With over 50 years of riding under my belt, I have run engines with and without oil. I have to agree with John, with oil is better :)

John, I really appreciate your videos! I have my HD since 2015 (Road Glide Special) and I have never been a wrench turning guy. Your videos make it easy to tackle some of the "easy" maintenance. Your videos are informative AND fun to watch!! Keep them coming!! THANK YOU!!

Hey John! Great video as always. And great advice too! Thank you for not just parroting the H-D line about using their oil and *only* their oil. Using whatever oil let's you sleep at night is probably the best advice I've ever heard.

Hey John, me and my Dad we just run full synthetic, in all three... he's got 77,000 on his bike.. I got about 37,000 on my bike.. I got a 05 Wide Glide and my dad's got an 05 Fatboy... never had any problems except for the cam chain tensioners we had them replaced.. but that wasn't due to the oil.. I do my own service.. thanks for your cool videos!

Thanks John, really great info! I ride a 2010 FLHTK and I normally take it to the dealership for service. I am looking to do my own service in the future, and appreciate the insight.

Great content as always John, I have a 99 FLHT that I run redline in all holes and change at 2500 being in the high desert of California and road temps over 130 at times it tends to break down quicker.

Ty John. Been a while since being on ur channel. I love being able come back to past vidz for advice such as this.

Just bought my first HD, got me an '07FLSTF & this video was decent help with how to go about the fluid change & what to use. Thanks, my dude.

Thank you! I ran Amsoil in 2006 Heritage for 14 years, no issues. Just bought a 2018 Road Glide, Great information, Glad HD has stepped their game up. Keep up the good work!

I put the new primary and transmission synthetic oil in, and I feel they perform excellent. Finding neutral when it’s hot out is MUCH easier!!

“The most important thing is that the engine have oil in it” Yes Sir it makes lots of sense, I like that.

I'm a 69 yr old on an 06 1200 Sporty. I use Mobil 1 20/50 syn in engine and trying Spectro in trans, that was recommended by a local bike shop, since I installed a 9 disk Barnett clutch. Shifts pretty smooth.

Thanks for covering "the basics". There are sexier things to cover, upgrades & such, but it never hurts to revisit the fundamentals. Timely, as well, as I am about to service my FXDC. Thanks, John. Excellent, as always.

Hey John. Love your videos. I have heard the arguments against putting Amsoil in all 3 holes before. What gave me the confidence to put it in the gear box is that Amsoil posts all their oil test sheets right on their website. I took some time and looked at their shock tests, breakdown tests, and other tests between their synthetic engine oil and their gear and tranny oils. The results of the tests showed that the engine oil performed at or better than the gear specific oil. That's why I imagine that they can guarantee their oil safe for all three holes. Understanding that they have no liability in making that claim, I can appreciate the scientific method they used to come to that conclusion. As always, YMMV. Also, you spoke about convenience. With the SE110 motor, it takes exactly 6qts if you add up all three holes. If you get 3 different oils, you wind up with a little left over in one jug and needing to buy a whole other quart to cover a couple of extra ounces needed for one of the gear boxes. Using the same oil for all three holes makes it very convenient when ordering my oil change kits. Harley would DEFINITELY convert me if they made the gear oils in quantities that actually matched the capacities of the cases they were being poured into.

That’s exactly what I run, Syn 3 20w-50 in the engine and HD Gear Oil 80-140 in the primary and transmission! Thank you for your content John, keep up the good work!

I’ve always done my on service. I’ve just used the owners manual. As for oil brands I used Amsoil. I got a new CVO Limited on yesterday ( previously had 2018 Ultra Limited) I also use the Amsoil gear oil. But I agree with you I have even used the oil filter trick.

Been running Lucas Oil for the last few years in my Ultra Classic and it does the job and runs a little cooler and is Synthetic. Trans shifts a bit easier also.

Mobil v twin 20-50 synthetic in the engine and BelRay in the trans and primary. Been great so far!

