Originally Posted By: Pioneer74
Picking up a low mileage 1998 Sportster 1200 Sport. A little over 10k miles. Has had all service done at dealership with HD 20w-50 oil and HD filters. Previous owners informs me that it is due for an oil change.
I would like a better alternative to overspending on a re-badged oil produced by a country with a questionable leader. I don't plan on riding much this year, maybe 3 or 5k, because of a hectic job and finishing my basement.
I guess my questions would be:
1. Do I start a synthetic oil now or keep using Dino?
2. What is a good brand after answering question #1?
3. After answering #1 and #2, what would my OCI be?
4. Can I easily get a filter to fit the bike without having to go to the dealer for it? They tend to be a little expensive.
Thank you in advance!
I am the original and current owner of a 1996 Sportster 1200S so I think I have at least a little experience in this matter. Its been to Sturgis once and several smaller rides in the last 14 years. I've tried several different oils and primary/trans fluids. I've found that Mobil V-Twin, Redline, and Amsoil lower the oil temp a little and Redline actually caused the idle to go up slightly - is that viscocity related or due to film thickness, or even something else - well, I don't know. Just thought I'd mention it. I think all of them are fine oils and I would lose no sleep about running them for a full year. I would recommend using either 15W-50 or 20W-50 weight oil (Redline standard 20W-50, Mobil 1 15W-50, M1 VT 20W-50, Amsoil makes about 3-4 different 20W-50 any s/b fine) since these engines can run very hot in the summer while stuck in traffic. You can use the non-motorcycle versions of the products also since the engine oil is only for the engine - it does not mix with the transmission. Why a synthetic product? Because of the heat issue mentioned above, but also because I think the products mentioned are superior products in other areas too like film thickness, lubricity, additive package, cold flow properties, TBN, antifoaming, and rust and oxidation prevention.
With regard to the Transmission/Primary I've had luck with Redline 75-90, 75-90NS, and even tried MTL once and it was OK. I used Mobil 1 75-90 once and my alternator gave out due to a short caused by the wire protective cover being eaten (corroded?) away. I've heard other people had the same problem while using M1 75-90 although that was a long time ago and their formulation may have changed by now. I currently run a Rivera race clutch that is very finicky regarding the fluid used. I've found that Formula+ works best with that clutch so far. If you want to save a couple bucks, use the Formula+ and change it every couple of years. The Formula+ and most of the different synethics on the market provided me with smoother shifting. Some provide an easier to find neutral, like the Redline and Formula+.
With regard to the oil filter, I am currently running the Amsoil EaO and I stocked up and bought 10 filters a few years ago just so I don't have to go get one every year. Otherwise, the Harley filter is OK, I've used it a few times too. I never really did any comparison testing of the filters so its hard for me to say one is better than another.
