2008 Buell Blast, @ 1300 mi, H-D 20w-50 Syn 3, ok?

[kmrcstintn]

I am a newby to motorcycles & I recently bought a used 2008 Buell Blast w/ @ 1300 miles; I had a full service done at a Harley Davidson/Buell dealer; engine & primary fluids changed & replaced w/ Harley-Davidson 'Screaming Eagle' 20w-50 Syn 3 oil; I have a few ???'s

1) I read on the internet that Citgo is the manufacturer...true or false?

2) I was told that service intervals are extended from @ 2500 miles to @ 5000 miles by dealer since the oil is 'synthetic'...would you go 5000 miles between oil/primary fluid changes?

3) whenever I check oil level with engine warmed up (per the owners manual) I see bubbles on the dipstick...what causes this & is it common?

4) I was told to expect some oil usage & to have extra oil available...is it okay to get something else like Mobil 1, Castrol Edge, or Royal Purple (20w-50 motorcycle oil) or buy the same H-D Syn 3?

thanks

 

[Turk]

Hey,

1) Yes.

2) Yea, you can go longer, I don't on my Harley though.

3) I see it on mine too. No issue.

4) Yes! Go with Amsoil. Much better. Want it to last? Forget the poo-poo'ers. Check Forums, look at the data, it's the best for your bike.

Here you go: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mcv.aspx

 

[kballowe]

The Genuine Harley Davidson Syn3 doesn't show well in the used oil analysis.

For that price, you would be better off with Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 or Amsoil MCV 20W-50.

These will also work fine in your primary/transmission.

Seriously.

Personally, I wouldn't run the Royal Purple, and certainly not in the primary. Some of their offerings are loaded with moly and may not play well with the clutch.

Alternatives include Mobil 1 15W-50 automotive oil and Valvoline VR1 Racing conventional 20W-50.

There are more - but these choices (as a whole) seem to give the best results for air-cooled Harleys.

By the way - The conventional HD 360 20W-50 is actually decent oil.

 

[Robenstein]

The Royal Purple moto oil does not have moly and has the JASO MA rating so its kosher with wet clutches. I have used it when it was on sale, but normally its about 18 bucks a quart locally so its just too expensive.

I have had good luck with the Mobil 1 offerings, as well as Valvoline's new 4T 20w50 synthetic I picked up at Wal Mart.

 

[Klotz1]

Yes, even though Harley has Citgo manufacture their oil, Harley has very high standards for their oils that need to be met. Use the HD Syn 3 and enjoy the ride.

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: Klotz1
Yes, even though Harley has Citgo manufacture their oil, Harley has very high standards for their oils that need to be met. Use the HD Syn 3 and enjoy the ride.

You are mistaken. Find a virgin oil analysis on both syn 3 and their Dino version. There are very few additives. It's extremely lacking in zddp. Their h-d branded oil is just like everything else branded h-d. Over priced.
Op
Red line,amsoil or even a good conventional,just change it sooner.