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Should A Thicker SAE 60 Oil Be Used To Fight Heat In Harley Engines?

AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 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.

See all of our articles about Harley-Davidson Motorcycles And Oil

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It’s National Gasoline Stabilization Day

Lawn Boy Mower and Stihl Leaf Blower and Trimmer

Oildepot declares today to be National Gasoline Stabilization Day. As lawn mowers, motorcycles, ATVs and other equipment with small engines are about to be put away for winter storage, now is the time to give them a run with gasoline treated with fuel stabilizer. Storing small engines with untreated regular-unleaded gasoline is asking for fuel system deposits and possibly expensive repairs next spring.

Here’s what to do.

  • Buy a batch of fresh premium grade gasoline and treat it with gasoline stabilizer. Why premium gasoline? Regular and mid-grade gasoline contains ethanol. Ethanol absorbs moisture and when this mixture degrades, the result is fuel system-clogging deposits.
  • Run your engine. If this is for your lawn mower, mow your lawn one last time or use it to bag up leaves.
  • Just prior to storage, fill the gas tank so that there is no area for condensation to form.
  • Change the engine oil so that your engine internals are protected with fresh motor oil.
  • If you are really particular about maintenance, buy a can of fogging oil and spray a few shots into the (running) engine through the carburetor with the air cleaner removed. Shut down the engine, remove the spark plug and spray a few shots into the cylinder (s) and turn over the engine a few times. Reinstall the spark plug and put the machine away for the winter.
  • If your machine has a battery, be sure to remove it for the winter and store it in a safe location where it will not freeze.

With this regimen, you will never have problems with powersports and lawn/garden equipment not starting in the spring.

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Vintage Kawasaki Motorcycle Commercials and Videos

The videos below will be a treat for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. Kawasaki is one of the “big-four” Japanese motorcycle manufactures and these videos show us what they were up to in the 1970s. Included are some light-hearted 1970s commercials, 1980 motocross footage and a look at Kawasaki’s design and manufacturing processes from 1972.

Kawasaki Motorcycle History

The Kawasaki motorcycle company is a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries which is a massive global industrial concern that was founded in 1896. They are involved in enterprises such aircraft/aerospace, trains, power generation, robotics and shipbuilding (just to name a few). Kawasaki became serious about the motorcycle sector when they bought out the Meguro Manufacturing Company in 1964. Meguro was one the first Japanese motorcycle makers and for a time, their sales were second only to Honda. But Meguro hit rough times in the early 1960s and Kawasaki stepped in. With their manufacturing prowess and worldwide corporate leverage, Kawasaki motorcycles quickly became the global player that they are today.

The first video is a montage of Kawasaki TV commercials from the 1970s. The motorcycle market saw a massive expansion in the early 1970s. The Japanese manufacturers really caught their stride during this period and the North American market embraced their inexpensive, reliable bikes. It was a magical time for motorcycle enthusiasts and these commercials really capture the spirit of the times.

This video showcases the KX motocross bikes and the KDX enduro bikes from around 1980. This was actually a watershed moment in motocross history as Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak “rising rate”, single-shock rear suspension debuted at this time. This sparked a design frenzy in the early 1980s as manufacturers released a barrage of wild new rear suspension concepts. Despite this pioneering effort, Kawasaki’s KX series was not very good during this era and was mostly panned by the motorcycle press. Thanks to Koups’ Cycle Shop for putting this up on YouTube.

This video from 1972 takes us on a tour of Kawasaki’s motorcycle design and manufacturing processes at the time. When one considers that Japan was just 27 years beyond complete decimation from World War II, it is truly remarkable how they successfully put all of their recovery efforts into manufacturing and engineering innovation.

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Slideshow: Harley Davidson Changes For 2015

When it comes to motorcycle makers, many have come and gone over the last century, but one carries a level of prestige and brand loyalty that is truly impressive. The Harley-Davidson brand is as American as Coca-Cola, and is recognized and revered the world over. While the company has had its ups and downs since its humble beginnings in 1903, there is little doubt that the brand has prevailed and is stronger than ever. Let’s take a look at the news and highlights for the 2015 model-year of Harley-Davidson.

Did you know? Harley-Davidson is not the world’s oldest motorcycle company, nor is it the longest continual motorcycle maker? The world’s oldest motorcycle brand is Britain’s Royal Enfield. They were incorporated in 1893 and made motorcycles from 1901 until their demise in 1970. The motorcycle maker that has been producing motorcycles for the longest continuous period is Triumph who started production the year before Harley-Davidson came to be.

For 2015, Harley-Davidson rolls out five new models along with a series of refinements to their line-up that will have Harley aficionados saving their pennies.

New Harley-Davidson Models For 2015

Road Glide

After a year out of the line-up, the touring machine with attitude comes back to Harley dealers. The trademark Road Glide fairing is revamped with a new aerodynamics, striking new looks and the Dual Reflector Daymaker LED headlamp system. Behind that fairing lurks the Boom! Box 4.3 Audio System and improved rider ergonomics. The Road Glide is powered by the High Output Twin Cam 103 which is transmitted through the Cruise Drive 6-speed gearbox.

Road Glide Special

The upgraded version of the Road Glide offers a few key amenities not found on the base model. One of the primary upgrades is to the Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system which has touch screen GPS along with the 25-watt per channel amp and twin speakers. The Road Glide Special rides on an upgraded, adjustable air-ride rear suspension. The braking system is also upgraded to Harley’s Reflex Braking System. This system electronically links the front and rear brakes and also includes anti-lock braking. Another perk of the Special is the H-D Smart Security System. This system provides hands-free security that disables the bike as you walk away. The Road Glide Special also includes spruced up paint and pin-striping.

FLRT Freewheeler Trike

For Harley-Davidson enters the three-wheeled touring bike market with the new FLRT Freewheeler trike. The Freewheeler is built on a completely new chassis that is adorned with unmistakable Milwaukee style. This trike is powered by the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine. Safety and convenience features include cruise control, electric reverse, and a linked braking system. One can assume that there will be a boatload of accessories available for this model.

FLHTCUL Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low

The brand new “Low” versions of the Electra Glide touring series are designed specifically for those of us who may be “vertically challenged”. The saddle height and rider positioning is designed for riders that are 5’7” and under. Beyond that, this bike is an elite touring machine with no shortcuts. The Ultra Classic Low is powered by the High Output Twin Cam 103. Highlights include the Boom! Box 4.3 audio system with four speakers, Daymaker LED lighting, H-D Smart Security System, electronic cruise control, Reflex linked ABS brakes and King Tour-Pak hard saddle bags.

FLHTKL Ultra Unlimited Low

The Unlimited version of the Electra Glide Low offers several upgrades to an already loaded base model. The Unlimited version features the Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 engine which has liquid-cooled cylinder heads. Other goodies include the 100-watt Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system (with touch screen and GPS), Impeller cast-aluminum wheels, premium Tour-Pak saddle bags and two-tone paint designs.

We offer AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil for all model-year Harley-Davidson motorcycles. See why our Harley customers rave about our engine, transmission and primary chaincase oils. Contact us for a US or Canadian price list using the form on your upper right. 

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