Why synthetic?

[cacasal]

The price of synthetic oil is roughly twice that of regular oil. Why would I want to run it in my motorcycle ? (1998 Dyna w/ 100ci Ultima El Bruto)

[vindex1963]

I think that covers it.



Heat resistance and extended oil changes just to name a few.
This subject has been discussed to death and there are months if not years of reading on the subject.

Look at the top of the oil section there is a sticky for oil lab results that give more information other than "never had a problem using it" or "it looks and sounds good".

[YankeeBob]

The "Search" function is your friend.

[<G Man>]

Originally Posted by cacasal

The price of synthetic oil is roughly twice that of regular oil. Why would I want to run it in my motorcycle ? (1998 Dyna w/ 100ci Ultima El Bruto)

With all due respect, you have been a member for 3 years and haven't seen any of the oil threads?

What kind of exhaust do you run?

[huskerbob]

Originally Posted by <G Man>

With all due respect, you have been a member for 3 years and haven't seen any of the oil threads?

What kind of exhaust do you run?

easy G-Man, easy.....

[huskerbob]

Originally Posted by cacasal

The price of synthetic oil is roughly twice that of regular oil. Why would I want to run it in my motorcycle ? (1998 Dyna w/ 100ci Ultima El Bruto)

so that when you're at the bar you can say, "Yeah, I run synthetic......all three holes" and everybody will think you are waaaaaay cool!!!

[mistert]

Hi cacasal, Here's why I run synthetic in all my motors including all those motors I service...
The synthetic, usually H-D 20-50 syn and sometimes in a pinch I'll substitute 20-50 V-Twin (at Wal-Mart), runs cleaner, smoother, quieter, has a much higher "cling" or "staying" effect when the engine is turned off and does not require changing as often although I generally recommend to my customers a change about 3K - 4K. That's where I really see the difference. Much less metal and most of the time none in the old oil, the inside of the engines look much cleaner and visiable wear on chains, gears shoes, etc. is non-apparent. There are a lot of threads on the actual tests conducted proving synthetics perform better and last longer than standard oils. Yes, they are expensive but you get what you pay for.
P.S. I did have two customers that ran "old" bikes with standard oil and did not want to change with the high amount of miles on their bikes and I'd have to agree on that route. There could possibly be some bearing problems however, I have never seen it actually happen.

[georgedouglas]

Originally Posted by mistert

Hi cacasal, Here's why I run synthetic in all my motors including all those motors I service...
The synthetic, usually H-D 20-50 syn and sometimes in a pinch I'll substitute 20-50 V-Twin (at Wal-Mart), runs cleaner, smoother, quieter, has a much higher "cling" or "staying" effect when the engine is turned off and does not require changing as often although I generally recommend to my customers a change about 3K - 4K. That's where I really see the difference. Much less metal and most of the time none in the old oil, the inside of the engines look much cleaner and visiable wear on chains, gears shoes, etc. is non-apparent. There are a lot of threads on the actual tests conducted proving synthetics perform better and last longer than standard oils. Yes, they are expensive but you get what you pay for.
P.S. I did have two customers that ran "old" bikes with standard oil and did not want to change with the high amount of miles on their bikes and I'd have to agree on that route. There could possibly be some bearing problems however, I have never seen it actually happen.

You make a good post and then mention possible bearing problems. I guess that old myth that Harley placed in customers and even their technicians minds is hard to let go.
george

[<G Man>]

Originally Posted by huskerbob

easy G-Man, easy.....

What? It's not like I asked about chaps or helmets or HD t-shirts.




Sorry, I think we all know that synthetic is more refined, lasts longer, provides better general protection against wear, has a higher flash point. The real question, which I assume is what the OP is truly asking, is WHY?

It lasts twice as long between changes, but it costs 3-4 times as much. Are the other features THAT much better to justify the cost? It depends on how you want to spin it. If you say "it is still cheaper than buying a new engine" then obviously that sounds like a good argument. Will you need a new engine if you use dino? How much sooner?

We all discriminate about things all the time. If you absolutely want only the best, run synthetic. If you want to be frugal, run dino. Personal choice. The debate will never end.

[georgedouglas]

Originally Posted by <G Man>

What? It's not like I asked about chaps or helmets or HD t-shirts.




Sorry, I think we all know that synthetic is more refined, lasts longer, provides better general protection against wear, has a higher flash point. The real question, which I assume is what the OP is truly asking, is WHY?

It lasts twice as long between changes, but it costs 3-4 times as much. Are the other features THAT much better to justify the cost? It depends on how you want to spin it. If you say "it is still cheaper than buying a new engine" then obviously that sounds like a good argument. Will you need a new engine if you use dino? How much sooner?

We all discriminate about things all the time. If you absolutely want only the best, run synthetic. If you want to be frugal, run dino. Personal choice. The debate will never end.

In my opinion the main reason Harley moved to synthetic oil was with their development of the twin cam with computer controlled engines and fuel systems was heat issues. These engines could run hotter than the EVO's with just a simple computer adjustment. Their continued use of dino oil with the twin cams could present issues of engine shutdowns and damage due to excessive heat. Keep in mind that most riding conditions and type of riding may not need the extra protection that synthetics provide over a dino oil, but as a manufacture covering warranty issues this was a non brainer. Synthetic oil was created to fix a heat problem with the advent of the Jet engine back in the forties. For longevity and air safety dino oils of that time could not do the job. Every jet engine runs synthetic oil exclusively since then.
george

[tmd11111]

Beacuse people like to spend twice the amount necessary for peace of mind.

[mayo73]

My only real reason is that I want to.
When i'm stuck in traffic and see the oil temp go up I don't worry. I'm sure using dino would be fine .

Sent from my GT-I9100M using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Rollmeaway]

Here is a good article which elaborates on synthetic oils & is well worth the time it takes to read it...

http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_9...l/viewall.html

[Fatb0y]

Someone states run syn for longer periods then stated 2-4k change intervals? That doesn't compute. 5k minimum. If you change more often then stick with standard oil.

[cata5803]

Originally Posted by Fatb0y

Someone states run syn for longer periods then stated 2-4k change intervals? That doesn't compute. 5k minimum. If you change more often then stick with standard oil.

5,000 miles or you're wasting ur $$$...