which oil to use

[captdanwh]

I presently use Amsoil 20x50 syn in my 2007 flhtc converted to a Champion trike. I live in Florida where it is hot and was wondering if Redline 20x60 syn would be better for the motor? anybody out there have any responses?

 

[Gorilla]

I have run 20 w 50 syn for 7 years in my trike. I live in Key Largo. I have taken several long trips where the temps have gotten as high as 115 degrees outside. No problems ever. Oil pressure has always been above 15 psi at idle when hot hot. And 35 to 40 at RPM.

 

[Softail Trike]

Amsoil 20-50 here as well....Southest Texas with temps about the same as yours. Never a problem, Our Heritage's oil temps run 200F max. Never have used Redline so I can't say about it but the last oil tests I saw had Amsoil on top in 7 of 10 categories & in the top 3 on the other 3.

Not sure how much it really matters in the long run, I figure most any of the top syn's work good enough if changed regularly. Since I run Amsoil in my vehicles mainly to take advantage of the extended drain intervals, it makes it easy to order the bike oil at the same time.

 

[screwball]

Any synthetic is better than dyno oil. It has a much higher thermal breakdown point, and dissipates heat much better. Well worth the higher cost.

 

[Lakeman]

Softail Trike how often do you change your oil?

 

[Geezzer Glide]

Which oil ? Wow, That's opening a can of worms. That can bring as many different answers as there are riders, LOL.
A synthetic is better than a dyno oil.
I run synthetic in my Trike, car, and truck and change the oil in all 3 every 5,000 miles. Some say synthetic oils don't even need to be changed that often but that's what I'm comfortable with and I've never had any troubles doing it that way.
Both my 2012 Chevy Colorado and my 2010 Chevy Malibu have whats called an "Engine Oil Life System" and the computer determines when the oil is due to be changed by using a combination of factors which includes Engine RPM's, temperatures, and miles driven. Normally at the 5000 miles when I change the oil the Oil Life System says I have 40 to 45% of oil life left and I'm told by the service tech that I'm not due for an oil change yet. I just tell them ya ok change it. Harley recommends changing synthetic oil every 5000 so that's when I change it.
I still remember what an old mechanic told me years ago when I was a teenager and was just starting to drive. He said " You can not change you oil to often but you can not change it often enough".
Back when I ran dyno oils I would change my oils every 3000 miles.
Well I guess I'm bored here this morning so I kinda rambled on a bit but the bottom line is you can use any good oil and change it regularly and you will be just fine.
Dan