What's Best? - Harley Forum

admin · #1 05-26-2007, 01:24 PM

It's time for maintence on 04 Softail.I use Mobil 1 in the crankcase. No problems,bike starts easy, no top end noise, and runs cooler.I want to know what is best for the primary and the trans. Thanks

Posted by: depotdude on Apr 11, 07 10:01:46 am

admin · #2 05-26-2007, 01:24 PM

I use Mobil 1 75w90 in the tranny and Harley's Formula plus in the primary. There is really , "no best". There all great products. However, in your primary you want to make sure your using a mineral based oil because the clutch plates will wear better and operate better with it. Motor oils are not made with a mineral based oil, like the gear oils are.

Posted by: oldman on Apr 11, 07 3:46:09 pm

admin · #3 05-26-2007, 01:24 PM

Proper syn of your choice in the crankcase and mineral oils in the primary and tranny.

I'm not a fan of using the same thing in all 3. There is no way a single oil can be formulated for best performance in all 3 locations.

Posted by: BluesFan on Apr 11, 07 4:21:55 pm

admin · #4 05-26-2007, 01:25 PM

BluesFan! Now your talking. There is no such thing as one fluid for everything. Every part of your engine needs certain additives and base stocks do do the right job 100%...

Posted by: oldman on Apr 11, 07 9:41:41 pm

docrob · #5 06-17-2007, 07:01 PM

oldman says "in your primary you want to make sure your using a mineral based oil because the clutch plates will wear better and operate better with it" - where is the evidence for that statement?

BluesFan · #6 06-22-2007, 11:21 AM

perhaps, I have no real idea, oldman is remembering that some people think syns are somehow slicker than mineral oils.

There are those who claim that syns are so slick that roller bearings just skid in their presence.

That is bull.

And Oldman, as for your statement that "Motor oils are not made with a mineral based oil, like the gear oils are."

That is off base.

There are a few types of oil stocks, grouped depending on refining technique and base stock.

But, bottom line, it starts out coming out of either a well or a test tube.

Any motor oil not labelled full synthetic is indeed mineral based.

Majicbringer · #7 06-23-2007, 12:48 AM

If I HAD to run one thing in a all three spots it'd be Amsoil. It's the best stuff. But even they make other products for each spot.

BluesFan · #8 06-25-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admin

It's time for maintence on 04 Softail.I use Mobil 1 in the crankcase. No problems,bike starts easy, no top end noise, and runs cooler.I want to know what is best for the primary and the trans. Thanks

Posted by: depotdude on Apr 11, 07 10:01:46 am

I'm sorry, I never answered the full question

Engine, Any name brand synthetic. We can argue, Mobil1, HD, Amsoil, Royal Purple, Bel Ray till the cows come home. Any of those and more are fine. Just stick with full syn due the heat we produce.

Primary: BelRay Primary

Tranny:Belray Big Twin

They've done their homework.

Syntheticoilexpert · #9 09-10-2007, 10:36 PM

Amsoil participated in an independent study of 26 motorcycle oils, the most exhaustive motor oil study ever performed. BelRay came out near the bottom in all categories, not a very good oil. sorry.
You can go to www.amsoil.com and download the white paper, it has a signed affidavit at the end signifying that it was an aboveboard, independent study of "all" motorcycle oils. Amsoil, as usual comes out on top, is designed for extended drain intervals, the others are not.
BelRay did their homework on advertising and hype, not on their actual test results. I don't mean to offend, no way, I used to use other oils thinking they were the best because the ads said they were the best. Mobil 1 advertises "nothing outperforms Mobil 1". Amsoil does in all 5 agency standard tests and has twice the wear scar as Amsoil. You can read about that on my website www.SyntheticSolution.com Its educational reading for anyone interested in the "best" for their bikes. some people take offense, and end of thanking me. You're welcome in advance.

BluesFan · #10 09-11-2007, 01:18 PM

I've read the Amsoil stuff. It was a while ago, but bottom line, I find it lacking.

It's a decent enough oil, but it's not magic.

BTW, and no offense intended, do you cvarry any indepent certs that make you an actual expert?

BF
MLA I, MLA II (one of about 50)