Best oil for a 96er (opinions) : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Rfirst96 · 07-14-2009, 03:12 PM

Just curious what you all are running in your 96's? Sticking with the Harley oil, or aftermarket?

Jeffytune · 07-14-2009, 03:56 PM

Here we go again.

An Opinion is like a nose, everyone has one, they all smell to some degree and it's up to you to pick it.

And you should never let someone pick it for you.

I will only say this as a general guide lines here.
1) Use only motorcycle specific oils.
2) Follow the manufactures recommendation for weight (I use 20/50)
3) Change it every 2500-3000 miles OR 3 months.(Which ever comes first)
4) Use the Harley super 5 oil filter.
5) Check it often for level.

I personally use Mobil 1 20/50 motorcycle synthetic, and yes, I change it every 3000 miles.
I could just as easily use Aims, they are almost identical, it comes down to price and availability.

Follow the five steps above and you will be just fine.

gregsdart · 07-14-2009, 04:11 PM

I run amzoil, spec'd for the harley, for the reason that I know I will be getting good oil, that has that extra 100 degrees of range before it starts to break down versus a conventional oil. I am not saying that any other oil will break down at 100 degrees lower, but base dino (regular)oil stock is known for that much less temp protection. I am sure there are many good oils out there, and they will do the job, and some of the oils that mix syn with regular may be very good. Just my choice. If I make it back to SD and it is 108 degrees at the Wyoming border like last time, I want a little extra room!
Greg

plongson · 07-14-2009, 05:30 PM

Uhhhhh....

gregsdart · 07-14-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plongson

Uhhhhh....

Sounds like ya been involved in this before and didn't agree. Time for a lab test to see how good the oil truly is at 5,000? I may just do that. If it comes back showing too much contaminants, time to rethink,,,,,,,,,,,,

mstngjoe · 07-15-2009, 11:06 AM

I'm using M1 VT in the crank case, Spectro in the trans and Amsoil in the primary.

Rfirst96 · 07-15-2009, 01:19 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I want to take care of this thing properly, but also wanted to get the opinions of using the other oils. I run Mobil 1 full synthetic in my 01 Yukon with 123xxx on her without an issue. But I also know this is a bit of a different beast being an air cooled engine. Try putting TCW3 outboard oil in your gas weedeater and see what happens!
My neighbor runs Amsoil in his 98 Dyna/Evo, but that's a 98 Dyna/Evo.....not a TC96. Being in the marine business I PREACH OE oils for the outboards. Most guys run the factory stuff in the sterndrives too, but there are some that use Mobil 1 or others such as Royal Purple.
Thanks again!

stevent · 07-17-2009, 09:22 PM

I have an oil cooler and use HD360 in the engine and change it every 5 k just like the factory recommends. I'll probably use Syn3 next time as it's been pretty hot this summer.

I use Formula + in the primary & trans and change it every 10& 20 k also per the factory. That's on a box stock '08 FLHT that I ride every day and in no way baby.

confederate · 07-17-2009, 10:01 PM

I recommend Amsoil or Mobil 1. And I'll take it a step further, add an oil cooler. These things run hot.

OldMsocko · 07-18-2009, 07:26 AM

Did anyone ever consider using Crisco Deep Frying Oil?

nightrob · 07-18-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldMsocko

Did anyone ever consider using Crisco Deep Frying Oil?

Tried it but decided on peanut oil instead it doesnt break down until over 400 degrees!!

doc ock · 08-05-2009, 01:18 PM

3) Change it every 2500-3000 miles OR 3 months.(Which ever comes first)
This is the only part that I do not agree with. Amsoil like other synthetics can run longer with no ill effects. I run 5k or 1 year which ever comes last. Usually the same. I did an analysis and it came back with great news, could have run longer.