I just got the 5K mile service for my 16FLSS at my local HDD. Full Synthetic HD oil. Hell ya I sleep better at night John. Like you said made by Harley for Harleys what can be better in that! Thanks for making these cool info videos keep them coming. And enjoy your ride to Daytona. 👊🏼😎

Always had Pans and Shovels and didn't know much about synthetic oil or changing oil in three different places until I got a twin cam. This was helpful and straight foreword.

Great video and nice job explaining that "what ever makes you sleep at night" is what you should run. As a retired automotive instructor I have given the oil brand speech to hundreds of high school students and I agree with everything you discussed. I have been running Syn3 in all 3 holes since my first touring bike in 2003. NEVER had an oil related issue but I think I will switch to the new gear oil from the motor company next trans change. Yes, everyone will have a reason to run their favorite oil but you are correct, it is more important to have oil in the bike, the brand is secondary. One addition is that the oil should "meet or exceed manufactures specifications". To many people run an oil that does not meet the specifications and then feel there was something wrong with the oil when it was not rated to do the job asked of it. Keep up the good work John!

OMG! Not the oil debate!! 😳 Back in the shop...ahhhhhhh. I use Mobil 1. That said, change your oil often. Oil is cheap.

For the last couple of years I've been running 20/50 Maxima V Twin Synthetic racing oil in crankcase, Maxima V Twin 80/90 in Trans and Maxima V Twin in primary. 2008 Fatbob. I'm no expert, but all seems good. I subscribed to your videos. Great job and advice.

2000 Road King. Loves HD360 20w50 and Formula+ in trans and primary. Easy, tried and true. Nailed it John, having oil in the bike is half the battle.

Mob 1 20/50 full syn actually made a noticeable difference in eng noise my metric bikes. Love the sound of that post-change warm-up with the new lube. My first HD in 53 years is a 2019 RG. Going with Mob 1 again. It's convenient and with some CBD (in me, not the bike) I should sleep like the, well you know. Enjoyed the vid. Thanks

I agree about the Syn3. I switched to it from the Harley 20/50 on my Sportster 48. Within 50 miles I was having valve chatter (I never had) when running thru the gears. Went back to the local Harley dealer...same one where the parts guy told me to switch. The mechanic I saw so NO, don't put Syn. in a Sportster, stick with dino. oil. So now I'm running straight HD 50 wt.. Bought the Bike new in 2014, now it is 5 years old with 10,000 on it. Never have had a problem with it. I live and ride in Arizona where its in the 110-115 (f) degree range now. This is my 3rd. Sportster since 1964...I keep them a LONG time.

I’ve run Mobil 1, Harley, Amsoil, and now currently Penns Grade. Change every 3000-5000 miles. Great advise and great common sense John.

Great advice put in a easy to understand conversation.Thanks John and have a safe trip to FL

I run AMSOIL and made my bike shift a lot smoother plus it eliminated the surge to move in gear, made it a lot quieter, I was so impressed by this oil I became a dealer. If you really wanna see the difference go watch the videos comparing different oils. The AMSOIL came out on top on each test against all oils. Plus I found out that the Harley oil is made by Sunoco, not a very reputable oil in my opinion.

Best Harley Oil Change Video, Ever , I' appreciated You honesty and straight forward video.

Great content for this new-to-Harley rider. Thanks, John.

Did a 3 hole service on my buddies 02 NightTrain while I put Apes on it and replaced his chain tensioners... Used RedLine's complete kit.... I was impressed on how smooth the transmission shifted and how smooth and quiet the engine ran. I'll be switching to the RedLine kit for my 02 Fatboy as well after seeing the results with his.

I have found that Amsoil works the best in my sportster 1200 which I have own for 18 years. Runs cooler than the HD synthetic. 100 degree day has never been over 200 degrees in oil tank. Engine probably about 220 to 230 temperature. I do all my own maintenance including changing the tires. Amsoil is shipped to your door. Works for me.

Thank you. I am new to Harley. But this is exactly what I did on my first fluid change. I could not see putting engine oil in a gearbox.

