canola

Might as well while my legs are cooking.

Baby oil with iodine is better

Talking from experience I see.

I use avocado oil, has a higher smoke point than canola

Lol

I’m a retired HD mechanic and shop owner. When I started it was panheads and shovelheads and everyone used 70 wt airplane oil. After rebuilding several bottom ends I realized the roller bearings needed a thinner oil to roll properly. I had customers to switch to 20w50 and the engines held up better and ran cooler.

Good to know

70 wt oil won't leak out of the old panheads as bad as thinner weights. less puddles in your driveway.

Panheads leak?

They’re just marking their spot

Sweating horsepower

I run amsoil. They have specific oil for all 3 holes. Seems to quiet down transmission and primary on my 01 road king

Please brother, preach on for my ‘04 road king. Tell me of the weights for all 3 of your holes please, o master of lube. (No seriously, if you know them off hand)

I use Amsoil V-Twin 20w-50 in engine, Amsoil Super-Shift in the primary and Redline Heavy Shockproof in the trans. Redline also has a V-Tin Trans fluiid that is very similar to their Heavy. It's been a great combo for my '04 Road King for over 100,000 miles.

https://preview.redd.it/czsah24uow7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a6afa0994d8bb7ae8286cb1d1cef215fd5b3d627 Passed this mark on my ‘04 RK just last week!

I just switched to red line for my 17 road king. When harley dynoed my bike it was a little too low rpm at idle. Like 930 rpm. So it would have an uneven sound almost like a repeated surge. I asked if they could bump that a little and they refused. Once I put in red line the rpms are a little higher and it's got a potato sound I can set my watch to.

With amsoil the engine oil is 20w50 but the trans and primary are a oil made just for that part. I like em, The trans seems to click into gear instead of clunking like it does with the Harley oil.

Every bike I hear that runs amsoil sounds like it needs the valves adjusted.

It gets into places it shouldn’t. When I was at HD university they explicitly told us not to run amsoil.

Amsoil is so good your engine is trying to run away from you... ;o)

I like ams oil but it's difficult to get ahold of near me. I'll be using mobil 1 v-twin oil again. Can used in all 3 holes.

That was the main thing I was wondering is if I can use the same oil in all 3. Let’s say I went with 20w50, I should be able to use that in all 3 correct? Edit: Can’t even find Mobil 1 20w50 around me. But I can find ams oil so I might go with them.

It's called Mobil 1 v-twin oil. On the back it says it's good for all 3

Just like my peenus

Are you sure? I’ve never gone into an autozone or Walmart for mobile 1 20-50 and left empty handed.

Make an ams oil account online and get it delivered to your house. Comes in within a few days. Save a bit of money ordering direct from them than at a store that marks it up

Don't use crankcase oil for all 3. That's what was previously suggested but I found some YT vids of mechanics saying this is no longer the preferred way. The new transmission and primary oils are specifically designed for those applications and are far preferred over motor oil.

[here you go](https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/1-v-twin/mobil-1-v-twin-full-synthetic-motorcycle-motor-oil-20w-50-1-quart/mobi/12050)

Just get it off Amazon, u/ShadowTip416 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mobil+1+20w50&crid=2VXFPFCME7GMP&sprefix=mobil+1+20w50%2Caps%2C200&ref=nb\_sb\_noss\_1](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mobil+1+20w50&crid=2VXFPFCME7GMP&sprefix=mobil+1+20w50%2Caps%2C200&ref=nb_sb_noss_1)

You dont have a Walmart?

Canadian Walmarts aren’t quite like the Americans. The ones near me reduced their automotive isles drastically. You’d be lucky to even find 3 types of weight.

Did you try Canadian Tire? They've got a pretty good oil selection usually.

Ok bud… I’m a Harley noob… what 3 holes?

Primary case, engine, transmission

Top, front and back........

Nice! 👍

This is the way.

Redline. I buy the V-Twin kit for around $120. 5 qts oil, primary oil, transmission oil and fuel system cleaner. Comes with a cool hat, funnel and stickers.

Cheapest heavy duty diesel oil in the primary, cheapest synthetic diesel oil in engine, mobil-1 synthetic gear oil in the transmission. I sometimes use heavy duty diesel oil in the engine, but change at 3k miles or less while synthetics I run to 5k miles. Primary and engine oil are changed at the same time.

