Best Oil for Harley Davidson Motorcycles Review 2020

If you are a motorcycle lover, you probably have a Harley Davidson model, which is the premier motorcycle manufacturer in the USA and also responsible for some of the best designs in the market. However, like every other engine, you need to lubricate the moving parts with oil for optimum performance and efficiency.

Product

Pros

OUR #1 RATED

AMSOIL VTWIN Oil Change Kit

  • Highly reputable motorcycle oil brand
  • Offers better cooling of up to 40 degrees
  • Can lubricate parts for much longer compared to other brands
  • Works for both engines and transmission systems

OUR #2 RATED

Shell Rotella T6 5W-40

  • Increased protection against engine wear
  • Consistent cooling during low and extreme temperatures
  • Protects exhaust after-treatment devices for better emission management
  • Exceptional fuel economy

OUR #3 RATED

Castrol Power 1 ACT EVO

  • Works for both engine and transmission systems
  • Improved protection against combustion wear elements and deposits
  • Improved fuel economy and better oil consumption
  • Exceeds all manufacturing requirements and standards


Manufacturers design engines that work with different oils, so it is essential to find the best oil for Harley Davidson motorcycles (also we have a separate guide on the best oil for duramx motorcycles) (also we have a separate guide on the best oil for duramx motorcycles) (also we have a separate guide on the best oil for duramx motorcycles) (also we have a separate guide on the best oil for duramx motorcycles). Below, we compare the top-rated Harley Davidson oil products you can purchase for your Harley Davidson motorcycles.

List of Top-Rated Oils for Harley Davidson Motorcycles Comparison Table: 

Product  Nam​e

(Oil)

Type

Quantity

Rating

AMSOIL VTWIN

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

20W504 QTS

4.7

Shell Rotella 

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

5W40CJ-4

128.Fl.Oz

4.8

CASTROL Power 1

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

20W501 Liter

4.7

The Oils for Harley Davidson Motorcycles Reviews & Buyer’s Guide: 

AMSOIL VTWIN Oil Change Kit 

Amsoil is the most reputable and trusted lubrication oil brand for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The oil has a stamp of approval from virtually all the stakeholders and motorcycle rallies, including Sturgis, Laconia Motorcycle Week, Daytona Bike Week, Lone Star Rally, and Biketoberfest among others. The synthetic oil efficiently reduces engine temperature by up to 40 degrees and can be used in both engine and transmission.

Amsoil also features additives that prevent the forming of contaminants under high temperatures. They have consistently proven superior when reviewed side by side with other top brands.

Amsoil has also been touted by many to provide the best value and can last twice as long as other oils. Make sure you purchase your oil from the official dealership so you can be guaranteed of quality. The brand is loved because they believe in their product, which comes with warranty and quality guarantees.

PROS

  • Highly reputable motorcycle oil brand
  • Offers better cooling of up to 40 degrees
  • Can lubricate parts for much longer compared to other brands
  • Works for both engines and transmission systems

CONS

  • A significant drop in performance when mixed with other oils

Shell Rotella T6 5W-40

This is premium motorcycle oil you can use in your Harley Davidson bike. The full synthetic motor oil boasts proprietary Triple Protection Plus technology that uses synthetic base oils to provide advanced protection against various wear elements, including oil breakdowns and deposits. The oil also offers better flow even under low temperature and offers augmented fuel economy and performance. 

If you are using conventional SAE15W-40 oils, you can upgrade to T6 5W-40 for extended durability and enhanced fuel economy. The heavy-duty engine oil offers the capability of 1.5%, which can translate to hundreds of dollars in saved fuel expenses.

T6 5W-40 boasts improved wear performance that features multi-functional dispersant additives to protect the engine against wear components such as soot and dirt, among other contaminants. Other features include improved heat resistance and viscosity throughout its use.

PROS

  • Increased protection against engine wear
  • Consistent cooling during low and extreme temperatures
  • Protects exhaust after-treatment devices for better emission management
  • Exceptional fuel economy

CONS

  • One of the overpriced motor oils in the market

Castrol Power 1 ACT EVO

Castrol Power 1 is often seen as the best brand for those seeking affordable premium products. Their motor oil is highly recommendable for various motorcycle brands, including Harley Davidson. ACT EVO is designed as standard 4T engine oil that can be used to improve cooling under moderate temperatures, considering it isn't a fully synthetic oil. In 4 stroke motorbikes, the engine oil provides incredible cooling under high temperature and also protects against high-temperature combustion deposits.

