Engine Lubrication
CAUTIONProlonged or repeated contact with used motor oil may be harmful to skin and could cause skin cancer. Promptly wash affected areas with soap and water. (00358b)
CAUTIONIf engine oil is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Contact a physician immediately. In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush with water. Contact a physician if irritation persists. (00357d)
NOTICE
Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a)
Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest temperature expected before the next scheduled oil change. Refer to Table 1.
This motorcycle was originally equipped with GENUINE HARLEY-DAVIDSON H-D 360 MOTORCYCLE OIL 20W50. H-D 360 is the preferred oil under normal operating conditions. If operation under extreme cold or heat are expected, refer to Table 1 for alternative choices.
If necessary and H-D 360 is not available, add oil certified for diesel engines. Acceptable designations include: CH-4, CI-4 and CJ-4. The preferred viscosities, in descending order are: 20W50, 15W40 and 10W40.
At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil.
Table 1. Recommended Engine Oils
TYPE | VISCOSITY | LOWEST AMBIENT TEMPERATURE | COLD-WEATHER STARTS BELOW 50 °F (10 °C) |
|---|---|---|---|
Screamin' Eagle SYN3 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant | SAE 20W50 | Above -1 °C (30.2 °F) | Excellent |
Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil | SAE 20W50 | Above 4 °C (39.2 °F) | Good |
Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil | SAE 50 | Above 16 °C (60.8 °F) | Poor |
Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil | SAE 60 | Above 27 °C (80.6 °F) | Poor |
Low Temperature Lubrication
Change engine oil often in colder climates. If motorcycle is frequently ridden less than 24 km (15 mi), in ambient temperatures below 16 °C (60 °F), reduce oil change intervals to 2,400 km (1500 mi).
NOTE
Lower ambient temperatures require more frequent oil changes.
Water vapor is a normal by-product of combustion. During cold-weather operation, some water vapor condenses to liquid form on the cool surfaces inside the engine. In freezing weather, this water becomes slush or ice. If the engine is not warmed to operating temperature, accumulated slush or ice blocks the oil lines and causes engine damage. Over time, water will accumulate, mix with the engine oil and form a sludge that is harmful to the engine.
If the engine is allowed to warm to normal operating temperature, most of the water evaporates and exits through the crankcase breather.