Harley Davidson Motor Oil Weight

Harley Davidson Motor Oil Weight is an important factor to consider when changing your oil.

Different weights of oil offer different benefits, depending on the make and model of your motorcycle and the conditions in which you ride it.

Harley Davidson riders have several options when it comes to motor oil weight, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in terms of performance and protection.

In this article, we will discuss what motor oil weight is, why it matters, and the best option for Harley Davidson owners.

But first: what is motor oil weight?

The numbers on the label of your AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil don’t refer to the actual mass of the oil—instead, motor oil “weight” is the phrase used to describe the viscosity of the lubricant.

The reason knowing the viscosity of your engine’s lubricant is important is because this determines its flow rate when the engine is in use.

For most motor oils, this number is determined based on the flow rate at 210°F, the average operating temperature for most engines.

Motor oil weight is assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to indicate the viscosity and flow of an engine lubricant.

The higher the number of the weight, the thicker and more viscous it is.

Likewise, the lower the number, the thinner it is and the faster it flows.

Harley Davidson Motor Oil Weight it’s important to use the thick 20w50. Because of the high temperature, Harley Davidson Motor Oil Weight the air-cooled engine will arrive too.

Not every engine is created with the same performance standards or lubrication needs.

What’s more, not every engine is operated at a “normal” operating temperature of 65°F or so. What does this have to do with oil weight?

Well, first and foremost, the thicker your motor oil (or the higher its weight), the slower it flows but also, the more protection you will have against undue engine wear.

On the other hand, thinner (lower weight) motor oils will flow faster than their thicker counterparts.

Still, they won’t offer quite the same amount of protection should the engine encounter “stressful” conditions, like high operating temperatures.

Second, Harley Davidson motor oil weight can affect an engine’s startup in cold temperatures.

Primarily colder temperatures mean sluggish lubrication, which can cause some problems when it comes time to start your car in the winter months (on an average day if you live in a cold climate).

Selecting the right Harley Davidson motor oil weight for your driving conditions can help protect your car and prevent undue stress on your engine.

This brings us to the reason why some Harley Davidson motor oil weight bottles have two numbers on the label.

You may have seen a 5W-30 motor oil on the shelf before. In this case, the “W” refers to “winter” and indicates that this type of motor oil can perform in colder weather conditions in addition to warmer ones.

Many Harley Davidson owners plan to ride their bikes in dry, relatively warm conditions as it generally makes for a safer, more enjoyable ride.

As such, most Harley owners spring for a 20W-50 weight oil.

However, it is important to note that if you opt for an extremely thick motorcycle oil, you may have trouble operating your Harley in colder conditions, as straight weight oils will not shear to a thinner weight oil.

As we mentioned above, you don’t want to go too thick with your motorcycle oil as it can cause problems in colder temperatures.

Most Harley owners who plan to ride their bike in colder conditions tend to choose a 10W-40 motorcycle oil for any riding they may plan to do in the winter months.

Fair weather bikers aside, it generally requires less weather-protective gear to ride a Harley Davidson in warmer weather.

This means that warmer regions (and warmer months) tend to draw out more Harley riders.

While a 10W-40 motorcycle oil is recommended in colder riding conditions, generally a 20W-50 motorcycle oil is a safe bet for warmer ones.

When it comes to choosing the best Harley Davidson motor oil weight, there are several factors you’ll have to consider—namely when and where you will be riding your motorcycle.

Selecting the right motorcycle oil weight for your engine can not only improve performance but can increase the lifespan of your bike and help your investment hold its value for many years to come.

Selecting a motorcycle oil weight for your bike doesn’t have to be complicated—but it should be thought through and intentional.

Harley Davidson motor oil substitute

Harley-Davidson recommends using their own branded motor oils, specifically formulated for their engines.

However, if you’re looking for alternatives or substitutes for Harley-Davidson motor oil, it’s important to consider a few factors.

When selecting a substitute motor oil for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it’s essential to choose an oil that meets the necessary viscosity and performance specifications recommended by the manufacturer. Here are a few options to consider:

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil: Synthetic oils, specifically formulated for motorcycles, can offer excellent performance and protection.

Look for oils that meet the required viscosity (check your owner’s manual) and are designed for motorcycles.

