Greetings from cold western North Carolina,

I just joined the forum a few weeks ago and have noticed that there are enough members to have some lively and informative discussions, but there are not many topics that get explored beyond one or two responses. Maybe only one or two responses are all thats needed but surely we can get some longer discussions going. Also, there are usually only a handful of members who respond to a given topic. These are valuable people and make up the heart of a forum but I know there has to be a wealth of knowledge out there in other members who could help a poor ignorant newbie like me when I have a question and I have lots of them. So I'm going to ask lots of questions, beg people to contribute and enjoy every minute of it. I just got back into biking and am too old to learn everything on my own. With that in mind, here's the first of many:

I'm thinking of going totally synthetic with my bikes and use Amsoil 20W-50 beginning with the next change. Anyone have any comments pro or con? Thanks for your input. Even if you don't have a strong opinion either way, tell us what your personal choice is and why.

Best regards from:
Butch
Mint 2000 Fatboy with 4000 miles
1999 Electra Glide, excellent condition with 48000 miles and Voyager Trike Conversion for when I get too feeble to swing a leg over!

I personally think synthetic is best in any internal combustion engine...run it in my 4 wheelers and will be adding it to the list for the Glide next change as well!

Butch, don't know what you ride, but i was going to go to synthetic oil on my older harley, and was told not to because of more chance of oil leaking??? I don't know, but i didn't.
Dave

I went 100% synthetic SE oil in my 2001 but am keeping my 1998 20/50 oil. As long as you change it frequently(every 2500-3000 miles) I bet it won't matter what you use. 4 Qts every 2-3000 miles is a small investment for your bikes engine.

I heard similar, the smaller molecules cause leaks in older bikes.... I've been using castrol 20-50 since I got my ride 16 years ago and she's never missed a beat. I do follow the 3000 mile rule, but I don't use HD filters, I found a better one with way more medium its for a BMW car... not going to give model or brands cause if you f'up your ride I dont want you blaming me. but there is better out there.

I just did an oil change and I went totally synthetic, Amsoil 20-50. Love it and will continue to use it and change it every 3,000 miles or so
p.s., I own an 05 Softail and have never had a drip other than the few drops on the frame from removing the old filter. Cleaned that up and not so much as a dot on my garage floor.
hb

Alls I can say is Harley's rule!!

i have an 03 ultra and have been using Syn oil from the first change. no issue at all. I change it a couple times a summer...