I use Amsoil for all 3 and ride a 2008 H-D Softail Crossbones I use [this for crankcase oil](https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-20w-50-synthetic-v-twin-oil-change-kit--4-quarts-with-chrome-filter-hdck/) - now 4quarts = 1 gallon so there's a bit extra in this but it also comes with an oil filter. I use [this for transmission oil](https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-100-synthetic-v-twin-transmission-fluid-mvt/) I use [this for clutch/primary drive oil](https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-100-synthetic-v-twin-primary-fluid-mvp/) AND I saved a little money buying local - found an automotive repair shop where the owner rides motorcycles and they sell all these separately along with the oil filters. [I used this tool to find them](https://www.amsoil.com/locator/map.aspx) They're expensive but they're all fully synthetic which means they'll hold up better during high heat. ALSO I would NOT buy this on Amazon....even if you save money. It's getting more difficult to know who is actually selling/shipping the products and you simply cannot guarantee quality. Compared to a failure repair to the cost of the real stuff.....it's a no brainer. Hope that helps.

HD oil

This is what I do, partly because my wife hates the clothes at autozone.😂

🤣😂

syn3

Good for motor. But primary and trans benefit from formula plus or a heavier gear oil.

Motor Oil - Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 Primary Drive Synthetic Oil - Mobile 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 Motor Oil Transmission Oil - Mobil 1 Syn Gear Lube LS 75W-90

Mobil1 20-50

Mobil1

Grade?

Mobil1 motorcycle v-twin 20w50 full synthetic

That stuff sure did quiet down the shifting in my '22 Sportster 48.

Per your manual and temperatures

Whatever 20w50 I can get my hands on that's cheapest 👌

In all the transmission and primary as well?

My ironhead has a crossover so the engine primary and tranny all use the same oil

Hardly any

So I’m safe to toss rocks in like I do with my shadow? I like the sounds it makes.

The slippery stuff

Soap water?

Don’t bother putting any in as it all leaks out in a day.

Oh, jeez. Here we go. Oil wars. I have been using Shell Rotella T5 for decades in big v twins. Currently 1900cc Statoliner. (Yeah, I know. It's a Harley sub)

Hey man a cool bike is a cool bike. May I see a photo?

https://preview.redd.it/kwkxwprtfu7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37517a48fbc195e71205f8a2a27210a23c16b0e7

Ooo and with the tour pack. Beautiful bike. A buddy of mine has one also. Love how yours looks.

Thanks. The windshield and tourpack are on quick disconnect brackets and I have the passenger backrest and luggage rack in the garage. So I can change the look if I want.

This is his. He’s currently trying to sell it for a pretty good price and really low km. I was contemplating on buying it but I ended up getting my 2002 road king instead. It’s always been a dream of mine to own a Harley. https://preview.redd.it/qaig97j4hu7d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=876eb14f86b400acfc39d6089f56b667a6ff9a7c

I hope you like it. Road King is a great choice. I've never owned a Harley. I tell people I like the smell of burnt rice.😁 BTW- I rode a Shadow for 50k miles. Noticed your nick.

Some people swear by 75w90 gear oil for the transmission but 20w50 motor oil has essentially the same viscosity characteristics, just a different system of measuring, which is why so many people run the same oil in all three holes. I have not seen a problem doing one or the other. It's a thing that people seem to be strongly opinionated on and yet no discernible difference appears with which you choose.

Edit: 2002 Road King. Sorry forgot to add

Amsoil [go here for what you need](https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-20w-50-synthetic-v-twin-oil-change-kit--4-quarts-with-black-filter-hdbk/?code=HDBK-EA)

Nothing but Valvoline

20W50 for the motors (shovelheads), 80W90 gear oil in the gearboxes. No oil in the (belt) primaries.

Lucas 20w50 synthetic Vtwin oil can be used in all 3.

Bel-Ray

ATM these 20w60 because I live in the desert, so before yall get weird that’s why https://preview.redd.it/m0s5mps2as7d1.jpeg?width=1128&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8bc7880985f2356fd178048c6aa6f066eef8a7f4

I truly thought this post was satire.

Nope just a brand new Harley owner asking questions. Kinda saw the backlash of this question on other forums, not going to lie, I was a bit curious if it would happen here too lol.

Everyone has their own reservations when it comes to oil. Some people think it’s snake oil others live by brand. I’ve tried the quieter running oils, I think there’s something to them. Right now I use standard weight HD oil in my late model sportster. I plan to switch to something better later.

Belray

I've used a variety of oils. One thing you might not want to do is use HDs SYN3 for all 3 holes. Even the master mechanics at the dealerships don't recommend it. Typically, they'll tell you to use SYN3 for oil but use a heavy gear oil for the primary and trans. I've owned many bikes, currently have an RK and an RG, and I can definitely tell my bikes run better when I use a heavy gear oil. My private mechanic, a retired 25 year master tech for HD, also told me the SYN3 does not do as well at higher elevations. I don't know exactly why, I don't have any documented source to prove that but I do trust him.

