Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
My only point to my other post (above) in this thread is Harley STATES to use a Diesel rated oil of CH-4 or better if not using their HD 360 oil.
SO if you are to stay in the guidelines of what is recommended Amsoil does sell a 20/50 CH4, CI4 and CJ4 20/50 oil. This meets Harleys recommended oil.
I do not know anyone else who does in a 20/50 and would be thrilled if someone can post other oils that meet that classification. You can buy any number of 15/40 rated CH4 or better but in my climate there is no question I want the 20/50.
This is ONLY for anyone who wants to use the oil rating for EXACTLY what Harley recommends. I am SURE any 20/50 quality oil including the motorcycle oils are fine but if you want to be technical I have not found any other then Amsoil with a CH4 or better classification that Harley requires in the owners manual. Being my bike is under warranty and I save the oil receipts in case of engine trouble my receipts will read I am using the oil classification that they state to use.
Does it matter? Most likely not, but Im a perfectionist ... ha ha. I also assume HD knows what is best for their engines.
Here's something to ponder. Look up a VOA of Harley's oil here. Then Look up a UOA of Valvolines VR-1 oil. The used oil will still have higher levels of additives then Harley's new oil. If Harley knows best, why is that?. Harley is one of the only oils I've seen with high levels of Boron, from which I've heard does the same job as zinc, only cheaper to use.If your looking for the best results, you would be wise to do some research rather then taking Harley's word as gospel when it come down to which oil is better for YOUR investment. A product made by the lowest bidder won't turn in the highest results.,,
Hmmm .. you say a lot about additives, bidders, Boron and gospel but the point is lets stick to the UOAs and recommended oil type, no smoke and mirrors please.
Conventional HD360 turns in good numbers, not a lot recent of UOAs but there is one Harley owner who has documented 8 UOAs 2 of the fills were with HD 360 conv, the rest Amsoil. Forget the make up of the oil and look at the wear numbers, they were amazingly close. Close enough to call it splitting hairs, even by the poster. So just because a motorcycle maker brands an oil does not make it bad.
HD 360 turns good numbers.
2. Harleys word is gospel? Huh? You seem biased against them. What I am saying, do you say the same thing about other engine makers that recommend a "C" rated oil for their engine?
3. AS far as other oils, VR1 is the one to beat in a Harley engine as far as wear, so far I think. I see someone else recommended Kendal too. I have no problem with those, I also posted a great UOA back in 2012 on a Valvoline 20/50 MC oil. I have become a Valvoline fan.
I will post UOAs on the HD 360, wont be to much help as engine is still breaking in.
4. My only post was to see if others knew of 20/50 "C" rated oil because that is what the maker recommends. I kind of think if Ducati recommended a "c" rated oil one would not be saying to not take it as Gospel *L* IN fact I suspect people would be falling over themselves talking about switching to a "C" rated oil. (someone else did post one, thank you)
I know that is HDs problem, always being at the top invites criticism.
And what numbers would those be,since used oil analysis is meant to test the oils condition.
As been posted by real experts a used oil analysis is not an accurate nor is it meant to monitor wear,and using it as such is foolish and shows lack of any real knowledge since time and time again the truth gets posted here and guys ignore it.
So how's the TBN in those analysis,coolant intrusion(air cooled engine)
I use rotella t at 3000 mile intervals in my highly modified 106 ci street Bob. Have for 2 seasons now. Use it in my primary too.
I'll never spend big bucks again on oil. I don't run it long enough to justify the expense.
I don't, never have spent big bucks on oil, just trying to find a oil that meets the C classification in a 20/50 that the motorcycle maker states. My past bikes were Rotella 15/40 but my hot climate made we want and to like the 20/50 so switched to $4 a quart Valvoline Conventional Motorcycle oil in my Vstar 1300. Great UOA on it too.
Now I have a bike that actually requires a C oil so I am looking around for what available in 20/50s. Ton of 15/40s out there and that is acceptable to Harley as well.
Again no controversy here, just looking for a C rated oil the manufacturer states to use in the owners manual. What you are putting in your bike is one of the recommended oils 15/40 C rated. I would just like to find an equal in a 20/50.