best motor oil to use

[Jabaniz]

i just quit using hd syn3 for amsoil, for me its easier to get and i don't have to go to shitty Harley shop, plus i didn't like how syn3 felt in tranny, its more than likely in my head, but even the Harley trans oil feels and shifts nicer

 

[Art]

How about the oil filter what are people using?

 

[strmvt]

Mobil M1-103

 

[Stevenc150]

How about the oil filter what are people using?

Most of us just use Compatible Oil Filters. Here's a list:

ACDelco # PF1233
Amsoil SDF10
Bosch # 3311
Champion # C138
Fram # PH4967
HD # 63806-00Y
K&N # hp-1003/KN-177
Mighty # m4477
Napa # 1394
Mobil 1 # M1-103
Motorcraft # FL836
Penzoil # pz39
Purolator Pure One # L14476
STP # S4967
Valvoline # vo40
Wal-Mart Super Tech # ST4967
Wix # 51394

 

[Phazernut]

When I had my last oil change done at the local HD dealer, the service guy (Also owner of the shop)Reccomended synthetic for the engine but did not reccomend it for the primary. Any idea why? I have heard that synthetic can have a bad long trem effect on clutch plates. Any truth to this.

 

[Stevenc150]

I've not read them all, but most of the "name-brand", Motorcycle specific, Full synthetics say on the bottle -"...safe for use on Wet Clutch transmissions." I'd say that was his opinion, because I've seen too many using Full Syn. in the Primary (including myself) - and only heard good things. The only bad I've heard has been speculation.

 

[icepop77]

I've not read them all, but most of the "name-brand", Motorcycle specific, Full synthetics say on the bottle -"...safe for use on Wet Clutch transmissions."  I'd say that was his opinion, because I've seen too many using Full Syn. in the Primary (including myself) - and only heard good things.  The only bad I've heard has been speculation.

I agree with this. Although, if you're paying the price per qt for Mobil1, Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc... then paying the price per qt for H-D FORMULA+ shouldn't be an issue either. The additives are somewhat different as transmission oil typically has more anti-wear additives rather than anti-friction. Still, you probably won't notice much of a difference with quality motor oil in the trans vs transmission specific oil in the tranny.

 

[Stevenc150]

But H-D Forumula+ isn't a synthetic. He was asking about Full Syn. in the Primary I believe.

 

[Phazernut]

Thats my question. Is full synthetic in the primary bad for the clutch plates in the long run? My dealer was adament that I not put synthetic in there. He has been running the shop for 27 years and spends most of his time turning wrenches rather than sitting in his office so I am inclined to go with what he says. Also considering the synthetic is more expensive so he would make more money of me.

 

[Stevenc150]

Just like the Dynabeads so many are scared of, the dealer may be so "old-school" he's reluctant to recommend something he has no experience/understanding with. I'm no expert, but breaking with "traditions" is hard for some older wrenchers to do.