A reader asks: A shop did some work on my Harley-Davidson and filled my primary with synthetic oil. I have always used regular H-D oil. Can I drain it and replace with regular oil? Will this cause any problems?
Our answer: You can safely drain the synthetic oil and go back to conventional oil (but read all the way down before you do). There will not be any problems whatsoever. Synthetic and conventional oil can be substituted back and forth without any compatibly issues or mechanical risks. This holds true for engine, primary chain case or transmission oils.
However, we suggest that you give the synthetic oil a try before draining it. You will likely notice that it is easier to find neutral. It is also likely that you will experience smoother clutch performance and cooler primary temperatures.
We are huge advocates of synthetics oils in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Our customer feedback tells us about performance boosts in every imaginable category. We offer two synthetic options for Harley-Davidson primary chain cases. They are AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Primary Fluid or AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil. There is no wrong answer between the two products. Each offers identical performance and wear protection. Some like the idea of a dedicated primary fluid, while others like the idea of keeping just the 20W-50 on hand for engine, primary and transmission.
In conclusion, give the synthetic fluid a chance and determine if you experience any improvements. You can go back to conventional oil at any time in the future.
A reader asks: I bought a used 1998 Heritage Softail Classic with 47,000 miles. As far as I know, only mineral oil was used in this bike. I’ve heard good things about using AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50. Is there any problem with switching to synthetic oil in an older engine? Will it leak or use oil?
Our answer: It is certainly acceptable to switch to synthetic oil in an older Harley-Davidson engine. If the engine is mechanically sound, there should not be any problems. Synthetic oil can be used in older transmissions and primary chaincases as well.
Despite its age, your engine is not “adapted” to only conventional oil. It does not matter if the engine was broken-in using mineral oil. The switch to synthetic oil can take place at any time.
Once converted to synthetic oil, the motorcycle will now have improved performance on a number of fronts. AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 lowers friction and withstands extreme heat. Here are the improvements that our customers observe.
Lower operating temperatures
Improved throttle response
Increased gas mileage
Lower volatility which fights oil consumption
Smoother shifting when used in the transmission
Easier to find neutral when used in the primary
Will synthetic oil cause leaks or consumption in an older motorcycle engine? If the seals are sound and the engine has not had serious oil consumption problems, all should be just fine. AMSOIL V-Twin 20-W-50 has a greater resistance to volatility over regular motorcycle oil. This means less oil usage on very hot days.
In conclusion, switching to a top-tier synthetic oil like AMSOIL is the most cost-effective upgrade you can perform on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This is true of brand-new models or older bikes.
A reader asks: I’ve got a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King. Is it OK to run SAE 60 oil in the engine rather than 20W-50? I’m thinking that a thicker oil would be better in on really hot days. I also hear that a thicker oil will quiet down engine noise.
Our answer: You are far better off using 20W-50. There is no upside to using SAE 60 in your engine.
A thicker oil like SAE 60 will actually retain more heat. The result will likely be higher operating temperatures with SAE 60, rather than lower. SAE 60 is fine for older Harley engines like the Knucklehead, Panhead and Shovelhead.
As for noise suppression, the thicker SAE 60 may suppress rattles or knocks. But that doesn’t mean that it is providing superior engine protection.
All-in-all, there is no mechanical upside to switching to a thicker oil.
The Upside Of Running 20W-50
An ultra-premium synthetic like AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 will deliver lower operating temperatures over conventional oils. Better yet, it is designed to maintain its viscosity when exposed to long periods of extreme heat.
AMSOIL’s testing has shown that V-Twin 20W-50 can withstand operation at 500°F while maintaining its original viscosity. See the AMSOIL V-Twin Torture Test. It will easily withstand long hours and heavy heat. So, if the concern is oil shearing, using a 20W-50 is not an issue.
Another upside to going with 20W-50 is lower friction. A good synthetic like AMSOIL will optimize throttle response and fuel economy.
What About Thicker Oil In The Transmission And Primary?
The same principles apply. Thicker oil will retain heat and is liable to cause stiffer shifting. Noise may be somewhat suppressed, but that doesn’t meant that wear protection is enhanced.
One is wise to use products that are designed for primary and transmission use. AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 is formulated for use in the transmission and primary chaincase. AMSOIL also offers dedicated primary and transmission fluids for Harley V-Twins. There is no downside to using the V-Twin 20W-50 is all three components. Either the dedicated fluids or the V-Twin 20W-50 will work extremely well.
Conclusion: It is always wise to use the viscosity suggested for your application. Your engine was engineered for 20W-50 and there is no the upside to going with thicker oil. SAE 60 may actually provide the opposite of what you are hoping for.
