Engine Oil Weight

[BUBBIE]

R. Lewis;454493]remember folks you can put peanut oil in these scoots and run em down the road. But is it good for the inner workings of these $$$$$$$ beasts???[/B]

This is an Oldie but Goodie Thanks R.Lewis.. I like Your Thinking...:s

signed....BUBBIE

 

[oldscoolz]

for what its worth, i run mobil 1 15w50 in my 02 flhr. i have just over 50k miles on it and am happy with its performance. why that oil? can't beat the price/quality equation with anything else. i change the oil every 3000 miles and spend ~$25 for 5 qt container of oil at walmart. i ride in lots of differnt conditions, usually including a cross country trip each year- long hours in heat. i dont have an oil cooler.

 

[Markk9]

Motorcycle specific oil is designed for use in shared sump with in a wet clutch system. With an H-D air cooled engine, the engine oil is just for the engine. Any 50 weight oil will do the job, the first number doesn't matter.

 

[Markk9]

If the 50 weight "engine" oil has the correct levels of ZDDP that a "motorcycle" oil has then I would agree. If it is like most automotive oils the ZDDP additives are disappearing due to cars being equipped with catalytic converters. ZDDP and cats don't play well together. A true "motorcycle" engine oil will have adaquate levels of ZDDP which your air cooled V-Twin needs when the viscosity breaks down in extreme heat.

What about motorcycle engines that are equipped with catalytic converters?

 

[PetesPonies]

It is fine to use Mobil 1 auto oil in your HD if your engine doesn't use the oil for the clutch. For example, my 2004 Sporty, Mobil 1 auto oil. The V-twin oil is special because of the clutches only. Mobil 1 tech will tell you the same.

 

[BluesFan]

The emissions cut backs to ZDDP, for passenger and light trucks, stop at SAE 40.

So, a 15 or 20W-50 is still old school, if you will.