What oils are good for your Harley Davidson

[@tjzulu1]

I bought a 2017 Ultra Limited with only 1800 miles on it and began using Amsoil immediately....it's all I use!! Good stuff!!!

[@CarlGraber-kt7ps]

I've been using Castrol gtx 20 50 for the last 35 years in 6 different harleys in all three holes and never a problem and no ticks! Change every 5000. Kilometers along with a Fram chrome filter. The last two harleys had over 70,000 miles each and the ones before that over 60,000 miles on them! Your milage may vary but I'm sticking with Casrtrol gtx 20w50!

[@scottwheaton9689]

Rocker lockers along with a fan assist oil cooler & Spectro semi blend gold cap 20w-50 made my twin cams valve train quiet all the time on my 09 twin cam then Hd syn3,m1 v-twin & amsoil full syn did. Since you like conventional castrol GTX 20w-50 in your Hd try their latest version of GTX 20w-50 thats got higher zinc/phos lvl (meant for classic car motors with ft cams & lifters) to better protect the hd’s valve train & motor from the excessive heat they generate that can cause the viscosity breakdown your talking about resulting in noisy valve train & lower oil pressure too. Adding the Ultra Cool twin fan assist oil cooler that reduced my twin cans oil temp 45- 50deg in summer heat is a huge help that stopped detonation,increased oil psi by 5-7lbs at idle & cruise,helped quiet valvetrain along with spectro’s semi blend(not syn!) gold top 20w-50 while also reducing heat felt from the motor & retaining all the power/trq & crisp throttle response it’s used to loose in summer heat too.Hot starts like post fueling in summer heat we’re also much faster because motor:starter & battery weren’t as hot/heat soaked anymore too. Spending the money to buy & install the dual cooling fan oil cooler,rocker lockers & Spectro semi blend oil was the best money I spent vs positive results on my twin cam Hd that improved its driveability & riding enjoyment by a huge amount.oh,I also installed XIED’s with adjustable resistors to slightly fatten/richen up the idle & lower speed cruise fuel calibration to help reduce engine temp,smooth idle a bit & likely helped off idle throttle resp a smidge too on my 09 twin cam. I also use Spectro prim case & trans oil specifically designed for hd’s prim & 6spd trans too making it easy to find neutral too,trans is full syn & prim oil is conven 85wt(?) & the 20w50 gold cap semi blend is also specifically formulated & designed for hd’s too. Spectro has been batch blending high quality oil for motorcycles/racing bikes since the mid to late 50’s having a good rep,it’s avail online from Dennis Kirk,eBay,from some local shops & from the mfg/Spectro in CT too.This is all coming from my 5decades of 1st hand Exp wrenching/rebuilding & restoring American muscle cars & motorcycles in general having that experience to draw on posting here.

[@Righound4]

I changed my primary chain tensioner a few years ago and switched to John Deere hygaurd oil in the primary because that’s what I had on hand. Very happy with the clutch feel, and inspection looks great after 6000m

[@TheKellisunshyne]

This is very interesting. You're an undercover Mcgyver!!

[@paullesho2693]

I use Amsoil 10-40 in my Evo's and Amsoil V Twin 20-50 in my twin cam. The engine heat is very noticeably lower. My FLHTCUI got 38 mpg with the screaming eagal. Went to 42 + with the Amsoil. Toured through the mountains on the big bike filled it 50 miles later it took 1 gallon. to fill it back, I was not getting on it never took it out of 5 th gear as not to lug it . yes the Oil makes a huge difference and the way you ride in the Harleys.

[@badlsxgarage]

Absolutely!!

[@leonsly9026]

Red line 20-60 synthetic. Stoped my twin cam top end noise. Good sh*t.

