What type of oil does a harley davidson use

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You may be asking yourself. What synthetic engine oil can I use for my Harley Davidson? No doubt it gains lots of attention wherever you go… and you should be proud of it. So as the owner, you naturally want and have to maintain it well. An essential maintenance rituals involves a regular change, using the best oil available. While there’s lots of controversy and opinions about using conventional or synthetic oils for motorbikes, Harley Davidson manufacturers now suggest and support using synthetic lubricants for your bike.

In A Hurry – Here’s Our Top Picks

What synthetic engine oil can I use for my Harley?

Synthetic engine oil not only keeps motorcycles cool but also cools cars and lawnmowers. And as its particles remain suspended and unsettled, it traps more contaminants. This, in turn, prevents particles from settling as sludge to the bottom of your engine to facilitate increased lubrication and better mileage.

These engines are exposed extreme heat and as it’s air-cooled, it tends to get even hotter when it remains idle because of a traffic jam. It can, in fact, reach temperatures that are a maximum of 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

The increased heat leads to a viscosity which in turn affects the oil’s lubricating qualities. Besides, water and all the combustion by-products also form a sludge which is why synthetics have to be periodically changed to eliminate these remove these impurities. Synthetic oils have additives that withstand these containments to facilitate prolonged change intervals.

How to choose the best synthetic engine oil

The next question that springs to mind is with so many brands and types of lubricants in the market, you wonder what oil is best for your Harley Davidson. You need to use synthetics with a very high viscosity index (VI) number, which is the top and low-temperature performance of oils. It is the VI that tells you how much the oil tends to thin out when it gets hot. It is the oils with a higher VI that maintain viscosity better at elevated temperatures.

It’s possible to narrow down your choice by investing in an oil fill cap with a built-in thermometer to monitor your oil temperatures. After recording temperatures of different oils while driving in both highway speeds and low/idle speeds, you’ll realise it’s time to switch to using Amsoil motorcycle oil. This is because you will notice a drop of 30-40 degrees once you start using the oil.

1. Benefits and Reasons for using Amsoil Synthetic Motorcycle oil

Pros

• It is rust-resistant making your Harley rust-free.
• The oil extends the life of your engine and other internal parts.
• The oil also extends the life of your clutch and also helps it to work efficiently.
• You will enjoy a smooth and secure transmission of your bike.
• It has a high viscosity that provides better lubrication and it offers more protection against wear and tear.
• They also withstands extreme heat and pressure.

Cons

• It does not perform well when mixed with other oils.
• The oil drain interval changes if you use a modified or altered engine.

What we like

Although it’s is quite expensive, it comes with a ton of benefits that makes the price worth it.

Harleys have a lot of rigorous movements and shifts going on inside the engine. As such, when you are looking for oil to use on your bike, it should be an oil that can withstand pressure. Amsoil VTWIN Oil performs well under extreme pressure. It lubricates and protects it from extra pressurized activities.

Sometimes you may have a transmission problem when you are riding heavily. The performance of the engine and clutch may have a problem due to friction. Amsoil synthetics lubricate the parts and reduces friction and guarantees you a longer lifespan.

Due to the rigorous movements in the engine it generates a lot of heat. The fact that it is an air-cooled bike can make the heat go even higher, especially when idling. As such, you require an oil that can withstand the extreme heat.

Amsoil synthetic oil works to cool it down when it heats up and can withstand extreme temperatures, thereby providing protection. Its molecules do not break down when exposed to a lot of heat.

The molecules then remain suspended in the engine, offering the much-needed lubrication. Additionally it has a viscosity that enables it to flow effortlessly around and will provide your engine with enough lubrication even in cold weather and during startups.

As you look for oil for your bike the cost is a crucial factor to consider. Not just the initial cost of purchase, but also the cost of changing the oil. Amsoil can withstand extreme heat and pressure. As such, you will have extended intervals of oil drain. Thus, you will save a lot in terms of maintenance costs.

Additionally, the molecules are always suspended in the engine and they never settle down to form sludge as this helps to keep it clean.

It also comes with cleaning properties that help to keep the engine clean. As the oil flows it collects and eliminates deposits. This keeps your engine clean which increases its durability and performance. Plus the oil is rust-resistant which keeps it free from rust.

What we do not like

• If you mix the Amsoil lubricant with other types of oils, its performance is affected.
• It comes at a high price that may be a challenge for some users.