A reader asks: Regarding AMSOIL oil filters for Harley-Davidson engines. What is the by-pass spring setting on these filters?
Our answer: AMSOIL Tech Services tells us that the by-pass spring pressure setting on both the EAOM134 (black) and EAOM134C (chrome) is 11-17 PSI. This may seem like a wide margin, but that’s the only number they offer for publication.
Technical Services also mentioned that in Harley-Davidson engines, the filter would have to completely plug to send it into by-pass mode. With millions of miles logged by our customers, they have never ever heard of this happening.
Normal operation would never put these filters into by-pass.
The Milwaukee-8 and many Twin-Cam engines use the AMSOIL EAOM134 oil filter.
About AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Oil Filters
The heart of these oil filters is the world-class synthetic media. It delivers elite small particle removal. In addition, heavy-duty parts were chosen to construct the rest of these units. All of this makes AMSOIL filters a great match for any V-Twin engine.
Other Motorcycle Oil Filter Shopping Considerations
Also, be careful when comparing oil filter efficiency numbers. These numbers are not always what they seem. Efficiency numbers can be measured on different scales. Therefore, the numbers offered by two different filter makers can be apples and oranges. See the article Do Harley-Davidson Oil Filters Really Filter Down To 5-Microns?.
To sum up, the by-pass spring setting on motorcycle oils filters is not a major concern when choosing a filter. The by-pass spring setting will be in the proper range if the filter is designed for your application. It is far more important to look for sturdy construction and a high-quality filter media.
A reader asks: Can I use 75W-140 gear oil in my 2007 Harley-Davidson Road Glide transmission? Some say that the heavier oil quiets down the transmission. Is there any problem with this?
Our answer: It is perfectly acceptable to use 75W-140 gear oil in Harley-Davidson transmissions. But, do consider that 75W-140 is much thicker than oils typically used in Harley transmissions. For instance, AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Transmission Oil is an SAE 110 gear oil. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of going with 75W-140.
Pros
The reason that some Harley owners use 75W-140 is that the transmission tends to run quieter. The thicker fluid can dampen noises and rattles.
Cons
The downside to using a thicker oil is that it will hold more heat. Hotter transmission operating temperatures would be the result.
Other Considerations
Wear protection– Using a 75W-140 will not improve gear wear protection. AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Transmission Oil or AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil can provide maximum transmission life. Wear protection doesn’t necessarily improve by using a thicker oil.
Shifting performance– There is no shifting performance benefit to using a thicker fluid. A thicker transmission fluid may actually make gear selection slightly more difficult.
How Does 75W-140 Viscosity Compare To Other Transmission Oil Options?
Here are the viscosity numbers for AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50, V-Twin Synthetic Transmission Fluid and Severe Gear Synthetic 75W-140. The oil viscosity is measured in centistokes (cST) at 100°C.
V-Twin 20W-50- 18.5 cST
V-Twin Transmission (SAE 110)- 20.7 cST
Severe Gear 75W-140- 27.2 cST
Note that different scales are used to measure the viscosity of motor oils and gear oils. That’s why the 20W-50 motorcycle oil’s viscosity is so close to that of the the SAE 110 transmission fluid.
Also note that the 75W-140 is a whopping 47% thicker than the commonly used 20W-50 and 31% thicker than the (SAE 110) V-Twin Transmission Fluid.
In conclusion, 75W-140 can certainly be used in Harley-Davidson transmissions. We’re not sure that the quieter operation is worth the hotter operating temps and (arguably) stiffer shifting.
Over the years, we’ve posted a number of articles discussing the use of synthetic oil in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Here are all of the links to these articles on one page.
If you have questions on any of this content, feel free to give a us a call or contact us using the form on this page.
Engine Oil
The Classic AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 Torture Test
A few years ago, AMSOIL performed a landmark test to see how V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 stood up to extreme heat. In a dyno room with no moving air, they ran a 2012 Dyna Street Bob until the engine temperature reached 550°F. The results were staggering.
Is Synthetic Oil Compatible With Harley-Davidson Cam Roller Bearings?
The myth that synthetic oil causes Harley-Davidson cam roller bearings to “slide”, “slip”, “float” or “skate” refuses to die. We still hear it to this day. This article discusses the misconception that started this rumor.
AMSOIL Introduces Dedicated V-Twin Primary And Transmission Oils
This 2015 article discusses AMSOIL’s introduction of dedicated Primary and Transmission Fluid for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Here is the rundown including how the viscosity of each product compares to V-Twin 20W-50.