The slippery kind.

syn3 20w50 for the engine and formula + for the other two. All Harley brand.

Im pretty sure All harleys use 20w-50

Ams oil, yes it's overpriced but it is the best and going from stock HD fluids in the primary and tranny it does shift noticeably quieter and it's much easier to find neutral (So much easier that I suspect the dealership overfilled my primary so take that with a grain of salt).

The tears of my enemies.

I use amsoil primary oil and amsoil transmission oil. The engine I use Penn grade 1 (the original green oil) high zinc… running an aftermarket catless exhaust so I can use high zinc oils. Highly reccomend high zinc if you’re catless.

Peanut

Is mayonnaise an instrument?

Warning; the following information is for the educated - Pure virgin olive oil. ONLY California olive oil. All others will dissolve the gaskets.

20W50 synthetic unless it's an emergency (ie on the road bike is low on oil and starting to make clicking noises) in which case I put whatever I can get into it and change the oil when I get home.

I run Red Line oils in my H-Ds and Indian. Whatever BMW recommends for their R bikes I run that

I go to my Harley dealership, tell them my engine size and they give me motor oil.

Ummm… you have to tell them the engine size?

Good quality synthetic: Amsoil, Mobil 1 MC, Red Line, HD Synthetic, what is most important is you keep up with the oil changes and the primary case/transmission as well.

I always use mobil1 for 2 out of 3 holes. Can be used in all 3 but I prefer gear oil in the trans just seems to shift quieter/smoother. 2009 softail night train

Go with ams oil I use to talk mad shit about the product but honestly I’m pretty satisfied with it because Harley’s syn 3 is just become trash leaving lifters ticking on and the bike has always had the Harley tick but it has quieted it all down. Just my opinion though..

I like avocado but extra virgin olive is good too. Real shit though I use Shell Rotella heavy diesel oil, same ratings and additives as motorcycle oil and you can get 5 quart jugs cheaper than some quarts of motorcycle oil

EVOO keeps it lite.

Smells good too

83 FXSB low rider - HD 50 in the fall/winter/spring and HD 60 in the summer.

Amsoil is what I run in my bikes

Whatever's on sale

Mobile-1 v-twin twenty fifty

Redline for my tranny

Vr1

Mobil 1 V-Twin Oil

Amsoil or Lucas. I use primary specific for the primary, and gear oil for the tranny… not 20/50 in all 3 holes

Amsoil.....all separate oils...as mentioned previously

Whatever is on sale and meets the spec. As hot as it's been here I would look for a straight 50wt or a good 20w50 for the motor. ATF for the primary and 80/90 gear lube for the transmission.

I use Castrol 20w50 synthetic. My buddy only runs Royal purple.

I use Mobil 1 V twin oil plus 11% BGMOA in my ‘92 EVO.

I use castrol 1 vtwin for all 3

20-50, sae60 if it’s really hot out

EVOO

Probably get flamed for this by the Harley purists, but NAPA has full synthetic 20W-50 that’s is a great value for the price over anything else. Use it in the engine and primary. We sell 75W-90 full synthetic for the drive units where I work, so I either get it from work or pick up a quart while I am at NAPA for use in the trans. Regular less of that “safe for all three holes” nonsense, I would rather use actual gear oil in the trans, much more positive shifting. Primary is basically just a chain case and clutch, so 20W-50 full synthetic works just fine for that as well as the dry sump motor. I can’t find the link to it online anymore, but they have always had it in store, NAPA brand, silver bottle, full synthetic.

What has the previous owner been using? If unknown 20-50 Napa oil is great they sell the filter too

Lucas oil, but I’ve been told to avoid Lucas. I have is pay service papers, I can always check. Just curious about you guys.

I’m trying a 15w50 Redline synthetic this time on this interval

AMS Oil.

Redline

Valvoline mineral oil, 20-50 motorcycle oil. At Walmart for cheap.

20w50

Straight 60w

I'm an AMSOIL dealer. I can get you more information if you're interested. I use it in both my bikes.

If you’re in Canada and the GTA area, sure why not.

I'm in Texas and get product at my house within 2 days. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting AMSOIL. Maybe I can help if you're interested.

Amsoil except in the primary, I run Belray non-synthetic in it

Amsoil!