It can also be used for separate and mixed lubrication, which brings flexibility whenever accessibility is an issue.

Other remarkable features of this lubrication oil include protection against dry start, improved oil consumption, better gear, and wet clutch performance, and TriZone technology that uses the same oil to protect various systems.

PROS

  • Works for both engine and transmission systems
  • Improved protection against combustion wear elements and deposits
  • Improved fuel economy and better oil consumption
  • Exceeds all manufacturing requirements and standards

CONS

  • Not fully synthetic, which is unsuitable for extremely high temperatures

Conclusions

No single best oil for Harley Davidson motorcycles exists in the market, considering there are several models, each with unique specifications and requirements. As such, it is essential to review the specific needs of your bike before selecting a bike. You can also lookup manufacturer recommendations, which is the best way to find the right oil for your motorcycle engine and transmission systems. Our top three picks represent the best brands and offer, according to users and manufacturing specifications, that render them more efficient in their roles. Make sure you purchase from a trustworthy dealer that can guarantee original quality from the manufacturer.

You may also like.

Synthetic Oil VS. Natural Oil

Depending on your driving frequency, you might need your car's oil changed a couple of times a year. The engine oil is the heartbeat of your car or motorcycle. If you own a Harley Davidson ride, then you definitely know it needs the best motor oil in the market.

Conventional motor oil is a naturally occurring oil refined from crude oil. But due to limited control, it might contain impurities that may clog your engine. These oils are readily available in auto stores and retail at a competitive price. On the other hand, synthetic motor oil is human-made. It's infused with various components which makes it meet your engine's needs.

Synthetic motorcycle oil features fewer contaminants to ensure you get few oil-related issues. Being a cleaner version of oil, it will flow better with high viscosity, regardless of the weather condition.

Which Synthetic Oil Should I Get?

The market is flooded with a myriad of synthetic oils. They are all good, but some are better. In this case, you can choose any of the above oils for your Harley Davidson motorcycle. Choose what works best for your engine and suits your budget.

More About Motorcycle Oil

If you ask ten guys about oils, you're likely to get ten different answers. Why? Because there are several brands of synthetic oils specifically for motorcycles. The current generation of motor oils is excellent, compared to 2 decades ago. This is because they are infused with additives, blended to withstand shear far much better than automotive (you might also find our guide on the best paint spray for automotive helpful) lubricants.

Since motorcycles are expected to stay with dirty oil in them for long, motorcycle oils are often combined with corrosion inhibitors.

Generally, you'll never go wrong if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Further, a regular oil change will boost your engine's performance.

Things to consider

Choosing synthetic oil for your Harley Davidson motorcycle can be daunting. Thanks to several brands in the market. However, you can make the process hassle-free by considering some essential features. These features include:

  • Viscosity

The viscosity of the oil is critical. It tells you how much oil with thicken or thin out, depending on the temperature conditions. Once you check the SAE weight, you'll be able to figure out what is best for your equipment. The weight is given in the form of  XW-XX, where X is a number, and W denotes winter.

The lower the value of X, the better the oil in withstanding temperatures. Any oil with 5 and below, it will thicken the at minimal freezing values. It, therefore, means this oil will keep on flowing smoothly even in cold weather conditions.

The number after W indicates how oil will performance under high heats. Therefore, when the number is high, it means the oil will not thin out even when the temperature starts rising.

  • Additives

You do need a number of additives to ensure synthetic oil functions and flow better. However, too much of it can reduce engine performance. All you need is to find the right mix for ultimate functionality.

When considering additives, it's advisable to look for those that enhance lubrication and offer up certain cleaning features.

  • Price

You should always go for what you can afford. Synthetic oils come at different rates. However, this doesn't mean you settle for low-ball prices. Identify the market value to know the price range. Too cheap always turn expensive. Oil retailing at a 35% discount might be infiltrated with impurities.

Also, consider how long the oil can last. If it's designed to last longer, it means you want to have to change the oil regularly.

  • Your Motorcycle Requirements

Motorcycle engines, these days, are sophisticated and complex pieces of machinery. Hence, you need to understand your gadget’s needs and requirements. Companies stipulated these requirements on the label to help you pick the right item. It might be tempting to ignore these suggestions, but remember, you might end up destroying the engine.

FAQ:

  • Which oil is best for a motorcycle?

 - Today, the market is saturated with several oil products. It’s upon you to choose the best oil for your motorcycle. The above oils are excellent for your equipment.

  • Is Harley synthetic oil any good?

 - Yes, it is. It’s specifically made to ensure your bike is operating smoothly and efficiently.

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