A Little more on Amsoil for my Harley Davidson

Another option is asking several Harley riders using Amsoil synthetic motorcycle oil for their experience, and you will get a positive Amsoil endorsement from them. They will vouch by experience that the oil very efficiently reduces heat by up to forty degrees. Besides, Amsoil is versatile oil which you can utilize in not only in the engine but can also keep the primary chain cases and transmission clean. So Amsoil helps lubricate and protect all these components, which is why it’s famous for providing the best protection for motorcycles.

Another benefit of using Amsoil in your Harley Davidson is that its synthetic oil with great value. The oil can be utilized for a longer time when compared to other lubricants. You need to change it after more than twice the time suggested by the manufacturer. So you indirectly also end up saving money as you needn’t change the oil as frequently as other popular oils.

Amsoil is formulated using the best synthetic base oil and additives that prevent the formation of deposits in high temperatures. This in turn is how the oil protects your motorcycle so that it performs well in any operating condition. It effectively withstands oxidation and any deterioration of the oil because of heat. It is these features that help minimise wear and tear, reduce oil consumption, and keep contaminants suspended and to keep the engine contaminant free and maintained at low temperatures all the time.

Besides, as Amsoil is approved for use in any stage of engine life, including the first service, you can use it as soon as you get your Harley. You can even use it as first fill on receiving your bike as it’s not detrimental to engine break-in. It’s, in fact, better to use Amsoil if you ride your motorcycle hard, in dusty conditions or during cold winter wherein you needn’t change your motorcycle oil and filter that often.

2. Mobil1 Synthetic Motorcycle oil

Bestseller No. 1

Mobil 1 V-Twin 20 W50 112630 Pack of 6 Quarts

• Full synthetic motorcycle oil for four-cycle, air-cooled V-Twin type motorcycle engines
• Protects against engine wear and transmission wear, and superb shear stability

Pros

• Mobil 1 V-Twin offers you a trouble-free and consistent performance.
• It is highly durable as it is made with high-quality materials.
• It is the right oil for your hardworking bike.
• You can enjoy optimal performance and protection even under extreme temperatures.
• It also stabilizes shear stress. It, therefore, maintains viscosity to ensure optimal performance and protection.
• Mobil 1 V-Twin resists oxidation of oil when it heats up.
• It does not disintegrate in high temperatures making it long-lasting.
• It prevents the formation of deposits and sludge keeping it clean.

Cons

• It is a bit on the expensive side compared to conventional oils.

What we like

The engine of the Harley is a 4-cycle produces a lot of power and is prone to heating up. It is also air-cooled, which tends to make it hotter than other brands. As such, you need a type of oil that can cool it down, that is why you should go for Mobil 1 lubricants.

It also resists any kind of reduction in quality due to the high temperatures. It does not break down even when the temperatures escalate. The molecules of the remain suspended in the engine and provide lubrication and protection to the moving parts.

The oil will reduce any adverse effects due to high temperatures. The fact that the Mobil 1 synthetic oil does not dissipate in high temperatures is also cost-effective. It means you will have fewer trips to the workshop to have your oil changed. So, it saves you a lot of maintenance costs.

Mobil 1 also enhances shear stability. Therefore, the oil maintains its viscosity, which helps to lubricate the parts of the engine. The viscosity also allows the oil to flow smoothly even when the temperatures are cold as it flows smoothly during startup, lubricating its parts The lubrication minimizes wear and tear of the engine parts, thereby extending its lifespan.

Mobil 1 is also resistant to oil oxidation. It prevents the formulation of any acids in the engine due to contamination. The acids might cause corrosion of the internal parts which reduces its life.

As the molecules of the oil remain suspended in the engine they trap any deposits and sludge. It also collects and eliminates all deposits in the engine leaving it clean and healthy.

What we do not like

• Mobil 1 V-Twin is more expensive compared to other oils.
• Some consumers complain of not getting the right quantity that they ordered.

A Little more on Mobil 1 for my Harley Davidson

Mobil motorcycle oils are entirely synthetic, high-performance oils that are designed to meet your motorcycles demanding needs. Mobil1 is especially helpful at protecting 4-cycle, V-twins, especially the air cooled ones that tend to run hotter than others.

Mobil1 flows exceptionally well even at low temperatures which reduce start-up wear. It is also instrumental at resisting any reduction or changes in the oil because of increased temperatures and thus help prevent possible degradation of oil.

Mobil1 lubricants also useful for your Harley as it protects against any strain on the engine because of high temperatures and because of increased speed.

The oil is very helpful at stabilizing shear stress, which in turn can prevent a reduction in viscosity levels in high performance transmissions and engines like in your motorcycle. The oil also is also famous for maintaining stable temperatures which is useful at preventing oxidation and deterioration of the oil due to increased temperatures.