API Certified Oils: The American Petroleum Institute (API) provides certification for motor oils.

Look for oils that meet the API specifications recommended for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The API certification can help ensure the oil meets certain performance standards.

Viscosity: Pay attention to the recommended viscosity grade for your motorcycle, as specified in the owner’s manual.

Harley-Davidson typically recommends 20W-50 viscosity for most models. Select an oil with the same viscosity rating to maintain proper lubrication and protection.

Manufacturer Recommendations: Some other motorcycle oil brands may provide specific recommendations for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Check if they offer oils specifically formulated for Harley-Davidson engines or have oils that meet the necessary specifications.

Remember to always consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or contact a qualified Harley-Davidson dealer or mechanic for specific oil recommendations based on your motorcycle’s model and year.

They can provide guidance on the most suitable substitute motor oil options to ensure optimal performance and engine protection.

Harley Davidson recommended oil

Harley-Davidson recommends using their own line of motor oils, which are specifically formulated for their motorcycles.

The recommended motor oil will vary depending on the specific model and year of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

It is important to consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the recommended oil for your particular bike.

Harley-Davidson offers a range of motor oils, including conventional, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic options.

These oils are designed to provide optimal performance, protection, and lubrication for Harley-Davidson engines, which operate under demanding conditions.

Using the recommended Harley-Davidson motor oil is beneficial because it ensures that the oil meets the specific requirements and performance standards set by the manufacturer for their engines.

It helps to maintain proper lubrication, cooling, and protection, which are crucial for the longevity and performance of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The owner’s manual will provide detailed information about the recommended oil viscosity, such as 20W-50, and any other specific requirements or certifications that the oil should meet.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that you are using the appropriate oil for your motorcycle’s engine.

It is always recommended to use the recommended Harley-Davidson motor oil for your motorcycle, as it is specifically formulated and tested for optimal performance in Harley-Davidson engines.

If you have any doubts or questions, it is best to consult your owner’s manual or reach out to a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center for guidance.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil vs. Harley Davidson Motor Oil

Harley Davidson engine oil 20w50

Harley-Davidson recommends using their own branded engine oil with a viscosity grade of 20W-50 for many of their motorcycles.

This viscosity grade indicates the oil’s thickness or flow characteristics at different temperatures.

The 20W part of the viscosity grade represents the oil’s thickness during cold startup or lower temperatures.

It indicates that the oil has good flow properties at colder temperatures, allowing it to reach engine components quickly for effective lubrication during startup.

The 50 part of the viscosity grade represents the oil’s thickness at higher temperatures.

It indicates that the oil maintains its viscosity and provides sufficient protection and lubrication under the high operating temperatures experienced by motorcycle engines.

Harley-Davidson’s 20W-50 engine oil is specifically formulated to meet the requirements of their engines, which operate under demanding conditions.

It provides optimal lubrication, cooling, and protection to ensure the longevity and performance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

When selecting engine oil for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it is advisable to use the recommended 20W-50 oil grade to maintain the intended performance and protection.

Always consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the recommended engine oil for your specific model and year.

Using the recommended 20W-50 engine oil from Harley-Davidson helps ensure proper lubrication, cooling, and protection, contributing to the optimal performance and longevity of your motorcycle’s engine.

Best oil for harley davidson twin cam

When it comes to the best oil for a Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine, it is recommended to use a high-quality oil that meets the necessary specifications and requirements.

Harley-Davidson specifically recommends their own line of oils for their motorcycles, which are formulated to provide optimal performance and protection.

For a Twin Cam engine, Harley-Davidson typically recommends using their 20W-50 viscosity grade oil.

This viscosity grade ensures proper lubrication and protection under a wide range of operating temperatures.

In addition to Harley-Davidson’s own branded oils, there are other reputable oil brands that offer suitable options for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Look for oils that are specifically formulated for motorcycles and meet the necessary specifications, including the recommended viscosity grade.

It’s important to check your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or consult a Harley-Davidson dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the recommended oil for your specific Twin Cam model and year.

They can provide guidance on the best oil options and any additional considerations based on your motorcycle’s requirements.

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 Twin Cam engine, contributing to its optimal performance and longevity.

Best Oil For Small Engines: Amsoil Synthetic Oil (#1)

Who makes harley-davidson motor oil?

