Maintaining your Harley Davidson motorcycle’s transmission and primary is essential for its durability. They contain additives and petroleum that help lubricate and cool the engine by taking the heat away. You can get optimal gear shifting and extended life of engine parts of your Harley-Davidson. However, such transmission and primary oil can break down and become less effective. So, it is crucial to change oil on a regular basis. You should consider factors like the right additives and viscosity to choose the right oil. While Harley Davidson suggests using their own lubricants, there are other reliable brands available. Let’s explore 5 of the top performers!
Red Line 15204 5W20 Synthetic Motor Oil
Red Line 15204 5W20 Synthetic Motor Oil
Red Line 15204 5W20 Synthetic Motor Oil is a versatile and superior quality lubricant designed for various car makes and models, including Chrysler, Ford, Acura, Honda, Mazda, and Scion. With a strong focus on engine protection and performance, the brand offers exceptional quality and user satisfaction. This transmission and primary oil meets industry standards, complying with API SN/SM/SL/SJ/SH/SG/CF and ACEA A5/B5 specifications, and offers all-in-one protection.
Performance Overview
Red Line 5W-20 Motor Oil excels in cold and hot temperatures, ensuring that your engine starts reliably in winter. It helps keep the engine stable during high temperatures. The oil offers enhanced overall performance to those dealing with the “Hemi tick” problem in Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles. What sets this transmission and primary oil apart is its blend with polyol ester-based stocks, which naturally possess multi-grade properties. This eliminates the need for unnecessary additives that could hinder lubrication.
Users’ Feedback
- Users find it reliable for smoother cold starts during winter, making their engines more dependable in colder weather.
- Users express satisfaction with enhanced engine performance.
- Some owners have found this motor oil a straightforward, all-in-one solution.
Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin
Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin
Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin is mainly used by Harley owners due to the engine protection features it offers. The oil is formulated to work for motorcycle transmissions and primary chain cases. It is renowned for maintaining stable viscosity, reducing wear and combat deposits, and ensuring peak engine performance and longevity. Furthermore, its wet-clutch compatibility and resistance to extreme heat make it a versatile and reliable choice for riders seeking top-notch lubrication.
Performance Overview
It delivers high performance for your Harley Davidson. The oil has resisting viscosity 6 times better than Harley-Davidson SYN3. Amsoil V-Twin oil contains a robust dose of anti-wear additives, ensuring maximum protection in the harshest conditions. Moreover, its formulation with higher oxidation inhibitors fights deposits effectively. This helps in maintaining the engine’s compression and provides a powerful ride.
Users’ Feedback
- Users reported that after using Amsoil in their Harley motorcycles, they noticed cooler-running engines and smoother shifting, which enhanced their riding experience.
- Some owners shared their experience of extended oil change intervals due to the oil’s cleanliness and long-lasting performance.
- Users with high mileage on their motorcycles found Amsoil a cost-effective and quality alternative.
Royal Purple Max Cycle 20W-50 Oil
Royal Purple Max Cycle 20W-50 Oil
If you are looking for super protective oil for your engine, try Royal Purple Max-Cycle 20W-50. The oil is compatible with a wide range of engine types, including both air-cooled and liquid-cooled 4-cycle engines. 20W-50 oil is typically used in bigger car and truck engines, powerful motorcycles, and even airplanes. You can use it for racing and hot weather driving because it doesn’t get too thin when it gets hot.
Performance Overview
The oil is available in various sizes. Synerlec additive technology helps enhance wear protection, efficient operation, and resistance against rust. The testing results have revealed a significant boost in horsepower and torque, specifically ranging from 3% to 5% compared to other popular synthetic and regular oils.
Users’ Feedback
- Users have reported that this oil makes their engines run cooler by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit compared to other oils.
- Some owners appreciate its use in their Harley Tri Glide.
- This oil has been praised for its suitability in older 80 cubic inch EVOs and its ability to cool the engine down in a 2015 Indian Trike.