Is ATF Suitable For Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Use?
Should automotive automatic transmission fluid (ATF) be used in Harley-Davidson primary chaincases? This article covers where this practice originated and details the pros and cons.
Should 75W-140 Gear Oil Be Used In Harley-Davidson Transmissions?
Here are the pros and cons of running a thicker 75W-140 gear oil in Harley transmissions. We also show a comparison of the viscosity numbers of 20W-50 engine oil and dedicated V-Twin transmission oil.
Do Harley Oil Filters Actually Filter Down To 5-Microns?
Harley-Davidson markets their oil filters as “5-micron”. Do they really stop all particles down to 5-microns? We discuss AMSOIL and Harley-Davidson’s micron ratings. Harley’s actual micron-rating is not what you might expect and we explain why.
Does A Motorcycle Oil Filter’s By-pass Spring Setting Matter?
We discuss the by-pass spring pressure setting number for AMSOIL’s Harley-Davidson oil filters. Should this factor be a consideration when shopping for an oil filter for your motorcycle?
K&N Versus AMSOIL Oil Filters
K&N and AMSOIL are two of the most reputable oil filter makers in the motorcycle space. This article discusses the features and (most importantly) the filtering ability of K&N and AMSOIL automotive and motorcycle oil filters.
A reader asks: I’m doing the three main fluid changes in my 2005 Harley Fatboy. For the primary, I have used AMSOIL Synthetic ATF in the past. Is that a good choice?
Our answer: The use of automatic transmission fluid in Harley-Davidson primary chaincases has been a hotly debated issue for many years. Automotive ATF would not be our choice.
Why Do Some Use ATF In H-D Primary Chaincases?
This practice seems to have originated in the aftermarket clutch market and drag racing community. One of the main reasons is that the thinner ATF will allow the clutch to grab harder during aggressive riding.
Some aftermarket clutch-makers suggest ATF meeting the Dexron III spec, while others suggest Ford “Type F”.
We spoke to one aftermarket clutch-maker who suggested that Harley-Davidson Primary Fluid did not perform well with their Kevlar clutch plates. They claim that ATF is more compatible with their clutch plates (more on Kevlar clutch plates below).
We submit that ATF is too thin for Harley primary use. It’s true that many Harley riders have had years of problem-free performance with ATF. We contend that a thicker oil will provide superior metal-to-metal wear protection. Chains and sprockets will last longer using a fluid with an appropriate viscosity.
Below are the kinematic viscosity numbers for AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF, AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 and AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Primary Fluid. The viscosity is measured at 100°C.
ATF- 7.5 cST
20W-50- 18.5 cST
Primary Fluid- 18.7 cST
Compared to 20W-50 motorcycle oil and the dedicated primary fluid, ATF is very thin. For reference purposes, ATF has a similar viscosity to 5W-20 motor oil.
The AMSOIL V-Twin Primary Fluid is an SAE 90. Some may wonder how the 20W-50 and 90-weight primary fluid have a similar viscosity. The reason is that gear oils and motor oils are given different viscosity numbers on the label to prevent confusion. But in terms of the actual viscosity measured in the lab, they are very close.
In conclusion, if you have a stock clutch, use a dedicated primary fluid or a suitable 20W-50. If you have an aftermarket clutch, we would still submit that a good synthetic primary fluid is the better choice.
A reader asks: Did you hear that Harley-Davidson has a new oil filter for Milwaukee-8 engines? Apparently, it’s 1/2” longer than the previous oil filter. Is AMSOIL going to spec a longer oil filter for the Milwaukee-8 engine? Or is it even necessary?
Our answer: AMSOIL is not changing their oil filter recommendations for the Milwaukee-Eight motor. They will continue to offer the EAOM134 (black finish) and EAOM134C (chrome). These are the same filters used for the previous generation of Twin-Cam engines.
Why Did Harley Release A Longer Oil Filter For The Milwaukee-Eight Motor?
Harley-Davidson did not make this change to cure an underlying problem with their previous oil filter. It seems to be simply an effort to optimize engine protection.
Harley only offers one reason in the service bulletin announcing this new oil filter. Quote: “The increased media supports the higher flow rate of MKE-8 engines”. This doesn’t imply that the new oil filter offers more flow. They are simply saying that there is a bit more filter media surface area to accommodate the increased volume of oil flow. The Harley-Davidson bulletin also states that using the previous, shorter oil filter will not void warranty.
A longer oil filter does NOT increase the flow rate. It only increases the capacity. The filter media determines the flow rate, not the oil filter size. For example, the entire line of AMSOIL motorcycle oil filters have the same flow rate, regardless of size.
