Best synthetic oil for a Harley, If you’re like most Harley riders, you take great pride in your bike.
You want to make sure that it’s well taken care of and that the best synthetic oil for a Harley engine oil is of the best quality.
Many riders mistakenly think that they can use car motor oil in their Harleys, but this is not the case.
In fact, using motorcycle-specific motor oil is essential for keeping your Harley running well.
In this article, we’ll discuss why synthetic oil is best for a Harley, explain why motorcycle-specific motor oil is important to your bike’s engine health, and discuss the best synthetic oil for a Harley.
Why Choose Synthetic Motor Oil?
If you’re interested in both protecting your bike from undue wear and tear and optimizing engine performance, chances are you’ll want to purchase a best synthetic oil for a Harley engine oil for your next oil change.
But why should anyone choose synthetic motor oil over conventional oils, when full synthetic and even synthetic blends tend to cost more?
In short, there’s nothing wrong with regular motor oil.
Iit’s just that synthetic motor oils have literally been engineered to offer superior performance, lubrication, and even keeps the engine cleaner as it runs.
Other benefits of choosing synthetic motor oil include:
· Increased fuel economy and gas mileage
· Better overall lubrication, leading to longer engine lifespan due to decrease wear from friction
· Fewer oil changes are needed, as you can drive more miles between oil changes (saves money and time)
· Fewer noxious emissions
· Improved engine response when starting
· Keeps engine clean and actively prevents sludge and deposits from building up
· Keeps engine adaptable to weather extremes
· Reduced engine drag
· Increased predictability of performance
While full synthetic motor oil is often full of additives that promote lubrication, cleanliness, and reduce shear (or wear) on your engine, you can also select a synthetic blend motor oil.
This blend of conventional and synthetic motor oils offers some of the benefits of synthetic engine lubricants at a lower price point.
Why You Should Use Motorcycle Motor Oil Over Car Motor Oil
It might be tempting to think that all engine lubricants are interchangeable, whether for your motorcycle, car, RV, or boat.
However, many motor oils are engineered specifically these days to cater to an engine’s unique performance needs.
Motorcycles are no exception to this rule, and generally speaking, it’s best to use motorcycle oil over regular car motor oil in your Harley.
The perfect example of the best synthetic oil for a Harley is Amsoil.
Why is this?
Well, synthetic car engine lubricants are typically designed with the goal of reducing friction and keeping the engine clean through the use of detergent additives.
Oftentimes, these additives are made with ash, which, if used to lubricate your motorcycle, may result in unwanted deposits on the valve train or piston crowns.
This can cause premature engine wear due to pressure buildup, perforation, and burning of the additives.
Motorcycle engine lubricants, on the other hand, are designed to facilitate movement both within the engine and within the gearbox.
As such, they are designed to balance friction characteristics with the intention of lubricating the wet clutch, which transfers power to the drive train.
If car motor oil is used instead, the friction levels may be too low—resulting in slippage of the clutch.
In short, motorcycle oil (any best synthetic oil for a Harley) needs to lubricate the moving parts of the engine and gearbox.
But not without the little bit of friction necessary to keep things moving along.
Car motor oils—even full synthetic ones—are not designed with this in mind, and as such are not an ideal lubricant for your bike if you want to keep it running its best for a long time.
Now that you know that you need a motorcycle-specific motor oil for your Harley, you may be wondering if you can change your motor oil yourself.
This can not only end up saving you money but offers you the piece of mind of knowing that you’ve put quality motorcycle oil in your sump.
And it can even be a little fun too.
However, if you are inexperienced with engines and changing oil or don’t have the tools to do so, there’s nothing wrong with having your Harley serviced by a professional mechanic.
Just ask for a Amsoil 20W 50 synthetic oil with filter from lubeoilsales and get it done!
Where's the Drain Plug on a Harley?
A common question with DIY motorcycle oil changing is where to find the drain plug on a Harley to remove the spent oil from the sump.
Once your Harley is upright and you have the tools you need to complete the oil change, you can locate the drain plug behind the seat and underneath the frame of your bike.
It takes a 1.6cm socket wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug.
What's the Best Synthetic Oil for a Harley?
Purchasing a motorcycle is a significant investment that can provide the rider with a lot of freedom and enjoyment.