Thank you for being honest about non Harley oils as well. Great video!

Just wanted to thank you John for taking the time to post all your tips for keeping my Harley right

Yep, lots of good options out there, lots of opinions, and lots of experts. For my twin-cam I use Mobil1 V-Twin full synthetic in all three holes. It is highly rated by both studies and users, it is readily available across the country, it is formulated for use in all 3 holes, and it is inexpensive - I pay 9 bucks and change per quart. Works for me.

Since I ride a Shovelhead, I use a straight oil. 50 to 60 weight. I like your videos and subbed. I am 66 and still riding my 83 FXWG.

Just did a 3 hole oil change on my Harley and a friend's bike. I also went with the Harley 80W 140 gear oil for my transmission. I used the synthetic 20W 50 in the primary same for the engine. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Always great tips John, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Hi John, another excellent video. I was hoping you would give a quick tutelage for the new guys on torquing the drain plugs/bolts and wet vs dry torque. I see this come up on forums and it seems like they ask after they have snapped off the drain plug bolt.

John. I'm an auto tech 35 yrs experience , learning about harley.i have an odd story. My 98 flats Evo was leaking at the front jug base gasket when I bought it. I was told run it for a bit then pull it apart if it got worse. I changed the oil installed Mobil 1 syn 20-50 v- twin. The leak stopped!!! I've ran it about 5k no leak I was shocked but hey I'll take it

love your videos John, straight forward, very informative, no bullshit and cool to watch, thank you.

Good interesting info. I like that you are saying that most big name oils are good, and using the one convenient or better priced is ok. Again another great video.

Good tips. 40 plus years of HD ownership. I don't run engine oil in the transmission. I like the synthetics for the engine. Most important, change oil when recommended. Cheap clean oil is better than expensive dirty oil.

John - you did an excellent job touting the best oil (for you) is whatever is the most convenient. As for me, I don’t spend $32K+ for my Harley only to skimp on a synthetic BLEND fluid because it says H-D on the bottle. Amsoil all the way for my baby!!

I used screaming eagle syn3 on all three oils yesterday. Bike is running like a banshee. So smooth and kicking ass !!!!

Great video Maxwell I agree totally I have been using Harley Oil 50 in summer and 20/50 winter I also Harley trans fluid MH&R Fuzzy president faithful few mm Tennessee.

Have always used Harley 20/50's in my 2000 Dyna, and formula+ for gear box and primary. I also add a Slick 50 gear box treatment at every gear box change ,it makes my gear box smooth with no clunky changes, at nearly 70,000 miles I am happy with my oil choices. Thanks for vid.👍🏍🏍🏍🏍👊

I have tried all oils over the years in my 80ci evo and have come to use now JOE GIBBS HR1 15w50 racing oil with extreme high zinc, it has completely quited my engines top end. In trans i use 75w140 valvoline synth gear oil and primary i use redline chaincase oil. Best combination!, my engine is dead quiet my trans shifts to neutral super easy and the clutch engages smoothly.

JOHN keep the informative videos coming you are excelent

Im a mechanic and I 100% agree with you use what is convenient when it comes to oil. I usually just order mine through one of my shops suppliers because where i work we dont work on motorcycles.

My personal blend: Mobil 1 v-twin 20w50 in the engine and clutch, Redline in the transmission.

Hey John. DDFM sent me your way. Great video and nice bike!

Thanks Bro for the advice. I purchased my first Harley yesterday a 2009 Harley Ultra Classic with 14000 miles on it and only 1 owner. I have owned many other makes and models of motorcycles in the past, Honda's, Victory's etc. I am excited about my first Harley.

Thanks John. New Softail owner here and first time watching you. Subscribed.

HD dino engine,formula+ primary, redline trans. Works for me

I love Ams oil. Started running it in 2005 on my motocross bikes. Never had any troubles. Eventually started running it in my rockets, my sportsters and now I run it in my duramax. I support amsoil all the way. 👍. Now Johns really got me wanting a new heritage and if I do get one, guess what I'll run in it. 😉. That heritage is sexy 🤤🤤🤤🤤

Excellent tips. Thanks John.

