JERRYMCC10
New member
I have some HD motorcycle oil. Can/should I use it in my R1150RT?
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I have some HD motorcycle oil. Can/should I use it in my R1150RT?
Motor oil is motor oil, meaning it is not motorcycle brand specific. Now there are distinct differences in oil quality and performance, but for the most part there is no problem using Harley oil, Honda oil, high grade standard motor oil, or the pricey specialty oil. As long as the oil matches the recommended viscosity range for your bike you can use it just fine.
Harley's oil is made by a local Wisconsin lubrication supplier, and it is nothing exotic or special, just pricey.
'Tis a rare day that I would 'disagree' with Andy VH, but today's the day.
I attended a 'Tech Session' recently at my local BMW dealer, and according to the BMW Master Mechanic giving the presentation, automotive oils are a 'no-no' in cycles. Too many detergents and other 'performance' additives that do not treat our seals and inner components kindly.
While 'brand-specific' oils are not always the way to go (Back in the day when I owned a number of Suzuki's, my Suzuki Dealer told me to AVOID Suzuki-Brand lubricants), BMW or Amsoil (Dino or Synthetic) are recommended for boxers.
Harley's oil is made by a local Wisconsin lubrication supplier said:H-D issued a bulletin re: their engine oil about '97 or so, explaining that it
has high amounts of something (lead? bronze? zinc? I can't recall what) to
meet the needs of the engine (assumedly the big bearings, etc).
They specifically advised the dealers to recommend against ever
using a standard grade engine oil in their Evolution engines.
The engine oil that H-D recommended (if H-D oil isn't available)
is diesel engine oil--specifically a certified diesel oil that
is grade CF(G,H or I)-4.
That is still the spec called for in the owners manual of new H-D motorcycles.
Eddie
The engine oil that H-D recommended (if H-D oil isn't available)
is diesel engine oil--specifically a certified diesel oil that
is grade CF(G,H or I)-4.
[/QUOTE
Well that would explain the engine noise and vibration...they are diesels...LOL
Moderation in all things - including moderation.
One peculiarity I frequently notice among BMW owners is their pursuit of the most frugal ways to maintain their bikes?! Perhaps, it is an oxymoronic reaction to the premium price we pay to acquire these machines in the first place.
Regardless, and in defense of my dealer mechanic, you don't get to be a BMW Master Technician by "being full of it." He has been 'dead-on' with so much other advice and service, I find little motivation to call his credibility into question. In fact, the oil he recommended was not BMW's, but rather Amsoil, which I can buy in bulk at Fleet Farm. So much for the 'corporate line.'
This 'thread' didn't really start out debating the 'best oil,' but rather a solicitation of comments about Harley oil in particular. My only contribution was advice to avoid automotive lubricants. Maybe you have used them for years without trouble......my grandfather smoked Camels every day and lived to be 80. Not exactly the logic I'll trust for the maintenance of so expensive a ride.
Ride safe.