Some Foam.

[Klotz1]

I checked my oil tonight on my Harley and when I pulled the dip stick out I noticed a small amount of foam almost more like little bubbles on the top surface of the oil. The oil temp was around 195. Do most oils bubble like this? or should I try a different brand oil. Currently running a group 5 synthetic, Klotz V-Twin 20w50. The bike runs real smooth and always cool with this oil, I hate to switch, any suggestions.

 

[Trav]

This is common on bikes that use an oil tank, not an issue.
Over the years i noticed my old Norton, BSA and 63 Sportster 900 all did this.

 

[oggb]

Yeah, normal.

 

[Klotz1]

Thanks for the postive input. WOW!. Norton, BSA, very cool bikes. I have read the Norton bikes run real hot. What oil's run in those older bikes. Just curious.

 

[Trav]

Mobil 1 15w-50 in all of them eventually.
When i first got the Sportster i used straight 50w but i had a hard time kicking it over, it had a magneto and SS super sans pump and didn't like to start without a real good spin.
The Norton and Lightning ran on 40w Castrol until i tried the new synthetic oil that came out, it was more than a few years ago.

 

[Klotz1]

Thanks, ya I was just curious because I have read that the only oil that can maintain viscosity from the heat of a Norton MC is Red Line Oil. If Mobil 1 is doing the trick then that's cool, glad to hear!

 

[Trav]

I had these bikes years ago in Europe. Every oil including the Mobil 1 that is labelled synthetic is a true synthetic. Many U.S. variants of the same oil would be considered semi synthetic by the same standard. Its more than possible the U.S. formula is not the same oil.

Yes they do run hot as Hades, a friend of mine runs a Vincent HRD Rapide Black Lightning, Now that's a hot running big V Twin!