Larger oil filters tend not to translate into any sort of advantage. Consider the size of an oil filter on the average V-6 car engine. Some aren’t much bigger than a motorcycle oil filter. Yet a capacity issue is all but unheard of.
The bottom line is that the quality of the filter media is the most important factor in oil filter performance.
AMSOIL Oil Filters Are Ideal For The Milwaukee-8 Engine
AMSOIL has determined that the size and capacity of the EAOM134 and EAOM134C is more than appropriate for the Milwaukee-Eight engine.
The vital advantages offered by the AMSOIL Ea synthetic filter media are the filtration efficiency rate and exceptionally long service life. They are made to stay in service as long as AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50. This is 20,000 miles or one year. Therefore, capacity and service interval duration are definitely not a shortcoming with the EAOM134 and EAOM134C units. They are constructed with top-shelf components and materials. These filters are definitely built to go the distance.
AMSOIL EAOM Oil Filters also deliver world-class particle removal. They remove 98.7% of contaminants at 20-microns or larger. See how this compares to Harley Davidson’s 5-micron oil filter claims.
Will The Milwaukee-Eight Engine Run Cooler With A Slightly Longer Oil Filter?
Not likely to any measurable degree. Using AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 can lower V-Twin engine temps. Our customers observe this regularly.
In conclusion, AMSOIL Synthetic Oil Filters for the Milwaukee-Eight engine provide the proper flow rate and more than enough filtering capacity. The AMSOIL EAOM134 and EAOM134C oil filters are very much an upgrade for the M-8 engine. The AMSOIL synthetic filter media is among the most sophisticated on the market. It provides exceptional protection and long service life.
A reader asks: I’ve got a 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide with the Milwaukee-8 107 engine. When using conventional 20W-50 oil, I hear a valve ticking noise at about 2100 RPM. Will AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 cure this noise?
Our answer: Some customer feedback seems to suggest that this particular valvetrain noise disappears once they switch to AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50.
Please note that we haven’t personally witnessed this, nor is this a claim made by AMSOIL Inc. But this is customer feedback we have received regarding the use of AMSOIL 20W-50 in the the Milwaukee-Eight engine.
Why Would AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 Make The Milwaukee-Eight Motor Run Quieter?
It would have something to do with the robust additive package in this synthetic 20W-50. AMSOIL formulated this oil to provide a powerful anti-wear barrier. This no-doubt contributes to overall smoother and quieter v-twin operation.
Another factor is that AMSOIL 20W-50 also lowers friction. Harley customers constantly comment that their engines have better throttle response than with other oils.
AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 is a favorite with owners of all types of Harley-Davidson engines. We routinely hear about noticeably cooler operating temperatures and smoother performance. This AMSOIL 20W-50 is probably the most cost-effective upgrade you can make for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
In conclusion, the Milwaukee-Eight engine is Harley’s latest and most refined engine ever. It is designed to run considerably smoother than the Twin-Cam engine it replaced. AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 can optimize this smoothness and protect your investment.
Have questions or would you like to see wholesale pricing? Contact us using the form on this page.
The other new feature of these oil change kits is a black oil filter option. The previous Twin-Cam Kits offered only a chrome oil filter.
The new versions of both the Twin-Cam and Milwaukee-Eight kits will give consumers the choice of either a black or chrome oil filter. The filters offered are AMSOIL’s full-synthetic Motorcycle Oil Filters.
Here are the kit part numbers and product descriptions.
Twin-Cam Oil Engine Change Kits
Part number: HDCK-EA
4 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
AMSOIL EAOM134C chrome oil filter
O-ring for drain plug
Part Number: HDBK-EA
4 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
AMSOIL EAOM134 black oil filter
O-ring for drain plug
Milwaukee-Eight Oil Change Kits
Part Number: HDMC-EA
5 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
AMSOIL EAOM134C chrome oil filter
O-ring for drain plug
Part Number: HDMB-EA
5 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
AMSOIL EAOM134 black oil filter
O-ring for drain plug
Where Can I Buy The New V-Twin Oil Change Kits For Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?
Oildepot can sell these kits at the best possible prices. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page. Put “V-Twin Oil Change Kit” in the message area.
Benefits Of The AMSOIL V-Twin Oil Change Kits
These Harley oil change kits cover every base in terms of protection and performance. AMSOIL’s popular V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 delivers top-notch wear protection, smooth performance and cooler operating temperatures.
The AMSOIL EAOM Oil Filters are among the most efficient on the market and are built with robust components throughout.