[@xn5882]

I am a Chinese person and I don't have as much money as you do, so my used Harley usually uses 20W50 truck full synthetic motor oil. A barrel contains 17 liters, and I don't really feel much of a difference in its performance. It costs only a little over 250 Chinese yuan per barrel, which is about 30 US dollars.😂

[@richrobinette2117]

My buddy, who owns his own garage, does custom builds, and works on Harley's said Shaeffer's. I haven't tried it yet, as I have only had my Harley for about a year. But I will be trying it. Schaeffer Extreme V-Twin Synthetic Plus 20W-50 Racing Oil. I think they also make oils for the other 2 holes as well

[@AngelaBush-mt8vd]

For sharing with us I needed to know I’m tired of spending good money over and over for shit that don’t work!!!! I just got a used heritage beautiful bike and I’m so in love with her and want her to run at her best …so thanks

[@badlsxgarage]

No problem ✌️

[@ccrdispatch]

Love my Spectro oil. Came highly recommended by engine builder. Also ran into guy racing HD's and started using Spectro. Went from rebuilding every year to every 4 years. My bike ticked almost sounded like knocking. Put spectro oil and never run so quite. Also found out all of BMW oil is made by Spectro. Little hard to locate some times. But worth it, won't use any else.

[@ronwigginton3880]

I've got an oil change kit from Klotz I'll be using next oil change. Used it back in the day. Great oil then and should be now

[@adambenton6309]

I run wix filters on my Harley’s. I buy them from rock auto 10 at a time for less than $10 each. Great filters!!

[@brucesantacory1390]

Mobil 1 is made by the Mobil/Exxon corp and Syn3 is made by the Sun oil Company (Sunoco) I'm going to Try Amsoil for the 1st time this year myself.

[@badlsxgarage]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it does. I know I am.

[@Eric_A.]

I've had my 2005 Electraglide for a couple of years now. I used the Syn3 the first time I changed the oil simply because it was an H-D product. Before I did my 2nd oil change, I did a bit of research and decided to go with a brand that had 3 specific formulations for the primary, transmission & engine. I went with Red Line 20W50 synthetic, and it seemed that my bike shifted better and overall, just ran better. I'm ready for another oil change and I'm going to stick with that line of lubricants. I prefer the K&N filter.

[@elguapo8751]

What do you do for the extra 6 ounces for the transmission? I used the redline kit for my 2000 Deuce last time I changed the oils. I want to use the same for my 2014 Street Glide Special I bought last year with only 1300 miles (showroom condition). This bike takes 38 oz on the transmission but it’s weird how the kit has extra motor oil but not enough transmission oil🤔.

[@Eric_A.]

@@elguapo8751 I didn’t buy the kit. I purchase individual quarts from Cycle Gear.

[@morrisdennis]

Tried amsoil noisy lifters, wont use it again. I tried aviation 20w50 it worked excellent. The m8 luvs conventional oil imo...

[@billbalyx8799]

Have used syn3 in all holes since 2013, over 160,000kms. never had an issue

[@snakebite6511]

I used to use Syn3 in my 3 Harley's and i stopped a few years ago. One is a 2021 Street Glide so i had to use the Harley oil, but on my other 2 bikes its been Amsoil and now that the Street Glide is off warranty, it will never see Syn3 again, its an awesome oil, a bit pricy but i dont care, its awesome and no more pricey than Syn3 and far superior. I also dont change my tranny oil every oil change interval, usually every 2nd or 3rd but I use Amsoil Transmission oil in the tranny. I also use a Flo reusable oil filter, runs cooler (about 10 degrees on average) since i started using it last year

[@ernicruz3631]

800 miles and it looks like that! I use an oil flush method with the puck on the filter and a pick up tube in a qt of oil. This helps clear all old oil out and my oil holds its amber color well into 1500 miles.

[@scottkinkead6324]

I strongly urge you to give bel-ray oils a try been using for quite awhile now with absolutely no complaints

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

10:00 Lookie them tractor trailer drivers.... BACKIN UP !!! 🤣😂🤣

[@badlsxgarage]

you are the only person that’s caught it! 😂😂😂

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

@@badlsxgarage 🤣🤣👍😎

[@ronwigginton3880]

@@badlsxgarage No he wasn't. Us truck drivers noticed it right away! 🤣

[@morrisdennis]

I tried silkolene my m8 absolutely luved it...

[@717Chris]

All three holes changed on the jiffy stand?

[@maxxbenzz7842]

My local HD speed shop owned by a 30 year mechanic of HD and Indian only runs Red Line 20w 60 in his builds. I guess everyone has different opinions. Gotta use what works best for you.