Besides Mobil 1 provides improved lubrication which is essential for providing utmost strength and speed throughout the engines life. It is a combination of all these features that help Mobil1 provide outstanding protection against engine and transmission components. Now that you know which synthetic oil is best for you, it’s now your turn to endorse the product when someone else turns to you for advice!

FAQs

Can I use car oil in my Harley?

If the oil is of good quality, then you can use it on your Harley. However, the oil should be SJ rated as it may end up destroying the roller bearings.

The best oil to use on your bike should be labeled as motorcycle oil. But, you can use motor oil as long as it does not contain modifiers such as friction modifiers.

Though you can use the motor oil on your bike, its use should not be consistent. You can use it when you do not have any other option or when you put it accidentally. But, if you use motor oil, you should not wait until the next drain interval. It would be best if you changed it as soon as possible.

Note, car oil and motorbike oil have similarities in function. They both offer lubrication to the moving parts. For the motorbike, the engine and the transmission are one unit as the motor oil that you use should flow freely for lubrication.

Can I use fully synthetic oil in my motorcycle?

You can choose to use conventional, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic oil in your motorcycle however it’s expensive. A lot of research and processes are involved in formulating them. But, they are worth the cost as they offer the best results.

First, fully synthetic oils do not degenerate fast and you will enjoy a more extended drain interval period which is cost-effective.

Also, it offers the best protection for your bike. During startup and in cold weather, the oil flows fast to lubricate the engine parts. This minimizes friction and wear as the oil also does not dissipate when its hot. Thus, your engine will have optimal protection even when it heats up.

And also ensures your engine is clean and healthy protecting it from rust and corrosion.

Should I use synthetic oil in my Harley Davidson?

A Harley contains a 4 cycle engine that produces a lot of power as it generates a lot of heat, plus  it’s air-cooled. Air-cooled engines as they run hotter than other types which require an oil that will act as a coolant.

If you use conventional oil, it will break down when the engine is hot as it will not cool the engine or offer lubrication when it’s hot.

S0 you should use synthetic lubricants in your motorbike. The oil cools your engine, and it does not break down under high temperatures. The oil will protect your engine and also guarantee you a prolonged service interval.

What oil does Harley recommend?

The type of oil that you use on your Harley should be motorcycle oil. Although you can temporarily use motor oil, it may end up damaging your bike.

If you want an oil to use in all weather conditions they recommend that you should use SAE 20W50.

For low temperatures, Harley recommends SAE 10W40, which prevents low-temperature issues. Also, use SAE 60 H-D for high temperatures that are more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is good about synthetic oil?

Conventional oils are made from refining crude oil. That means they do not contain any additives. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are human-made. They come with additives that meet the specific needs of your engine.

The additives help to offer you superior protection compared to conventional oils. Some of the additives include thermal and cleaning properties. They also provide better protection against wear, and they have a high viscosity. They also reduce friction and prevent rust.

Why go for Mobil 1 synthetic oil for your Harley Davidson bike?

Mobil 1 offers a high level of protection for your bike. As a Harley is a hardworking bike, it requires oil that will withstand extreme pressure and heat. Mobil 1 withstands extreme heat because it comes with thermal properties.

The properties prevent the oil from disintegrating under high temperatures. Thus you get optimal protection and performance. Mobil 1 also comes with additives that make your engine clean and healthy as the oil collects and eliminates any deposits preventing the formation of sludge.

Are synthetic oils suitable for long-distance riding or “stop-start” riding?

Synthetic oil starts working as soon as the engine starts and have a viscosity that allows them to flow easily as when you start your engine the oil quickly flows to lubricate and protect against wear and tear.

If your journeys are mostly short your engine has no time for warming up. Short distances include going to school or the shop and so on. The quick flow protects your engine from wear in such distances.

On the other hand, you may be a long-distance runner covering many miles on the highway. Your Harley will heat up during such long-distance rides and helps to keep the motor cool. It also provides protection since it does not disintegrate in high temperatures.

Do synthetic oils offer value for money?

Yes, they do. They come at a higher price than that of conventional oils. The reason why it costs more is because of its artificial formulation as a lot of research and development has gone into these products.

So is the high price justified?

They come with a lot of benefits that make the cost justified. Unlike conventional oils, they come with additives that enhance performance and protection. Synthetic oils can help to keep your engine clean and healthy like it is new.

The enhanced performance of your engine also saves you a lot of fuel costs. You also have fewer intervals of oil drainage, which also saves you money.
Although they may cost you more upfront it will save you more in the long run. It also gives you more benefits than conventional oils that are cheaper.

Last update on 2022-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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