883 Sportster Poll

[1bioguy]

I run less than 3K miles a year on her, currently using VR 1 20w50 coventional. I see mentioned here NAPA 15w50 and Kendall GT1 as well. Im wondering if its even worth my $$ to use full synthetic with so little use, and what other options are good. BTW thats for engine, Im using M1 20W50 in trans.

 

[AuthorEditor]

I can't speak specifically to your Sportster, but I have been running Rotella 5W-40 synthetic in my Kawasaki 500 since 2006 and it has been great. For the difference in cost for such a small amount of oil I would spring for the synthetic for extra high temperature performance.

 

[gman2304]

FWIW, I have been running the VR1 20w50 conventional in my old Harley evo. It gets great reviews on BITOG in the motorcycle UOA section. I think Valvoline makes the NAPA 15w50 synthetic. A friend has over 100,000 miles on his 2002 Harley EG and has used the Mobil1 15w50 in it since new.

 

[Silverado12]

I think you're good w/conventional oil also. I change mine (I use Castrol 20W-50 V-Twin because that's what the parts store had) and change the filter (H-D brand) once a year. Anymore I don't put that many miles on my bike either. All my friends work too much LOL.

 

[ryanschillinger]

The Shell Rotella T6 5w40 is only about $20/gallon and can be found anywhere. I would go with that, it did great in my air cooled big twin (Yamaha Roadliner) and I'll probably be using it in my new 2014 Honda CB1100.

 

[DuckRyder]

My 883 is an older one , it was noisy on T6 when hot.

Right now it has M1 V-Twin in the motor and 4T in the trans, though I doubt I will bother with the 4T next time and just put V-Twin in both holes.

If you want to try commonly available car oil, you might try M1 15/50 if your WM carries it, it is a popular choice.

 

[alarmguy]

Doesnt matter what oil you use, conventional or synthetic. Any quality 20/50 is fine.