Harley-Davidson motor oil is manufactured by a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. called H-D Michigan, LLC. As a reputable motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson takes great pride in formulating and producing their own line of motor oils to meet the specific requirements of their motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson’s motor oil is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal performance, protection, and lubrication for their engines.

The company’s engineers and experts work diligently to develop oil formulations that can withstand the demanding conditions in which Harley-Davidson motorcycles operate.

By manufacturing their own motor oil, Harley-Davidson has direct control over the quality and consistency of their products.

This allows them to maintain the highest standards and ensure that their motor oil is specifically tailored to meet the needs of their engines.

When you purchase Harley-Davidson motor oil, you can have confidence that it is produced by H-D Michigan, LLC, a subsidiary of the renowned motorcycle manufacturer.

This means that the oil has undergone rigorous testing and meets the stringent requirements set by Harley-Davidson for their motorcycles.

Using Harley-Davidson motor oil provides peace of mind, knowing that you are using a product specifically designed for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

It helps ensure proper lubrication, cooling, and protection, which are crucial for the optimal performance, longevity, and reliability of your Harley-Davidson engine.

Always refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual or consult with a Harley-Davidson dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the recommended motor oil for your specific model and year.

They can provide guidance on the specific Harley-Davidson motor oil products that are best suited for your motorcycle’s engine.

FAQs

Q. What is the best oil to use in a Harley?
A. The best oil to use in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle depends on various factors, including the specific model, year, and engine type. Harley-Davidson recommends using their own branded motor oils, which are specifically formulated to meet the requirements of their engines. These oils are designed to provide optimal performance, protection, and lubrication for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson offers a range of motor oils, including conventional, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic options. The specific recommended oil may vary, so it is important to consult your motorcycle's owner's manual or contact a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Following the manufacturer's recommendations and using the recommended Harley-Davidson motor oil ensures that the oil meets the necessary specifications and performance standards for your particular motorcycle. This helps to maintain proper lubrication, cooling, and protection, contributing to the longevity and performance of your Harley-Davidson engine.

Q. Can I use 5W-30 on my Harley?
A. It is generally not recommended to use 5W-30 oil in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Harley-Davidson typically specifies a higher viscosity oil, such as 20W-50, for their engines. The viscosity grade determines the oil's thickness and flow characteristics.
Harley-Davidson engines often operate under demanding conditions, and using the recommended viscosity oil ensures proper lubrication and protection. 5W-30 oil is typically designed for automotive applications and may not provide the necessary viscosity and performance characteristics required for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
It is important to refer to your motorcycle's owner's manual or consult a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center for the specific oil viscosity grade recommended for your particular model and year. Following the manufacturer's guidelines helps maintain the intended performance and protection of your Harley-Davidson engine.

Q. What oil is equivalent to HD 360?
A. HD 360 is a specific type of oil marketed by Harley-Davidson for use in their motorcycles. It is a full synthetic oil designed to provide high performance and protection. While there may not be an exact equivalent oil from other brands, there are alternative high-quality full synthetic oils available that can provide similar performance characteristics.
When looking for an oil equivalent to HD 360, it is recommended to select a high-quality full synthetic oil that meets the necessary specifications and viscosity grade recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. Look for oils specifically formulated for motorcycles and ensure they meet the required performance standards.
Consulting your motorcycle's owner's manual or reaching out to a Harley-Davidson dealer or authorized service center can provide more specific guidance on suitable alternative oils that meet the requirements of your motorcycle's engine.

Q. Can you use car oil in a Harley-Davidson?
A. It is generally not recommended to use car oil in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Car oils are designed specifically for automotive engines, which have different requirements and operating conditions compared to motorcycle engines.
Motorcycle engines, including those in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, typically have higher RPMs, operate at higher temperatures, and often have a shared transmission and wet clutch system. These factors require oils with specific additives and properties to provide adequate lubrication, cooling, and protection.
Using car oil in a motorcycle, including a Harley-Davidson, may not provide the necessary performance and protection. It can result in reduced lubrication effectiveness, increased clutch slippage, and potential engine damage.

 

To browse AMSOIL’s collection of premium synthetic motorcycle oils, click here, or read our recent article on what to know before you change the motorcycle oil for your Harley!

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