the rollers until they won't turn at all and the bearing soon fails completely. Here's the SKF paper if anyone's interested: http://www.kamandirect.com/resources/2010/download s/skf_bearing_failureandcauses.pdf I got interested in the subject when the front rod bearing on my 07 Uly failed at ~29,000 miles (25,000 of those miles on Mobil 1 V-twin 20W-50 synthetic). | ||
| Court |
Let me guess........ "engineering" data from the folks who tried to convince us that louder was more powerful and black was faster. Ooooooookay | ||
| Syonyk |
More powerful engines are louder. That's correlation! Everyone knows that. So if you make your engine louder, you make it more powerful! And the more louder it is, the more powerful it is! I mean, it TOTALLY feels awesome when you pull back on the throttle and BRABRABRABRA and everyone turns and goes "What is THAT???" (apologies to South Park). Something something correlation does not equal causation something. Hughlysses: Thanks, I was not aware that it was an actual failure mode of bearings. *reads excitedly* Still doesn't seem like something that "too slick of oil" would cause, though... | ||
| Hughlysses |
Syonyk- I agree- "too slick" oil doesn't enter into it. | ||
| Dennis_c |
Court black is faster  | ||
| Court |
I had to call four Harley-Davidson dealerships last week looking for parts for a Buell owner visiting from Russia. Two of the four would top my list of the worst customer experiences imaginable. I think they have problems now and that their problems will get much worse. It's a basic lack of competency. I was going to take my bike to a dealer to have some spring service done. . . but now I've decided to let the bike sit until I have time to do it myself. Dealerships can be very scary and are one of the last places I'd get technical information. | ||
| Syonyk |
The major reason I still own a Buell (and, in fact, 3 at this point) is Santa Fe Buell. They're the least "Harley" Harley dealership I've ever been to. Most of the staff rides not-Harleys, a good number of them do track days together, and one of their service guys is somewhere north of 80k miles on an 08 1125R. They were the ones who helped me work out the random odd issues with my 1125R (cluster draw, clutch weep, etc), and brought it up to the bike it was designed to be, instead of an annoying bike that couldn't hold a charge over the weekend. All the other Harley dealerships I've been to sucked. | ||
| Court |
Where can I buy Amsoil in the NYC area? EDIT: Never mind . . . easy to order online. (Message edited by court on April 09, 2011) | ||
| Ljm |
Court, The NAPA outlets here in Alaska just started carrying Amsoil. Prior to this, just available through the distributors. Maybe they are expanding the network. Larry | ||
| Black |
Hey Court! Black really is faster......(I couldn't resist.) | ||
| X1_lightning |
Hey Court, I'm in WV we met you at the 3rd annual Buell rally in West Virginia we had the 2000 X1 lightning millinum Edtion. My husband and I just became amsoil dealers and you could order through us if you would like, You can call 304 612 4235 Todd or Angie, It would still be sent to you.If any1 else is intrested please call. | ||
| Court |
Hahahaha . . I remember that very well and, buried here somewhere, have some fabulous photos of that bike . . that was a gorgeous X1. I'm enjoying the heck out of reading about this Amsoil, the company's history and the wide range of products. I've been looking to add a car and the first thing I did today was to check all the various fluids that Amsoil has. Amazing company and thanks for the "heads up" that we have Buell owners who are dealers. | ||
| X1_lightning |
Hey court, just wanted to let you know that we did some customizing on our X1 and replaced oil and fuel lines, polished swingarm and started running amsoil in our engine and primary and re went for a long ride Sunday and it seems to run cooler. We entered our bike in a motorcycle show for United Way this pass Sat. and won 2nd place, we had to beat out custom painted harleys, 3 wheelers, goldwings. Another win for the Buellers. Are you going to get to make it the 5th and final WV Buell Rally this year. | ||
| X1_lightning |
I'm not sure where I just read it but I will find it that Amsoil is reccommened for the Buell motorcycles. When I find it I will post. | ||
| Syonyk |
I'm pretty sure Amsoil is recommended for /all/ motorcycles (all engines, for that matter)... and Harley is just, as usual, trying to play in their own little sandbox of reality where they make incredibly awesome motorcycle and fluids, and anyone who wants anything different just can't afford a Real Motorcycle(TM) yet. | ||
| Mog |
West Virginia Buell rally? As usual, I am late to the game. Please, where, when and duration.  | ||
| Yamafreak |
w50 Amsoil in both hole's, the XT and me love the stuff. | ||
| X1_lightning |
