Oil (I KNOW!!!)

[nevil280659]

Morning!

OK sorry to bring this up but I'd really appreciate some advice on what I know is a well trodden path.

I've aquired 4 litres of Harley Davidson 20/50 oil. The thing is I can't find and API rating on the bottle (not that I understand what that means anyway, I just try and match these things up with what it says in my Haynes manual) and dunno whether its synthetic, semi or total dino - The question is, can I stick it in my 1150 twinspark at the next oil change?

Answers on a postcard please, to:.......

Nev

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I would

It's an upgrade from the chip fat they normally run on

 

[Trullion]

The question is, can I stick it in my 1150 twinspark at the next oil change?Nev

Only if you want it to sound like a tractor

Personally I'd sell it for £40 to an H-D owner; I wouldn't put it in my oilhead without being able to confirm the spec, but no doubt there are plenty that would.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I would if it was the only oil available.

I wouldn't just because I had it or got it cheap.

I know motorcycle oil is pricy, but it isn't scarce.

If you are looking for reassurance that it won't do any harm, then i doubt anyone knows the answer to that. It's 20w50 motorcycle oil with harley davidson additives. The boxer is a pretty rugged engine and the chances are the oil will be OK, but you never know. Upper cylinder additives are not recommended for your engine.

 

[nevil280659]

Ok & thanks for the input - I know a good home it can go to...... What should I go for then?

 

[Bryn]

Ok & thanks for the input - I know a good home it can go to...... What should I go for then?

10/40 semi synth car oil... Always worked fine for me....

 

[daveg]

Personally I'd use it and wouldn't think twice. These days I use the same Castrol 20/50 in my HD Evo, my 1200 and my 1150

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I have a 1150 twin spark, and I use Castrol actevo 4T 20w-50.

I always use the same oil.

It comes down to personal preference in the end. There are plenty of oils, which meet the spec.

 

[warmshed]

Harley commission their own oil and don't give an API rating so there is no easy way to check the specification. They say its fully synthetic but its only about 60/40% snth/Dynobut they still call it fully not part synthetic due to a technicality. They call it syn3 but that does not relate to anything. here's a write up on it if you want to read it http://easyrider.easyrider.com/syn3.htm

 

[daveg]

Harley commission their own oil and don't give an API rating so there is no easy way to check the specification. They say its fully synthetic but its only about 60/40% snth/Dynobut they still call it fully not part synthetic due to a technicality. They call it syn3 but that does not relate to anything. here's a write up on it if you want to read it http://easyrider.easyrider.com/syn3.htm

The OP might have the HD360 oil, which is mineral/part synthetic? I think, and not SYN3.

 

[FatAl]

I ran my GS1150 on 20/50 car engine oil mostly Rock Oil Guardian. However I would have had no problem with using HD brand oil.

The Harley engines are big hot running air cooled V twins, they need a decent oil, Harley Davidson being the premium brand it is would not want owners putting shite in their engines. I believe HD dealers use the HD brand oil via their service departments ( this info via friends who work for HD), I'm not aware of Harley engines failing due to inadequete oil.

 

[Udders]

I have a 1150 twin spark, and I use Castrol actevo 4T 20w-50.

I always use the same oil.

It comes down to personal preference in the end. There are plenty of oils, which meet the spec.

+1.