[@badlsxgarage]

I agree. I can recommend what I like, but at the end of the day it’s just my opinion. Different people get different results. That’s what makes this 🌍 spin. I have heard great things about redline oil as well.

[@archieanderson2945]

just and FYI ALL oils are the same Dino oil with the exception of viscosity and some additives, primarily for autos they put detergents in the oil. when i say all oil is the same it is but all but 5 brands, Pennzoil, Quaker state, Walmart and all other name brands are the same we would retable the exact same oils, supplied by Shell North America. The 5 independent oil companies would be Big Red, Mobile, Amsoil, Royal purple and Lucas. My 1996 owners manual even states the use of 15/40 Diesel oils as it lacks detergents for wet clutches. I have used Diesel oils in all 3 holes for years with no issues.

[@dfc193]

Valvoline VR1 is what Feuling recommends in the M8. I'll go with what they say.

[@badlsxgarage]

I was giving my experience. I don’t go on what Fueling, JP cycles, Harley Davidson or anyone else says. Not that I have anything against anyone, but I go with what I know works in real life. If someone jumps off a cliff, I’m not jumping too. 😂😂😂 Good luck with your oil and filter✌️

[@mikelovestoride2367]

All Synthetics make more noise than conventional oil, Castrol Classic 20w50 is the Castrol oil you want because if it ZDDP package. GTX changed a while back and they reduced the zink and phos due to 02 sensors/ converters. Imo, The best conventional oil is Vavoline Vr1 racing oil , its has a very strong ant wear package. Ride safe!

[@jeffhennings6579]

I switched to Amsoil last year I swear by it way better than Harley oil I’m getting better mileage shifts better everything only oil I’ll be using

[@jasonbiggs173]

Where do you get the transmission oil at in what kind of transmission fluid

[@badlsxgarage]

I use Amsoil 20/50 in my transmission and my oil change. In my primary I use B&M trick shift atf, because I have i Energy One clutch and that’s what they recommend. I order the transmission fluid from Summit Racing.

[@ralphholzbach7562]

I've used amsoil in All my vehicles and have never had a problem 🎉my Harleys run cooler and cooler is better 😜

[@zeus9855]

Gotta do an oil analysts too really see what’s really going on. I use Lucas never had any issues decent price as well. Won’t use Amsoil it’s over priced and have seen a objective video to prove it’s better not a video made by amsoil.

[@markpatrick7072]

I’ve used Red Line oil and had good results.

[@badlsxgarage]

I’ve also heard good things about Red Line. Not used it, but so far I’m pleased with Amsoil.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Yup. Red Line. Outrageously expensive though.😮

[@tedshantz6193]

i use amsoil fyi something hd does not want u to know is there dinosaur oil is rated higher than there syn 3

[@Slking507]

No, it isn't. But neither are good.

[@BrianReichard]

Amsoil what do u think

[@morrisdennis]

Get a flo reusable oil filter it has heat sinks makes ur oil run 10° cooler....

[@jesseg573]

I just bought my first bike, im 20, 2001 harley roadking 5,400 miles 88 cu, what oil do u recommend and regular maintenance?

[@badlsxgarage]

@@jesseg573 Amsoil 20w50 is what I would recommend. For all 3 holes. But make sure whomever had the bike before you didn’t use gear oil in the primary. If they did, you will have to keep it as gear oil. If not, it could possibly mess up your clutch packs. Other than that, if all checks out Amsoil in all 3 holes! Good luck and be safe my friend 👍✌️

[@jesseg573]

@@badlsxgarage 🙏

[@johnmills1368]

I have a 1340 single cam evo. I don't want to use synthetic. Do you have any suggestions for primary and gearbox? I already use Castrol for motor oil

[@badlsxgarage]

@@johnmills1368 honestly, if you didn’t want to go synthetic, like Amsoil, I would go with Shell Rotella. I’m not sure if you can get it in 20w50 but in the past in older cars and bikes, I’ve had great luck out of 15w40 shell Rotella. Great oil!

[@johnmills1368]

Thank you

[@The1s2a3r]

i use drag specialties synthetic 20w50, amsoil severe gear, formula plus in primary. in 09 fxdfb 96" 255 s.e. bassanni 2n1, w/ a tune , no noise, pulls hard all day. in bc canada.