But it does require a little bit of maintenance and TLC every now and then to keep things running their best.
If you’re looking for better fuel economy, better starts, and boosted performance in all sorts of weather, chances are you’ll want to select synthetic oil for your Harley.
So, what’s the best synthetic oil for the job?
When it comes to maintaining your motorcycle, there’s no sense in settling for second best. Selecting a full synthetic motorcycle oil not only improves performance.
But it increases the lifespan of your bike as well and helps it hold its value.
AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil outperforms even the closest competitors in rigorous testing hosted by the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
When it comes to choosing the best oil for a Harley-Davidson 103 engine, it is important to consider several factors to ensure optimal performance and protection. The Harley-Davidson 103 engine is a high-performance engine commonly found in various Harley-Davidson models.
Harley-Davidson recommends using their own branded motor oils for their motorcycles, and this applies to the 103 engine as well. Harley-Davidson motor oils are specifically formulated to meet the unique requirements of their engines, including the 103 engine.
For the Harley-Davidson 103 engine, the recommended viscosity grade is typically 20W-50. This viscosity grade ensures proper lubrication and protection under a wide range of operating temperatures, especially considering the high-performance nature of the engine.
Using Harley-Davidson’s recommended oil for the 103 engine is beneficial because it has been developed and tested to meet the specific demands of the engine’s design and operating conditions. It provides the necessary lubrication, cooling, and protection required for optimal performance and longevity.
In addition to Harley-Davidson’s own branded oils, there are other reputable oil brands that offer suitable options for the 103 engine. It is important to select oils that are specifically formulated for motorcycles and meet the necessary specifications, including the recommended viscosity grade.
When choosing an oil for your Harley-Davidson 103 engine, always refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or consult a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center for the most accurate and up-to-date information. They can provide guidance on the best oil options, considering any specific requirements or considerations for your particular model and year.
Using the recommended oil, whether it is Harley-Davidson’s own brand or a suitable alternative, helps ensure proper lubrication, cooling, and protection for your 103 engine, contributing to its optimal performance, durability, and reliability.
20 W-50 synthetic V-twin motorcycle oil is a specific type of motor oil formulated for V-twin engines commonly found in motorcycles. This viscosity grade is specifically designed to provide optimal lubrication and protection for V-twin engines, particularly those with air-cooled designs that tend to run hotter than liquid-cooled engines.
The “20W” in 20W-50 represents the oil’s viscosity at colder temperatures, while the “50” represents its viscosity at higher temperatures. The “W” stands for winter, indicating the oil’s performance during colder weather. The 20W-50 viscosity grade is suitable for a wide range of ambient temperatures, making it versatile for use in various climates.
The synthetic formulation of 20W-50 V-twin motorcycle oil offers numerous advantages. Synthetic oils are engineered to have consistent and stable viscosity characteristics across a wide temperature range, ensuring optimal lubrication and protection even under extreme conditions. They provide excellent resistance to thermal breakdown, minimizing the formation of deposits and sludge that can impair engine performance.
Furthermore, synthetic oils have superior flow properties, allowing them to circulate quickly and efficiently throughout the engine, reducing friction and wear on critical components. This can lead to improved fuel efficiency, smoother operation, and extended engine life.
When selecting 20 W-50 synthetic V-twin motorcycle oil, it is essential to choose a reputable brand that meets or exceeds the necessary specifications and certifications for your motorcycle. Always refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or consult with a trusted dealer or authorized service center to ensure you are using the recommended oil that suits your specific V-twin engine.
In summary, 20 W-50 synthetic V-twin motorcycle oil is specifically formulated to provide optimal lubrication and protection for V-twin engines commonly found in motorcycles. Its synthetic formulation offers advantages such as stable viscosity, thermal stability, and superior flow properties. By using a high-quality oil that meets the necessary specifications, you can ensure the longevity, performance, and reliability of your V-twin motorcycle engine.
FAQs
Q. What's the best synthetic oil for Harley-Davidson?
When it comes to selecting the best synthetic oil for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it is recommended to use oils specifically formulated for motorcycles, particularly those that meet the specifications and viscosity grades recommended by the manufacturer. While Harley-Davidson offers its own branded motor oils, there are also other reputable brands in the market that produce high-quality synthetic oils suitable for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Some popular options include Amsoil Synthetic Oil, Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic Oil, and Royal Purple Max-Cycle Synthetic Oil. It is important to choose an oil that provides excellent lubrication, heat resistance, and protection for your motorcycle's engine, promoting optimal performance and longevity.