Bel-Ray V-Twin Synthetic Engine Oil
Bel-Ray V-Twin Synthetic Engine Oil
V-Twin Synthetic Oil 20W-50 is a specialized synthetic motorcycle oil. It is designed to cater to the unique requirements of sizable V-Twin engines. This oil blends the advantages of fully synthetic base oils with high-performance additives to ensure unusual performance.
Performance Overview
Bel-Ray V-twin synthetic engine oil is made for high-performance engines. It uses special synthetic fluids and additives to reduce friction and give you more power. This oil can handle extreme pressure and wear, so your engine stays strong. Whether riding casually or pushing your bike hard, this oil keeps your engine protected and performing well.
Users’ Feedback
- Owners claim that it gives more horsepower and the bike performs great.
- Users have praised it for making their bikes quieter and comfortable.
- Works well for oil-cooled boxer engines.
Lucas Oil 20W-50
Lucas Oil 20W-50
Lucas Oil 20W-50 provides a stable viscosity for precision ET racing. They include special additives for smoothness and metal protection. These oils work well for regular highway driving. Lucas Oils can even give the best results in cold temperatures and work with both conventional and synthetic engine oils.
Performance Overview
Lucas Petroleum Motor Oils uses a high-quality special additive system. This motor oil contains:
- Synthetic esters
- Low-Viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAO)
- High molecular weight metallocene polyalphaolefins (mPAO)
These components are advanced synthetic base stocks. They meet or exceed current API standards and come in various SAE grades.
Users’ Feedback
- Users have rated it highly and believe it is superior to the stock oil that came with their motorcycle.
- Owners with compatible vehicles have been using the oil for over 25 years, which is impressive.
- Mechanics appreciate the performance even at 250°F and claim engines clean at 5000 miles.
Comparison Table
| NAME | COMPATIBILITY | ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY | PRICE | VISCOSITY | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Line 20W50 Motorcycle Oil | Most Harley Models | Polyol Ester-Based | $22.99 | 20W-50 | 8/10 |
| Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin | Harley Transmissions & Primaries | Anti-wear, Oxidation Inhibitors | $79.00 | 20W-50 | 7/10 |
| Royal Purple Max Cycle 20W50 | Various Engine Types | Synerlec Additive Technology | $78.55 | 20W-50 | 9/10 |
| Bel-Ray V-Twin Synthetic Engine Oil | V-Twin Engines | High-Performance Additives | $20.44 | 20W-50 | 7.5/10 |
| Lucas Oil 20W-50 | Precision ET Racing | Special Additive System | $64.69 | 20W-50 | 6.5/10 |
Useful Tips for Harley Davidson Maintenance
- Check oil levels before rides.
- Inspect for oil leaks and address them.
- Replace transmission and primary oil filters regularly.
- Use high-temperature stable oils for hot weather.
- Inspect and maintain drive belts or chains.
- Keep your Harley clean, including transmission and primary.
- Follow the owner’s manual for maintenance guidance.
- Inspect and lubricate control cables for smooth operation.
Bottom Line
These 5 best Harley Davidson transmissions and primary oil offer high-quality options, but the rating differs based on overall comparison. However, factors like your specific Harley Davidson model, riding conditions, and personal preferences may differ. The ratings shared earlier have purely been derived based on reviews by owners. You can still consider preferences to make an informed decision.
Related Reads
- Mixing 5w30 and 10w30 Motor Oils: Effects and Safety Explained, ensuring you understand the impact on your engine’s performance and safety – Click here.
- Cummins ISX Oil Capacity & Oil Type: discovering the precise quantities and optimal lubricants to keep your Cummins ISX running at its best – Click here.
- Unveiling the Secrets of Engine Oil Blending: Can You Mix 5W-20 and 5W-30? as we unravel the possibilities and implications behind this common blending question – Click here.