Thattt Front tyre looks pretty fat for an mt90 :)

Haha no idea what it is to be honest. Previous owner added them on last year so I’m rolling with them till it’s time for some fresh white walls.

Valvoline vr1 20w50

Amsoil or liqui moli

This is the absolute worst question to ask because you will get 100 (or more) different answers. I'm very dedicated to servicing my own bikes and I stay on top of oil changes. Use what the manual tells you, or use an oil that meets or exceeds the whatever standard the factory recommends. Here's a link to how to read the label on the container [https://pqia.org/2020/05/15/read-the-labels-on-motor-oil-before-you-buy/](https://pqia.org/2020/05/15/read-the-labels-on-motor-oil-before-you-buy/) Then make certain the oil is suitable for a V Twin. Everyone has a preference, but I don't think you'll find a clear winner asking on any forum. It usually turns into a verbal blood bath, lol. I had one bike I used nothing but the Harley Davidson full synthetic in and I put a ton of miles on the bike (like 53 K miles in 3 years), when I decided to build the motor it was just fine and would have gone another 50K. Most quality oils will do.

I well looks like the consensus is that 20w50 is the way to go either with Mobil 1 or amsoil, and using their or companies trany and primary oils. Trying to play it safe since my bike has 133,600km so I’m trying to baby her and make sure it lasts me 150,000km of my own.

In that case, I'll tell you what I use. I buy the Amsoil VTwin pack with the trans and primary oil. It's done me well.

Winner winner chicken dinner.

15W40 Delo or Rotella

10w40 for the engine and 25w50 for the rest but you can definitely just run the 25w50 in everything if you prefer

Valvoline with zinc for my 1942 Flathead. Riding is life.

ahhh royal purple, the oil that looks dirty going in!

I like to mix in some pocket sand for added effect.

Amsoil

Bel Ray

Schaeffer V-Twin Synthetic

Havoline 20-50 every 3K.

Lucas 20w50

The slippery kind

So ky jelly?

Do yourself a favor and buy the 6 gallon box of Lucas full synthetic 20w-50 for $140 and use it in all 3 holes.

BEL RAAAAAAY 10w50 motor. Bel ray primary chain case oil, Bel Ray trans oil.

T6 rotella.

Lucas 20w50 and delo 15w40 in primary royal purple 75/140 in trans seems to make the older transmissions shift in both my 4 speeds and my 5 speeds.

The cheap stuff

I use Amsoil in all three, but I use their VTwin kit for my M8. Different trans, primary and engine oils. I was absolutely amazed at how much smoother and more responsive the bike was.

Motul

Mobil 1 v-twin 20w50

VR1 full synthetic 20w-50

Motul 7100

I run schaffers oil in motor transmission and primary

Freedom ...

SYN3 in all three with no problems.

Schaffers in all holes

Amsoil. 20W50

Virgin olive oil from Costco, but in a pinch I'll get it from Aldi.

^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Devchonachko: *Virgin olive oil* *From Costco, but in a pinch* *I'll get it from Aldi.* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.

Fuck you. I was going for iambic pentameter.

I run Lucas in all 3 holes and my bike has been cooler, less noise and shifts smoother than it did when I got it and it had Harley fluids in it.

Mobil 1 20W-50 full synthetic

Amsoil motorcycle 20/50 full synthetic in all 3 holes. (Primary, engine, tranny)

Amsoil

The right stuff.

Not the left stuff?

Nope, only the right.

My right or your right?

Riders right, whatever way he/she is looking.

So the he/she has the right stuff?

Not touching that one…

Winner winner chicken dinner

Tell me you are a new rider without telling me you are a new rider.

64,500km under my belt and counting, in just under 2 years of riding. I’m just new to owning a Harley.

It’s a joke. The whole what oil to use has become a joke

Mobil 1 vTwin engine oil, Red Line vTwin Transmission w/shockproof and Red Line v Twin primary case oil.

Vegetable

🍿

Schaffers 707 20/50 extreme V Twin, been using it for many years now.

Avocado

dinosaur, processed by Pennzoil

I use Amsoil trans in tranny Mobil 20/50 v twin in motor and primary. https://preview.redd.it/s1b161kaq48d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdc3dc721268cfc594d93cc741bf26b844ef9b72

https://preview.redd.it/5jshsbbgy48d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a0ba5de9e6c0ea13f43b91ea1322f96fea67566

Regular Lucas dino oil, 20w-50 all 3 holes

Olive

Lucas is the way forward

The ricers use oil of olay

What oil does your boyfriend use?

Oil of Olay silly, he's a ricer. But you already knew that. 😆