Synthetics and Harley Davidson bikes is a topic of much discussion. Harley, like most auto manufacturing companies, refused to accept synthetics for years. It was only recently that HD, the last remaining American manufacturer to still ostracize synthetic oil, finally came out with their own synthetic. So, the company that refused to accept synthetics for 100 years finally has their own; SYN3.
Buy your bike from a good, quality bike manufacturer. Buy your oil from a good, quality, synthetic oil manufacturer. If you want to know the facts regarding motorcycle oil, please take a few minutes to view the online presentation "A Study Of Motorcycle Oil". This motorcycle oil presentation is exhaustive, and provides good third party information. The new Harley Davidson Syn3 has now been tested as well. It didn't do so well.
I'm sure you've heard the debate about synthetic oil impacting your warranty. It's illegal for a manufacturer to void a warranty based on the brand of oil used. It's called the Magnusson Moss Act. You can read it here, as well as the Amsoil warranty on oil and filters. Basically, manufacturers cannot specify a BRAND of oil, as long as the oil meets specifications.
You still read a lot of misinformation, but now you have access to the facts. For example, in 2007 the Harley Davidson Enthusiast magazine, which I subscribe to, had this question from a reader. “Would I void the warranty if this lubricant is not specified in the H-D owner’s manual?”
The editor's answer; “SYN3 is the only synthetic motor oil that does not impact your 24-month, unlimited-mile factory warranty.” Of course, this is NOT TRUE. The next issue of the magazine, they had received dozens of replies objecting, and even a reply from Dean Alexander, VP at Amsoil. The Enthusiast clarified the issue in an interview with the Lubricants Category Manager at Harley, Mr. Larry Gutjahr. “No, that’s not true. We cannot and would not void a warranty for use of another brand of oil." Larry Gutjahr, P&A Lubricants Category Manager, Harley-Davidson.
There have been millions of miles put on Harley Davidson motorcycles using Amsoil. Any remaining concerns should be resolved by reviewing the test information mentioned here, as well as the warranty information. Amsoil is also now the official Harley oil of Sturgis, and Daytona Bike week, so the tide is turning. Amsoil is also the oil sponsor of the AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike race at Daytona, for those who don't hate sportbikes.
To access the online product selector please check the Amsoil product selector. This will help determine the correct air filter, oil filter and synthetic oil for most motorcycles including; Harley, Buell, all the Asian bikes, Aprila, KTM, Ducati, Cagiva, Indian, Moto Guzzi, BMW, BSA as well as snowmobiles, ATVs and watercraft.
AMSOIL has synthetic oil products that riders have been using in v-twins for years. Amsoil also manufacturers chrome oil filters for your Harley needs. There are two basic approaches to running AMSOIL synthetic in a big twin. One oil meets the specs for all three uses;
SAE 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
(MCV)
High Performance Lubricant for Engines, Transmissions and Primary Chaincases
Some riders prefer to match the oil weights to the different needs. These riders usually go with something like this; 20W-50 oil in the crankcase, AMSOIL synthetic 10W-40 oil in the primary chaincase, and AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube in the transmission.
Personally, I run the 20w-50 in all three cases, and it's been working great. This year I rode through Dragon's Tail, all over Arkansas, and local riding as well.
Amsoil Synthetic Oil also offers a synthetic 2-stroke oil, as well as a full line of Harley Davison oil filters in both black and chrome.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) is a
premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for
their motorcycles. AMSOIL MCV is the result of extensive research, and it is
specially formulated to excel in all areas unique to motorcycles, including high
temperatures of air-cooled engines such as Harley Davidson® V-Twin, wet clutch
lubrication, extreme pressure regions of gears and chains and rust common to
short trips and storage.
Here are my bikes;
Dyna, at Deal's Gap. Limited edition "Blade" radical paint; 1 of only 200 made. this is a 100 year anniversary HD. Of course, it's running AMSOIL.
2008 Nightster with Vance and Hines "short shots" and forward controls. With the 2003 "100 anniversary" Dyna, somewhere in Arkansas. Nightster has fuel injection and the chip has been flashed to support the Short Shots. Here is a close up of the Short Shots on a Sportster, from the V&H site (below).
V&H Short Shots on a Nightster.
88 Dyno certified HP. Looks good, runs like a bat, not too comfortable. I paid attention to the all Harley drags in KC, and I think this bike could have took the Sportster division. There was one other contender in KC while we owned this bike. Sold it to someone in Springfield, MO. The 2 into 1 Vance and Hines pipe sounded CRAZY. We rode with about 15 bikes, from Ducati's and BMW's to Indians and HD's and when we pulled in for gas, everyone came over to look at this bike 'cause of the nasty sounds it was singin'. This bike was built and owned by Cody at St. Joseph Harley Davidson. St. Joe HD is my favorite, great dealer and great service operation. Not like some others I won't name in KC. .... but if you want to know, email me.
Big bore kit, Keith Black high top pistons and rods, all the cheesecake. Carb, not injected.