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[Maladjusted]

I searched.... and couldn't find anything that shows definitive research.

Is the Harley Syn3 really not that good?

I have ordered the Redline Shockproof for the gearcase and Redline for the primary.... should I be looking at something other than the case of Syn3 I have left over from my Softail days?

Mal

[Fired00d]

I searched.... and couldn't find anything that shows definitive research.

Is the Harley Syn3 really not that good?

I have ordered the Redline Shockproof for the gearcase and Redline for the primary.... should I be looking at something other than the case of Syn3 I have left over from my Softail days?

Mal

For "motor" only it's not that bad but there are others better (IMO). Since you not thinking about running it in your primary or tranny then you shouldn't have any problems. The main thing (gripe) people have is running it in all three holes.... consensus is it's better to run lubricants designed for their specific application instead of the same thing in all three holes.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grc]

I searched.... and couldn't find anything that shows definitive research.

Is the Harley Syn3 really not that good?

I have ordered the Redline Shockproof for the gearcase and Redline for the primary.... should I be looking at something other than the case of Syn3 I have left over from my Softail days?

Mal

My objection to SYN3 has nothing to do with the oil, and everything to do with the jerks in Milwaukee promoting and selling it. 

There is no reason I can think of why you shouldn't use that case of SYN3 you've got sitting around.  Makes a very good flushing agent when you winterize the ol' lawnmower or other equipment.


Jerry

[LC110]

What I don't like: It is over priced/ It is made by Citgo (AKA) Hugo Chávez
Here is a oil analysis of syn3 (not mine) little less than 3000 miles on the oil.
It did stay in grade (50 weight) A lot of motorcycle oils do not.
You can draw your own conclusions.
Judging by the look of the wear metals I would not run this oil over 2500 miles.

[Gecko]

I have similar objections based on how it's marketed.  For years Harley said not to use synthetic oil in their bikes.  Some dealers even went so far as to say using it would void the warranty -it's too slippery, the bearings will skate instead of roll, the oil pump won't move it around.  Then they came out with their own brand and in an instant synthetic (theirs) was great for everything.  It's not a bad oil, and oil-related failures are very rare to begin with, but there are others that rank higher in wear tests (posted earlier), and some people say they hear more noise with it in the motor.  I have 2007 110 so it wouldn't matter if I put 120-wt gear oil in - it would still sound like the inside bits were trying to get outside.  My opinion is change it with any reasonable frequency and any oil of the correct viscosity will work, pick the flavor you like best.  Oh, and I'd also like to avoid supporting Mr. Chavez.  Better some other country that hates us.

[LarryB]

Syn3 was introduced as a syn/Dino blend and then a
couple years ago it went all syn.
After having opened several cam covers in the past, I'll say this, tensioners show more wear earlier with dino oil, and further, amsoil showed the least wear over the longest time. Syn3 and amsoil cost close to the same.

[Jerry/MD]

For "motor" only it's not that bad but there are others better (IMO). Since you not thinking about running it in your primary or tranny then you shouldn't have any problems. The main thing (gripe) people have is running it in all three holes.... consensus is it's better to run lubricants designed for their specific application instead of the same thing in all three holes.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Yep, that is one of the reasons I went with the Redline Heavy Shockproof in the tranny. When its time to change the primary, I will switch to Redline there too.

Something about using H-D 20W-50 in all three holes seems a bit strange to me.

[sugarbear20]

not being able to find neutral was my biggest complaint along with the price

[Ed45]

Been using Syn 3 in crank and primary and GL in trans for several years now. The 2010 cvoUltra was just in for the 2500 change. After break-in, consumption was small, literally a few ounces from the 1000 (1200 actual) to the 2500 (2700 actual). I also use the same combination it in my 2005 stage 4 FatBoy that I call the "Beast". The FatBoy will be in for the 15,000 and dinoed at that time because I am changing  the exhaust as part of an overall re-do. I have teriffic respect for the guys on here and their opinions but wish to offer a positive user experience because I have found no reason to "spook" anyone about Syn-3.

[Joelgonia]

Ran Syn 3 in my previous CVO (12k miles) and now in the Ultra as well -- Primary reason is due to extended service plan at the dealership.  Question:  If I asked them to use Amsoil would it void my warranty?  Otherwise, no problems I can tell, but very conscious of wanting the best oil while I begin racking up the miles!  FYI -- I change the oil every 2,500 miles regardless, and at that interval the oil may not really be an issue - Agree or not?

[grc]

Ran Syn 3 in my previous CVO (12k miles) and now in the Ultra as well -- Primary reason is due to extended service plan at the dealership.  Question:  If I asked them to use Amsoil would it void my warranty?  Otherwise, no problems I can tell, but very conscious of wanting the best oil while I begin racking up the miles!  FYI -- I change the oil every 2,500 miles regardless, and at that interval the oil may not really be an issue - Agree or not?

First of all, the brand of oil you use is strictly up to you, and won't affect warranty or the extended service plan as long as it meets the minimum Harley specifications.  Any of the popular oils like Amsoil, Mobil-1, Redline, etc. meet and exceed those specifications.

If you ride normally, and don't constantly overheat the oil, it's not necessary to change oil that often.  Especially with the benefits provided by a good full sythetic, I can see no reason to change more often than the Harley schedule, which is 5000 miles.  


Jerry