[@d.s.donahue5663]

Hmmm interesting about Lucas oil. Thats what ive ran in my 08 Road King for the last 3 years. Always comes out almost as clear as when i put it in.

[@gordonwrichert8240]

ams oil makes the right oil for every thing engine trans and primary the shop that rebuilt my valve train high recommend it if your valve train is ticking check the roller lifters that is what failed in mine from to much heat it took out everything

[@earlkozak6538]

I've had great luck with Amsoil V-Twin 20W50.

[@badlsxgarage]

Honestly, so far I am too. I will be doing a follow up video to this when it’s time. But so far I’m happy.

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

I tried Amsoil in my 12 Street Glide and around 2500 miles it was a quart and a half low.

[@badlsxgarage]

That can happen sometimes. If you have ran a particular oil for a time period, then replace it with something different…it can use or burn that new oil. I don’t know the reason behind it, but it does happen.

[@rolfhansen3427]

@@badlsxgarage Is syn 3 the best oil for Harley Davison , the 3 holes ?

[@gordonwrichert8240]

used syn three since new in my 2015 cvo blew the valve train out of the motor at 33000 km with regular service $ 6500.00 repair bill

[@shirajrasheed1430]

Motorex 20W50 Formula HD ( JASO MA2 ) for iron 883 2014 ??

[@morrisdennis]

I like bel-ray my main choice

[@TheKellisunshyne]

Hows the amsoil holding up?

[@Santos831x]

Yeah I just changed the oil on my dyna with Lucas and it’s starting to tick

[@badlsxgarage]

Should have watched my video first! 😂 sorry brother I hate to hear that. You know what to do!!

[@fernandotorres2103]

Never mind I was just going use Lucas oil

[@badlsxgarage]

@@fernandotorres2103 don’t do it!!! 😂

[@paulocrusius5288]

Can i use 15w50 full synthetic Gulf oil for hole 3 compartiments?

[@badlsxgarage]

Really depends on your bike, and riding conditions. If you ride in cold or hot weather. If your bike is worn down, with a few miles on her, I don’t think I would run 15w50. Not enough there to make of the difference and could possibly lead to engine chatter.

[@brettwicks7339]

Thanks for this video . Regarding the LUCAS oil being black , isn't that a sign that the oil is doing its job , and the cleaning agents in the oil are working and doing there job cleaning the internals of your motor ? I use PENRITE HPR30 in my engine - primary , and GULF WESTERN 80 - 140 full syn gearbox oil in my transmission in my new M8 LOWRIDER S . When Harley Davidson oil can't put the oil specs on there bottles, or any oil , I won't use it .

[@raybrensike42]

What about Liquimoly oil? Saw it on Dennis Kirk.

[@badlsxgarage]

Not sure. I’ve not really heard anything about it. I will have to look into it.

[@freebehindbars8654]

You used conventional Castrol? I found the same with Lucas, tbh I stopped using all of their products. The HD’s & personal truck have had Amsoil for the last decade, with everything else runs Castrol Edge or Power1. That Power1 is excellent in high rev sport bikes.

[@badlsxgarage]

No it was a 20w50 full synthetic from Castrol.

[@freebehindbars8654]

@@badlsxgarage 10-4, just going off the jug shown.

[@wyattstaas]

How about bel ray or red line engine oil

[@badlsxgarage]

I’ve not heard anything about bel ray in Harley’s. I have heard great things about Redline. If this is something people want to see, then I will check it out.

[@gregkeller80]

@@badlsxgaragebuddy is a Harley mechanic and when he went to mmi in Orlando they swore by bel ray…it’s all he uses.

[@badlsxgarage]

@@gregkeller80 I will have to do some research, and possibly check it out.

