Tech Tip - Oil Q&A

Ten Questions & Answers About Motorcycle Oil For Your Harley-Davidson

1.  Why should I use Harley-Davidson Motorcycle oil?
This is the only available motorcycle oil specially developed for Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines.  It is also the only available oil tested for two years by our engineering staff on engine dynamometer stands in Milwaukee and motorcycle track tests at Talladega.  And in other tests, Harley-Davidson has found it to be superior to other oils.

 

 2.  Can I use aviation oils in my Harley-Davidson?
We do not recommend this, because these oils do not contain an important additive that provides good wear protection of the Harley-Davidson engine.

         

 3.  What viscosity grade should I use in my Harley-Davidson?
The recommended viscosity grade for use in all temperatures is SAE 20W50 Harley-Davidson Oil.  The SAE 50 grade is satisfactory in ambient temperatures of 60 deg to 90 deg F, and the SAE 60 grade is appropriate for ambient temperatures above 80 deg to over 100 deg F.

4.  At what temperature will Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil break down?
 This oil has been designed for use at temperatures up to 300 deg F for extended periods with no significant breakdown.

5.  What oil temperature is best for my Harley-Davidson?
A good oil operating temperature range is 200 deg to 240 deg F.  Water condensation and acids tend to build up in the oil if the temperature is consistently below 180 deg F, and oil thickness can become marginal at temperatures above 300 deg F.

6.  Does Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil do anything besides lubricate engine parts?
Yes.  Besides lubricating engine parts and preventing wear, it protects the engine from rust and corrosion, keeps the inside of the engine clean, cools engine parts and "seals in" combustion pressures, prevents foaming, permits easy starting and quick oil circulation, and reduces friction and power loss.

 7.  Is it true that oil never wears out?
No.  All motor oils wear out.  During normal use, the oil molecules undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen and begin to break down; additives in the oil become depleted; and contaminants like water, gasoline, soot and dust get mixed in with the oil.  Therefore, your motorcycle oil needs to be changed at the interval recommended by Harley-Davidson.

8.  Can I go longer between oil changes if I put in a new oil filter?
No.  The filter keeps the oil free of solid matter, but it doesn't remove water, gasoline or acids.  Also, it can't pinch-hit for additives that become used up.  Follow Harley-Davidson's recommended intervals for oil and oil filter changes, and don't expect a new filter to extend the life of the oil.

 

9.  Is it okay to mix Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil with a different brand?
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle oil is compatible with other petroleum oils.  However, mixing with another oil will reduce the superior engine protection of Harley-Davidson oil, so this should be done only when absolutely necessary.

10.  Does it help to put in a can of additive with each oil change?
No!  Just as you wouldn't add sugar to a bottle of soda, you shouldn't use additives with Harley-Davidson Motorcycle oil.  It already contains the right additives in the correct amounts to last between recommended oil changes.  More additives won't help.  In fact, they might upset the oil chemistry and create problems you wouldn't ordinarily have.  Use Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil and forget the extra can of additive.  It's money down the drain.

Tech Tip - Braking

Braking is a crucial skill for every motorcyclist to master. Being able to effectively apply the brakes to slow or stop your motorcycle can provide more stability, especially when cornering at higher speeds.

Front Brake vs. Rear Brake
The front brake systems of most motorcycles are designed to provide the most stopping power, handling as much as 65 to 100 percent of the braking responsibilities. The front brake is best used to provide maximum deceleration at higher speeds. Rear brakes, even those employed on larger touring bikes, only supply 35% of a motorcycle's total stopping power and are designed to assist the front brakes. The rear brakes are best used at slower speeds.

Combined Braking
Most motorcycle safety instructors and courses teach a method employing both brakes. On the street, using a combination of front and rear brakes can offer shorter, better controlled stopping distances. Generally, speeds below 35 mph require an even split between the front and rear brakes, but as speed increases the front brake is required more with decreased assistance from the rear.

Braking and Cornering
Riding a motorcycle into a turn is the purest of joys. Proper braking technique, however, is the key element to navigating any bend in the road. Braking while in a turn is risky, splitting the front wheel's traction between braking and cornering. Brake too hard and the chassis' stability will be interrupted, possibly leading to a low side crash. Proper technique requires all of your braking be done before the bike begins to lean. In practice, find your turning point and brake to set your entrance speed. Release the brake to allow the chassis to settle, and then lean into the turn.

Every rider and every motorcycle reacts differently to every situation. So your best bet is to get to know your bike and how it handles to different braking situations.


Mike J.
Service Manager
City Limits Harley-Davidson