Thanks for the information John! Always educational material....I really appreciate it.

I change my NightTrain oil every spring. May be less than 5000 miles, but clean oil keeps it happy.

We need some more maintenance videos on the lower range ie steet/streetrod and 883 etc cheers john

i like your videos, I service my wideglide myself and every few years let a professional go over my bike. my bike is now 15 yrs old and i always use full synthetic oil in primary, motor and transmission. usually whatever is on sale, and a 3614 fram filter. (saves money )

Syn 3 in both my bikes. Might give that gear oil a try. Keep the videos coming.

Been using Mobil1 because there's 4 Wal-Marts between me and the closest Harley shop.

yes finally some one say´s gear oil for the gear´s yes regards Sören

I use Bellray at my last oil change and am very pleased with it seemed to get rid of a little bit of the clunk into 1st gear

I loved how you explained everything, Thanks!

I’ve been very pleased with Shaffer’s fluids, but I like the fact that the Motor Company offers a very good gear oil as an option for those who don’t run synthetic. Like he says, the most important part is that there’s actually oil in the bike.

Oil can be pronounced 3 ways: Oyul, Awl, and Earl. 😀

Fantastic video. So many great tips. The reason I DO NOT run HD oil in my wife’s HD is that I always carry a quart of oil in my panniers of my BMW. I refuse to put HD sacreligous oil in my Beemer/GS but I want to carry the same oil for both our bikes. It’s the same reason I run Rotella in both my truck and my Honda. Because it’s there. Great stuff bud. Keep up the good work.

Took bike out on Saturday for first ride of season next weekend doing my first oil change thanks for the advice

Well, here's what I can share on the topic from my personal experience: running Redline Racing's 20w50 V twin oil has ALWAYS made my bikes run 10-12 degrees cooler, as per temp gun on the heads. It has also ALWAYS quieted some of the mechanical noises down. So, I'm not saying it's the best oil ever, but it's pretty clear too me that it's working some kinda magic. It's expensive as hell, but for less heat and less noise (therefore one would assume better lubrication and less friction)? I'll spend the extra $$$

Great video. Straight and to the point. My brother has been a Master Harley Technician for the last 16 years and would agree 100% with you on the "all three holes" debate. You should NEVER use engine oil in your transmission. Period. There are specific gear oils for a reason. Nice work and keep the videos coming 🤘

Thank you John for a very informative interview. Loved what you had to say about oils I hold tankers for almost 50 years hauling gas diesel motor oil and other petroleum products. I use mobile one 2050 in my road glide special. I’ve been thinking about switching over to Harley oil because it’s more convenient but I know the maker of Harley oil is Sunoco SUNOCO. I did haul their bowl coils out of the Chevron refinery in Richmond California. I think it’s probably a pretty good product but I got better reviews from the mobile one 2050. I think you’re right John get the oil that’s convenient as long as it meets Harley specs and go with that . Have a great day John and thank you again.

1st time here. Love your presentation. Good humoured editing. Good tips

Valvolane 20w50 syn 4stroke motorcycle oil at Wally’s: never a failure- $8 quart - When you want oil go to an “oil” co - Far cry from hd $13 -

I was told by my H-D dealer that they put Redline in all New bikes after the break-in. So that’s what I have done my changes with. Who knows but I am with you, just make sure it’s got oil. 👍 Hope to make it down to meet up with your group for the trip to Paris this year. 18 Fatboy 124

Thanks John. Good to know about the HD Gear oil.

Great Tips. I have a new to me 2013 FLHTK. Will try the new gear lube. Spendy though.

HD syn3 all three holes. Cheers Bro and safe travels this weekend.

For me it's Lucas 20-50 full synthetic in the crankcase, Lucas full synthetic 75-140 in the trans, and Lucas primary chain oil in the obvious reservoir. Good tip, pick an oil and stick with it, probably not a good idea to switch between brands all of the time.

