Oil Question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

cdculbertson · 06-01-2009, 03:13 PM

OK, maybe this is a stupid question, but is there a way to tell if you have synthetic oil or dino in your bike? I have had my 2003 RG for just over a month now, and have a 1000+ mile trip coming up. I like to take a quart of oil along with me for those just in case moments, but I have no idea of what kind of oil is in my bike! I bought it used from the dealership, so there's no way for me to contact the previous owner.

Anyway, I have been told that it's not good to mix dino and synth, so I was curious if there's a way to tell.

SAFXDL · 06-01-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdculbertson

OK, maybe this is a stupid question, but is there a way to tell if you have synthetic oil or dino in your bike? I have had my 2003 RG for just over a month now, and have a 1000+ mile trip coming up. I like to take a quart of oil along with me for those just in case moments, but I have no idea of what kind of oil is in my bike! I bought it used from the dealership, so there's no way for me to contact the previous owner.

Anyway, I have been told that it's not good to mix dino and synth, so I was curious if there's a way to tell.

Did the dealer do any maintenance on the scoot?

cdculbertson · 06-01-2009, 07:41 PM

I have no idea if the dealership did any service to the bike or not, but that's not a bad idea to call and ask. They may actually know. OTOH, maybe I should just go ahead and change the oil so I know what's going into it.

vindex1963 · 06-01-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdculbertson

They may actually know. OTOH, maybe I should just go ahead and change the oil so I know what's going into it.

I was going to suggest that. Used anything should have an oil change.

Faast Ed · 06-01-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindex1963

I was going to suggest that. Used anything should have an oil change.

............

spinning wheels · 06-07-2009, 05:57 PM

A good dealership would perform a tune up and an oil change at the very least, along with a safety check prior to selling a used bike. They wouldn't want a bike coming back due to it running crappy or oil related damage. You can mix dino juice and synthetic oil. I believe the oil companies call it blend? I usually carry an extra quart of oil in one of my saddle bags.

confederate · 06-07-2009, 07:51 PM

I would recommend changing the oil before the trip. Then follow a regular maintenance program. Better safe, than sorry. With that being said, let's get this party started, I recommend Amsoil or Mobil 1 Synthetic.

FX-Rider · 06-07-2009, 08:46 PM

Mobil-1 15W-50 all the way .... $22.00 for 5 quarts @ Wal-mart.. just bought 2 jugs ,, start hoarding it..

Liv2hunt · 06-07-2009, 10:31 PM

I read many people using the Mobil 15w50 that is the car 15w50??

vindex1963 · 06-08-2009, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liv2hunt

I read many people using the Mobil 15w50 that is the car 15w50??

Yes, do a search and find reading for hours.

george douglas · 06-08-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdculbertson

OK, maybe this is a stupid question, but is there a way to tell if you have synthetic oil or dino in your bike? I have had my 2003 RG for just over a month now, and have a 1000+ mile trip coming up. I like to take a quart of oil along with me for those just in case moments, but I have no idea of what kind of oil is in my bike! I bought it used from the dealership, so there's no way for me to contact the previous owner.

Anyway, I have been told that it's not good to mix dino and synth, so I was curious if there's a way to tell.

If you bought it from a reputable dealership it has new oil in it and if the oil looks good to you ride it don't change it. Carry a quart of the oil you will use on next change that way if you don't use it you save it for the next service. A thousand mile trip, unless you develop a problem, shouldn't require hardly any make up oil and if you are riding in populated areas you can always get some top-off oil to get you home.
george

doc ock · 06-08-2009, 05:17 PM

I would change it now with your favorite oil. Once that's done you know whats in there and how long till the next change.

Faast Ed · 06-08-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liv2hunt

I read many people using the Mobil 15w50 that is the car 15w50??

Many are using the car version (successfully), but there is also a Vtwin version available. Many Autozones have the Vtwin version, but some only have the car oil.

Either one is Good stuff.

stevent · 06-08-2009, 09:48 PM

ditto everyone else better safe than sorry. oil and a filter is cheap insurance. If the dealer did do an oil change they probably used HD360 unless they cheaped out and dumped 20w50 car oil n there. I'd ask the service manager straight out if they changed it or not, does the oil filter look new or dusty?

Anyway 4 qt's of HD360 and a filter is cheap insurance and you know where you're at then, no guessing.