how to service h-d motorcycle?

Question

Can youi used difference motor oil and tranmission oil other than h-d oil without harming your bike or voiding tne warrenty.

Answer 1

First of all, the warranty issue. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, it is illegal for any vehicle manufacturer to void your warranty because of the use of ANY aftermarket part, including oil. If the vehicle manufacturer dictates that you must use a certain brand of oil, the manufacturer must provide it to you free of charge. A certain STANDARD must be met with regards to the oil you use but, under NO circumstances will using any oil ( regardless of brand ) that meets the recommended standard, void your warranty. Here is a link to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ....

http://www.impalaclub.com/naisso/magmoss.htm

As for my personal preference of oil, I have tried several, Screamin' Eagle, Mobil 1, and Royal Purple, before switching to AMSOIL. AMSOIL 20W50 is approved for use in ENGINE, PRIMARY and TRANSMISSION. Here is the recommended lubes for Harley Davidson listed by engine model.

http://www.amsoil.com/lit/harley_davidson_TSB.pdf

I have experienced LESS ENGINE NOISE, INCREASED MPG, SMOOTHER SHIFTS, IMPROVED ACCELERATION and 10 - 15 DEGREES LOWER OPERATING TEMPS @ 95 CU. IN. WITH AMSOIL THAN @ 88 CU. IN. WITH MOBIL 1 .....

AMSOIL has also been laboratory tested against all other leading synthetic motor oils and, has been PROVEN better than the rest, including Mobil 1, Castrol, Royal Purple, Golden Spectrum, Pennzoil and more. Read the AMSOIL "White Paper" for yourself.

http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g2156.pdf

AMSOIL is the BEST synthetic lubricants you can get. Only SLIGHTLY more expensive than Mobil 1 but noticeably and proven better. If you want "good" oil, you can get that anywhere, if you want the BEST, with the proof and warranty to back it up, get it all here .... Once you try AMSOIL, you'll switch all of your vehicles to AMSOIL and won't want to use anything else.

http://www.firstandfinestsynthetics.com/

Answer 2

If something ever goes wrong with your machine, the company will try to blame to different oil you're using. Some folks swear by Redline
http://www.redlineoil.com/
Some swear by Mobil 1 Synthetic
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Motorcycle_Oils.aspx
Some say just use the regular dinosaur oil and change every 1000 miles.
Harley claims they use special detergents that keep their cylinders and bearings lubricated. Here's the deal, whatever you use, keep it changed. If it starts to turn dark, change it. You don't have a radiator and that oil is a big part of your cooling system. I am not an oil expert but I do ride many miles and I like the Harley synthetic. I know some folks don't. But it is cheaper than buying a new motor and I notice that my bike runs cooler with the genuine synth. I change it myself and keep the receipts.
If you haven't found out by now, you will notice that all riders have their oil preference. Some people make sense and some don't. Educate yourself and do what's right. There is a difference of wasting oil and keeping your engine around. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Stay with oil that is formulated for air cooled motors. The viscosity will not break down as quick as oils formulated for liquid cooled motors and change your oil often. It's cheaper then a re-build.

Have a good oil cooler, keep back pressure on your valves and your pipes quiet. Then if you do have a motor problem you can hear the motor and not the exhaust.

Answer 4

Yes, You can use another brand of oil besides harly brand with out harming your bike. amsoil is a popular brand used in harleys and Pennzoil makes a motorcycle oil too. Actually, my opinion is that H-D oil isn't as good as other brands unless your going with synthetic H-D oil. Yes, they say your warranty will be voided if you use another brand of oil but, there's no way the dealership can tell your using another brand of oil.

Answer 5

Do a search on the Magnusson/Moss act from early 1970's. Its pretty interesting. Keep all receipts

Answer 6

Using a diff brand shouldn't be a prob as long as same type and I think it may interfere with warranty

Answer 7

Yes just make sure it meets the quality standards. Havoline, Valvoline, Pennsoil all meet the standards. I use 20w-50 in mine

Answer 8

I'm sure it won't hurt. But, I would check that it doesn't void your warranty.