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[george douglas]

Originally Posted by petelogan

It looks like there is a difference in allowed terminology between US and Europe. Here, an oil described as 'synthetic' has to be 'full synthetic', is described as such, and is definitely not compatible with dino. A 'semi-synthetic' has a mix of synthetic and dino and either type can be added as a top up, though it's not recommended to be too cavalier with mixing.

Rocky Mountain HD has a FAQ on Syn3 here:

http://www.rmh-d.com/parts/syn3_faq.php

From this couple quotes, I'm guessing Syn3 would have to be called a 'semi-synthetic' in Europe:



Effectively, they seem to be saying if you must top up Syn3, then use dino.

I'm still confused

Pete

Don't read to much into the verbage that Harley puts out. They are masters of confusion to place doubt so the customer will keep buying their after market stuff. A couple of good examples are the 10 micron oil filter. Well I don't know of any oil filter on the market that won't filter down to 10 microns 50% of the time like Harleys. Harley rates their filters at 10 micron nominal, which means it will only catch 10 micron contaminants 50% of the time. The best way to rate filters is through efficiency and capacity like most oil filter companies do today.

The second example is to use diesel oil if you can't find Harley oil to either top off or for a change until you can get their stuff back in the crankcase. They know that most bikers won't put a diesel oil in their bike, although most motorcycle oils meet that diesel designation. Again confuse and conquer.

To keep things real simple remember if you use Amsoil or Harley syn3 put it in all three holes unless you are not comfortable with using it in the tranny, then use the 75w 90 gearlube. Otherwise use 20w 50 in the crankcase, 10w 40 in the primary, and gearlube in the tranny.

Also remember that nearly every oil can be mixed if necessary. It doesn't matter if it is synthetic or dino. The base of the product isn't quite as important as the additive package of the oil when mixing oils. Of course it is best not to mix oils so you don't take that chance of upsetting the chemistry of the additive package.