For the West Virginia Buell Rally info go to the Storm Fronts and all the info is post this is the 5th and final Rally. It is always fun to attend because the people are great, helpful and alot of fun to be around. | ||
| Motorbike |
Back when my XT was nearing 1,000 miles, I asked the service manager at Wild Prairie H-D which oil he recommended. He said he highly recommends Amsoil 20w-50 so that's what I am running in both holes. So far so good. | ||
| Saxon59 |
Last night I finished replacing my Crank Shaft seal and filled my primary case with 20/50 Amsoil,while I was cleaning up I looked at the back of the oil bottle and noticed that it states "Excellent for roller bearings.Does not cause"skate" or"float".Buell is also listed along with many other brands that Amsoil is recommended for. | ||
| Rbbiggs |
Amsoil = Engine noise | ||
| Syonyk |
Strange. I was under the impression that "Amsoil = oil" - I clearly wouldn't have put "engine noise" into my crankcase instead of oil... Do you care to expand on that? | ||
| Ulyranger |
"Amsoil = Engine noise" Think I just heard a bare hook just hit the water....... Re: this Amsoil thing....how exactly does one usually go about purchasing said magic lubricants? I'm generally a shop off the rack kind of guy when it comes to routine maintenance stuff, I like the handle the stuff, read the label, go ooooo, before paying for said product. I'm basically aware of the company, probably have purchased some of their products over the years (actually been using their syn grease on my dirty bikes for awhile now) but when I visit the website for "Dealer search" it looks like it gives me someone's personal phone #. Is one expected just to call these folks, place an order? Or do they pass on local retailers? I'd rather not drive around playing oil roulette. Though I do have to seat test out the Uly's ECMs today......hmmm. Gotta support the team, so Amsoil it'll be from here on out. Plus the company itself has admirable history IMO. | ||
| Syonyk |
The local dealers usually are individuals - it's not uncommon for dealers to be selling Amsoil from their garage, or from a small business park location. Good or bad, that's how Amsoil runs their business. You can also order online. | ||
| Court |
>>>You can also order online. I do. I also got a nice letter from a couple who are the local distributor. It's a but of an older business model that they've executed very well. Most convincing were the technical papers I read on Amsoil. It's REALLY good stuff. By the way . . I went to their website . . . ordered a case and had it about 2 days later. Beats the heck (at least in NYC) of standing in line at the local auto parts store. | ||
| Ulyranger |
"Beats the heck (at least in NYC) of standing in line at the local auto parts store." Yeah, I remember from my limited time downstate. Good thing I've got a few real nice family run shops up here that are practically like a "Cheers" experience and I've never waited behind more than one person at the counter. I really like a joint where they remember you by name even when you haven't been in there for months. I'd like to support the team and the product IS top notch, so looks like I've got some calls to make..... | ||
| Court |
The more I read about Amsoil, the more impressed I am. The story behind it is compelling and interesting. I'm pleased to see them teamed up with Erik Buell Racing. Face it . . oil, like tires and some other carmodities . . is pretty much all good. We're light years beyond the day when you could really buy "bad" oil. API specifications and technology has provided marked improvements in lubricants. Trying to argue if Mobil 1 or Amsoil is the "best" synthetic lubricant is pretty much a waste of time. I've seen some of the testing done and it's nothing short of amazing. I was also pleased with the Amsoil purchase experience and I like that they, on their website, provide a full list of everything I need for each vehicle. | ||
| Preybird1 |
I buy from the local "guy" also. He has a better price on the oils and lubes i need than any of the dealer around here. You can become a dealer for as little as $50.00 bucks. I like there dominator water cooler and there octane booster as well. Al Amatuzio formulated the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet API service requirements for automobile engines. The new lubricant performed like no other before it. When the first can of AMSOIL 10W-40 appeared on the market in 1972, it signaled the birth of an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have expanded the boundaries of lubrication science and redefined the performance possibilities of modern machinery and engines. Al Amatuzio's induction to the Lubricants World Hall of Fame is the ultimate tribute to the man who started it all. He is firmly established among the giants who have shaped the industry. Al Amatuzio's desire for technical innovation, his commitment to higher quality and his belief that consumers respond to superior products remain the core of the AMSOIL philosophy. |
