Synthetic engine oil?

[kiran3355]

Hi fellas!
On my way next week to inspect and take delivery of my new 2008 K9 from (closed) DC Cruisers in Gaithersburg MD. I have always fancied synthetic engine lubes. They outperform mineral based lubricants in every possible aspect. Aircraft, Formula 1, etc. and many other high performing engines use synthetic lubes. What about our BD's? Anyone with experience or an opinion in this matter?

 

[ChuckRB05]

re

Welcome to the forum. Use petro-base oil for break-in, then switch to synthetic.

 

[chacha]

I'm happy with using Mobile 1. I'm nearby, holler if you need anything while on this side of the pond. How are you getting her back to London?

 

[semi]

How are you taking deleivery from DC cruisers ? They have been out of business for a couple months now...

 

[bdmridgeback]

He said it was closed up above, maybe he is delivering it out the back door!

Just have to know the right people!!!

Oh, Kiran, I wouldn't run synthetic until you get 2500 miles on the bike, after that it is recommended by S&S.

 

[kiran3355]

Hi ChuckRB05
I read on a website that synthetic was not recommended for breaking in the engine for the obvious reason it has less friction and that's what you want to break it in. Makes sense to switch afterwards. :up:

 

[kiran3355]

Hi Chacha,
Tks naming a useful product. Let you know my flight etc, maybe a chance to have a cup of beer? I will airfreight her back. Bit scared of seafreight, too many links etc, too much loading/unloading and risk of some damage. At the moment I am taking quotes:argue:, but with all incl (pickup, customs, delivery, insurance, etc etc) it looks like $3600 approx. Got a good company to recomment?:willy_nilly:

 

[07bigdog]

I've got a 07 K9 with a 124". The engine was shipped to me with Mobil 1 synthetic oil. S&S said it is ok to use synthetic oil from day 1. At 500 miles i changed the oil for Amsoil 20w50 synthetic. So far no problems.

 

[kiran3355]

:flag: Semi,
DC Cruisers closed 12th April. Saw the bike on eBay with 3 hrs left. It was just the one I wanted: All black & full chrome! None of the fancy paintwork. They had just ordered 13 new bikes one month before closing, so they were selling them off and I got a very good deal.:2thumbs: In daily touch with seller, so no problem.:up:

 

[kiran3355]

bdmridgeback,
I made some comments on DC Cruisers above and tks for the note about doing synthetic after 2,500 miles, even recommended by S&S.:2thumbs:

 

[kiran3355]

07bigdog,
I said above that I didn't want fancy paintwork, but yours is beautiful - I must admit. Interesting comment on your engine shipped by S&S with Mobil 1. Why did you change to Amsol later?:flag:

 

[TCALZ06]

I waited till 5k but I'm running Amsoil 20w50 now.
Engine seems to make less noise in the valve train

 

[slowrower]

I waited till 5k but I'm running Amsoil 20w50 now.
Engine seems to make less noise in the valve train

I switched at 1,000 miles which S&S says the engine has finished breaking in. Big thing is follow S&S break-in procedure -- NEVER LUG THE MOTOR.

 

[kiran3355]

Slowrover,
I have noted all the comments carefully. Yours seems to conflict with 07bigdog who said his 124ci engine was supplied by S&S with Mobil 1! What is the official recommendation? At least it makes sense to use it after breaking in according to everyone. I am still in doubt about it during the break-in period as comments vary.
PS: Sorry, but I do not know the meaning of never to "lug" the engine. English is my my 2nd language, Danish the 1st and I still miss a word here and there.

 

[slowrower]

Slowrover,
I have noted all the comments carefully. Yours seems to conflict with 07bigdog who said his 124ci engine was supplied by S&S with Mobil 1! What is the official recommendation? At least it makes sense to use it after breaking in according to everyone. I am still in doubt about it during the break-in period as comments vary.

You can use Synthetic starting from day 1, what you have here are lots of opinions. Personally I would go Synthetic from day-1, I did this on my HD the day I picked it up from the dealer. My Corvette comes with Mobil 1 from the factory as do most all the European sports cars. Its your call and Dino and Syn both meet the specs of the manufacturer - its just a personal preference. Same for tranny and primary fluids. :2thumbs: Don't Get Hung Up On What Fluids To Use ..

 

[Fibersnake]

kiran,

The 124 S&S mentioned came from S&S and not via route of BD. The new S&S do come with Mobil 1. That said, much is an opinion but the overall sense to be it is fine if you wait until after it has been broken in, 3000 mile range or so. Do not forsee any problem with going with Synthetic from get go, but to be on safe side it will not hurt to have the dino in for the first couple of thousand and then switch. Rather be on safe side and go the regualr route then switch just to be sure.

Lugging is riding below 2000 RPM. EVo style do not like lugging, they like RPM. When you get yours, make sure to keep the idle at 1000 RPM and avoid riding below 2000 RPM when ever possible. Normal sweet spots for most riding seem to be around 2500-3000 RPM, so just adjsut gears and throtlle for such.

Welcome to the site

 

[kiran3355]

From all the comments so far: There is nobody claiming synthetic lube from day-1 is bad for the engine, or even damaging. S&S supplies the engine with synthetic and BDM with mineral lube! :loony: On the balance I would follow the manufacturer. After break-in all agree that it's better. Your comments to enlighten my poor English on "lugging" are appreciated and noted.:up:

 

[07bigdog]

Just from looking on this site about the test results for Amsoil. it seems like a better quality oil. Nothing but the best for my dog.

 

[lee]

I used Amsoil before my last change when I went with Mobil 1 - gonna use Amsoil in the future from my next change