Q. What oil does Harley use from the factory?
Harley-Davidson motorcycles come from the factory filled with Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil, which is the brand's own line of motor oils specifically formulated for their motorcycles. The specific oil used may vary depending on the model, year, and engine type of the motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil is designed to meet the unique requirements of Harley-Davidson engines, providing optimal lubrication, cooling, and protection. To maintain the authenticity and performance of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it is recommended to use Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil or oils that meet the necessary specifications recommended by the manufacturer.
Q. How often should you change synthetic oil in a Harley?
The frequency of oil changes for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, whether using synthetic oil or conventional oil, depends on several factors such as the model, year, engine type, riding conditions, and personal preferences. Harley-Davidson provides general guidelines for oil change intervals in their owner's manuals. However, it is important to note that these recommendations can vary. In some cases, synthetic oils may have extended drain intervals compared to conventional oils due to their superior performance and resistance to degradation. It is advisable to follow the specific oil change interval specified in the owner's manual for your motorcycle or consult with a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center for personalized recommendations based on your riding habits and conditions.
Q. Is it OK to switch to synthetic oil in a Harley-Davidson?
Switching from conventional oil to synthetic oil in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is generally acceptable and often recommended. Synthetic oils offer several advantages over conventional oils, including better resistance to heat, reduced friction, improved engine protection, and potential for extended drain intervals. However, it is important to ensure that the synthetic oil chosen meets the necessary specifications and viscosity grades recommended by Harley-Davidson for your particular motorcycle. Before making the switch, it is advisable to consult the owner's manual or seek advice from a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center to ensure a smooth transition and optimal performance.
Best oil to use in harley davidson motorcycles
When it comes to choosing a premium synthetic oil for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Amsoil Synthetic Oil is a highly recommended option. Amsoil has a strong reputation for producing top-quality synthetic oils that offer exceptional performance, protection, and reliability for motorcycle engines.
Amsoil Synthetic Oil is specifically formulated to meet the demanding requirements of high-performance motorcycles like Harley-Davidson. It is engineered with advanced synthetic base oils and a precisely balanced additive package, ensuring superior lubrication and wear protection even under extreme operating conditions.
One of the key advantages of Amsoil Synthetic Oil is its ability to provide excellent engine protection. The advanced formula helps reduce friction, heat, and wear, which can significantly extend the life of your motorcycle’s engine components. With Amsoil, you can have peace of mind knowing that your engine is well-protected against harmful deposits, sludge, and varnish buildup, contributing to optimal engine performance and longevity.
Amsoil Synthetic Oil also offers excellent thermal stability, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or losing its lubricating properties. This is particularly crucial for motorcycles, as they often operate at elevated temperatures, especially during long rides or in hot climates. The exceptional heat resistance of Amsoil Synthetic Oil ensures consistent performance and protection throughout your journeys.
Another noteworthy feature of Amsoil Synthetic Oil is its extended drain intervals. Due to its superior formulation and resistance to oil degradation, Amsoil Synthetic Oil can often be used for longer periods compared to conventional oils. This not only saves you time and effort but also reduces waste and overall maintenance costs.
When considering Amsoil Synthetic Oil for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it is important to select the oil that is specifically designed for motorcycles and meets the recommended specifications and viscosity grades set by the manufacturer. Refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or consult with an Amsoil dealer or authorized service center to ensure you choose the right Amsoil Synthetic Oil product for your particular model and year.
In summary, Amsoil Synthetic Oil is a highly recommended choice for Harley-Davidson motorcycles due to its exceptional performance, engine protection, thermal stability, and extended drain intervals. By opting for Amsoil, you can enjoy the benefits of a premium synthetic oil that will help maximize the performance, durability, and reliability of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with experts to ensure the proper oil selection and maintenance for your specific motorcycle.
Browse AMSOIL’s premium best synthetic oil for a Harley engine lubricants today, or click here to learn about the top five ways to care for your Harley!
