Best Oil for Harley Davidson [Transmission, Lubrication]

Riders wish to have their bikes perform at their best, where oil is an inevitable component. Motorbikes need oil to lubricate their engine, moving parts and maintain structural integrity. Since oil is a significant cause of exhaust pollutants, you need to make sure the oil you choose is optimized for that specific application. The following list presents some of the best oil for Harley Davidson. Remember for your confidence that they come up with special Harley optimization.

Best Overall – Red Line PowerPack

Best Full Kit –  AMSOIL V-Twin Full Kit

Premium Choice – Mobil 1 V-Twin

Best Oil for Harley 103 Engine – Castrol SAE 20W50 Viscosity Grade

Best Racing Oil for Harley – Maxima Racing 90-119016C

Harley Davidson Oil Types

Mineral Oil

Such oil is among the best to use on a Harley bike. Mineral oils originate from crude oil and are specifically refined for engine use. Since they are the most affordable, they are mostly used on vintage bikes.

Semi-Synthetic

These oils are a mixture of refined crude oil and synthetic chemicals. Being the middle ground products, they merge the better of the two formulas to deliver an excellent performance. Semi-synthetic oils offer a super performance to synthetic oils but come at a similar price as mineral oil.

Full Synthetic

Originating from chemical compounds merged to yield a certain performance grade, you will love the oil. Synthetic oil meets particular needs and can be produced to fit into various applications. Even though the oils are the pricier in the market, their performance makes the price just. Such oils perform better since they meet particular requirements, making them the best oil for Harleys. 

Does Synthetic Oil Damage Harley?

Never, Synthetic oil cannot damage Harley. The oil comes from chemical products combined to offer a better performance grade. For that, the oil can work perfectly on a Harley Davidson bike. Synthetic oil can also work well on vast applications.

Synthetic oil includes a wear performance and a boost in the deposit control to protect the bike. Such oil combines several multi-functional dispersant additives and is merged with synthetic oil for super protective characteristics against pollutants. 

Most synthetic oils also include an improved heat resilience formulation. Since the product has advanced low-ash characteristics, it allows the oil to work efficiently at vast temperatures. The feature also helps in reducing pollution.

Synthetic oil shear stability helps resist viscosity loss, thus maintaining optimal pressure throughout the journey.

Considering the above features of the synthetic oil, how can one argue that the oil can damage your Harley? Instead of ruining the Harley motorbike, the oil will boost the performance on the road.

Can I Use Car Oil in a Harley?

We, neither the experts, never recommend using car oil in a Harley. Most automotive oils include additives and friction modifiers. Such additives make sure the car engine runs smoothly when moving or idling. While the components on car oil are excellent when used on the cars, they may cause more harm than good to a Harley motorcycle. The oil may end up damaging the bike’s engine and even transmission parts. 

However, you should not worry if you have no choice or pour in the bottle by mistake. You only need to change the oil as soon as possible. 

Best Oil for Harley Bikes – Buying Considerations

Here is a clear buying guide to help you understand which oil is ideal for your bike.

Mineral oil

These oils are ideal for motorbikes and are mainly made for engine use. Other than being affordable, these oils are usually used on vintage bikes.

Semi-synthetic

Being a mixture of crude oil and synthetic chemicals, you can reap the best from both components. You can choose these oils since they offer a price equivalent to mineral oil; they offer premium performance.

Full synthetic oils

Being fully synthetic, the oil is a by-product of a blend of chemical products to offer a super grade performance. The oil is among the best oils for your Harley motorbike.

Viscosity

Since viscosity means the oil movement via the engine, it’s crucial to consider. Low viscosity means smooth and swift movement, while high viscosity means slower movement of the oil through the engine. Always choose the ones with high viscosity.

Additives

Additives play a crucial role when it comes to engine performance. They aid in minimizing debris as well as acidity neutralization for greater performance. Additives also help in cooling or lubricating the motorcycle’s engine.

Can You Use any 10w40 in a Harley?

10w40 will work perfectly on a Harley Davidson motorbike. If your bike needs 10w40 engine oil, you do not need to buy a 5W40. Engine oils are different and a certain type may only be ideal for a particular engine type. For instance, 5W40 may not fit well on your bike since it comes as thin motor oil and can get your bike parts damaged. The oil may work well lubricating the engine at a start-up period, but not on a serious ride. However, it is always good to go for bike engine-specific oil.

AMSOIL vs. Harley’s Oil – Which is Better

Using a motorbike’s specific oil is always the best option, but that does not mean the oils are ‘best performers’. Some oils lack additives to protect the engine at high temperatures. On the other hand, Harley oil contains additives needed to keep a Harley engine cool during continuous running. Using Harley synthetic oil means your bike will not break down at high temperatures. 

Even though Harley oil is excellent, it may never outshine some oils like Amsoil. Amsoil is a favorite among other brands and is a favorite to most riders. The oil offers ideal protection from corrosion, wear and tear. In short, the best oil should always be the one offering the best results. 

How often to Change Oil in a Harley?

When it comes to the schedule of changing your bike oil, it’s never one-size-fits-all. How often one changes his Harley’s oil depends on various factors and the user manual. In most cases, one needs to change the oil every 5000 miles. However, some engines require you to change after 10000 miles. Here are some factors that determine how often you may need to change the oil:

• The model, make, and the year of manufacturing
• How often do you ride the bike? 
• The type of oil you choose to use

How Much Oil Goes in a Harley Primary?

The amount of oil going into the Harley primary may range from bike to bike. You only need to maintain the oil level with the clutch bottom. One can do so by placing the clutch in a standing position. Alternatively, you can fill in the chaincase using a quarter of the Harley Davidson oil. 

Concluding Remarks

By choosing quality oil for the Harley motorbike, you can keep it running smoothly for several years to come. All you need is to make sure you choose from certified and renowned brands. We believe the above information is helpful for informed decision-making. Choose the best for better efficiency, performance, and fun!