[@archieanderson2945]

Oil does not break down , what your hearing is the viscosity change in your oil. however when you talk about detergents that is a automotive oil not designed for bikes. ALL oils are supplied by Shell North America and in each viscosity the i=oils are exactly the same, when i used to deliver bulk oils we would just rebrand oils to different shops. Quaker State is the EXACT same oil as Pennzoil, Walmart, as well all other brands. There is 5 separate oil companies Mobile, Lucas, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Big RED. Oil will always turn black in a few hundred miles. The purpose of oil and a filter is to act as a medium for carbon deposits to float around in and circulate through a filter, this is the reason oils are dark to black. if you can find a cartage oil filter that is 1 micron, and you only change the filter and top up the oil. We truckers with this system get upwards to ONE MILLION miles without changing the oil,, just change the cartrige filter and top up the oil, it looks like the oil was just just changed but still has a million on it.

[@bikersoncall]

Your '1 micron' cartridge sounds like a great idea, but if your filter is stock and 4'' x6'', when you replace it with a 1 micron filter, wouldn't you need to go to a larger filter? I'm not finding a 1 micron filter for my Harley. Either way, your comment is informative and interesting. Are there any published lab studies to bear out your claim that ''oil does not break down'', (I've never heard anyone in my life make that statement)?

[@freebehindbars8654]

This comment is flawed at almost every sentence.

[@bikersoncall]

@@freebehindbars8654 You sound like you know what you're talking about so did the OP. Explain to us the 40+ sentences that are 'flawed'.

[@freebehindbars8654]

@@bikersoncall “Oil does not breakdown..” Absolutely does. Additive packages react differently to different applications, viscosity index has a direct correlation to the breakdown of the viscosity through heat cycles. Additives react to the change in viscosity and are lost (suspended/consumed/unavailable), essentially breaking down the viscosity and protective characteristics of the oil. I’d say that’s oil breaking down. He is correct about the auto oil and air cooled motorcycle oils being different.

[@freebehindbars8654]

@@bikersoncall “All oil are supplied by…” I could write an essay on how that’s nonsense.

[@aaronyork6173]

How did the Amsoil will work in your bike?

[@badlsxgarage]

Works great!

[@kober2118]

Mobil 1 synthetic???

[@badlsxgarage]

Mobil 1 20w50 full syn

[@P.Rico13b]

​@@badlsxgaragewhat do you think about that,mobil 1 synthetic 20w 50?🤨👍

[@badlsxgarage]

@@P.Rico13b I like it. It’s not as good as Amsoil, but to me, it’s neck and neck with Harley’s syn3.

[@P.Rico13b]

@@badlsxgarage ok,very thankful.👍

[@JasonShank-ot8mx]

20 50. Non sun. Sounds crazy but 20 50 Harley oil every 3 thou it's not bad. I run 60 in 80 and above and works well. Synthetic is not all it's cracked up to be.

[@badlsxgarage]

I’m having good luck out of Amsoil, but I don’t know if it’s worth the price. I have had good luck out of synthetic oils that I run in my everyday cars and street/strip toys. But for some reason these twin cams are very finicky about what you put in them.

[@shawnbrummett587]

Lucas full synthetic 20w50 made mine quiter

[@badlsxgarage]

Wow!!!

[@freebehindbars8654]

Placebo effect. Lucas is middle of the road, at best. Not my opinion, lab results proven.

[@bruceadams3687]

How does oil get that black in 800 miles? Wow

[@badlsxgarage]

I honestly have no clue, other than it just lost all its viscosity and broke down. It was literally like pouring out water.

[@hoppareallife9297]

Check out Schaeffer oil !!!!!!!

[@gbounit]

I am going to try the primary oil from that company after a lot of research. I have always used RevTech but the shop I used to get it from closed down.

[@morrisdennis]

Use conventional squirt 6 0z of zddp in it, runs like a sewing machine...

[@DF-mb9kc]

TRY REPLACING THE ROCKER LOCKERS

[@badlsxgarage]

I done a complete rebuild a month back. Went from a 96-103, and added rocker lockers. Idk what helped more, the oil or the lockers, but it doesn’t sound like it’s ripping itself a part anymore.

[@morrisdennis]

Castrol is excellent oil

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

👋👋👍😎🇺🇸🫡

[@williamdavis4511]

Yamalube ap 20-50...then mostly everything else....

[@dfc193]

WIX oil filter??? 😂😂😂😂 Go with a FLO oil filter!!!!

[@richardnava2507]

Don't use mobile one for your Harley or Royal purple

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Why not?