AMSOIL VTWIN for me because I took the harley out of my motor with better pistons, cams etc. Recomended staying on top on oil changes. HD oil is fine as well. My first Harley but my last. Great Video!

Thank you for a to the point video. I'm in Front Range Colorado, been running 10-30 year round, will be move up to 10-40 for mountain riding, often abovd 9 13K. Thanks again for a great video. PS, I'M 81 yrs old and I ride a 1993 FLSTC. AKA, The Black Avenger.

This video reminds me that it is definitely time for an oil change.

I have been running AMSOIL for nearly 40 years (yes, AMSOIL was The FIRST synthetic oil!!) so I run the AMSOIL V-Twin Engine Oil, Primary Fluid and V-Twin Transmission Fluid, along with an AMSOIL EaOM134 oil filter in my 2017 Road Glide Ultra.

Love the common sense way this was explained look forward to more

Interesting. I have used: Amsoil, Lucas, Harley, and last two times, Redline. Redline is expensive, I got talked into it. Liked your video! Thanks. I am going back to what is convenient for me. I do found the manual for mileage guidelines.

Clean oil is the best oil. People who neglect giving their bike fresh oil will pay in the long run.... My 99 RK (first year TC) went over 300,000 on the original engine with oil changes every 5,000 miles. That engine only got Castrol 20/50. My Panhead runs straight 60w just to quiet the top end. My 2017 RGU runs 20/50 Mobil One V-Twin because I can get it right down the street. I do run Lucas primary lube and 75/90 in the trans for gear lube. Again because I can get them down the street. Fresh oil is the best oil!

Amsoil 20/50 and I sleep well Thank you, I've been curious of that black silvery crap stuck to my drain plug, now I'm not so much..

Most videos I (we) watch on oil changes now days(well not all,but most)say to use syne3 in all holes. But for my 2007 deuce,I use syn-3 for the hole only!i believe oil and Gear oil or a little different, in my opinion..thanks for the info,John. Always a good watch. Be safe out there!! Joe l

nice job on giving us a few tips on oil types to use. Hope your ride down south is dry and warm , wish I was going , bike is going to the dealer for an upgrade in the sound dept. ( ultra limited 2014 ) getting ready for summer fun and Oct. biggest HD parade run .

The biggest and most impressive reduction in Temp I ever seen was when I switched from Syn3, to Amsoil 15-60 Synthetic. I had a LowRiderS, 110, and we all know that Engine ran Super hot. The Amsoil, reduced it at least 15 Degrees, just by simple comparison from my Digi temp/Dipstick. After the break in, I’ll never use anything else on my new FXDR but Amsoil. 👍🇺🇸

Good to know HD has a gear oil. I use syn3, formula+ and redline.

Oh forgot to tell you. My 1997-Sportster 1200 is Nugget yellow and black . I sold it like a big dummy to a friend of mine in Pittsburgh..Steeler colors...lol..he's still running the bike with Valvoline synthetic..300,000 miles and never has had the motor worked on except tires and cluttches.. not bad!!!!!!!

Just got my first Harley thanks for all the tips.

John, have you or anyone else ever used the Scavenger Total Oil change system and if so, what are your thoughts?

I bought my first Evo in 85. Running a straight was definitely a no-no. That being said I live in Canada. I used ask service techs about running synthetic. I was told no, to slippery. After a while I went and had my top end cleaned up. Then I started using Amsoil. I will never go back to fossil. Harley doesn't make any oil. They tender it out to the lowest bidder, so essentially the cheapest synthetic you can find is your SYN3. I have had people and read that SYN3 was the junkiest oil. Too thin and a lot of noise. They went to another brand of synthetic. I found it underhanded that Harley would say don't use synthetic till they started marketing their own crap brand.

2012 Fat Bob Stage II Barnett Scorpion Clutch I live in Phoenix and have run Mobil 1 in all holes for 3 years without issue. I ran Amz Oil & Redline before that. Barnett actually recommended Mobil 1 (as well as a couple others) when running that clutch.

This was very informative. Thank you