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For the past 20 years, Harley-Davidson's has claimed its petroleum-based Genuine H-D Oil is best for the unique requirements of Harley-Davidson's air—cooled V-twin engines. However, laboratory testing has consistently revealed that Genuine H-D Oil does not provide the best protection possible for Harley-Davidson's engines. In fact, Four-Ball Wear Tests show Harley- Davidson's 20W--50 Motorcycle Oil leaves a wear scar over 50 percent larger than that left by AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil.
One of the major benefits of running a synthetic motorcycle oil is its resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, which inhibit the formation of sludge and deposits that contribute to increased wear. In the past, Harley-Davidson has defended use of its Genuine H--D Oil by arguing that oil breakdown in extreme heat is a non-issue because extreme heat conditions are not normally faced by motorcycle engines, while the superior cold-temperature benefits of synthetics also don't apply to Harleys.
The fact is, engine oil in Harley-Davidson motorcycles is subject to very high temperatures. Being air-cooled, Harley-Davidson engines get especially hot while idling in traffic, commonly reaching temperatures up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. As heat and oxidation increase, so does viscosity, adversely affecting the lubricating qualities of the oil and increasing wear.
In support of their about-face and the introduction of a synthetic oil, Harley maintains that the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there has never been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations in HD/Buell motorcycles. This product has been exclusively designed for Harley-Davidson and is the only synthetic product TESTED and CERTIFIED by Harley-Davidson engineering for use in HD/Buell motorcycles."
Although this is necessary marketing hype, Harley-Davidson's V--twin air-cooled engines are not unique in their lubrication requirements and do not require a special Harley-only fluid. There is nothing about Screamin ' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil that sets it apart from, or makes it better than, many other synthetic motorcycle oil formulations, except that Harley-Davidson is marketing it and directly promoting from the sales.
According to Harley-Davidson, one of the unique benefits offered by Screamin' Eagle Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is its versatility. For the first time the company is recommending an oil that can be used in the engines, primary chaincases and transmissions of most Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including Evolution XL, Evolution 1340,Twin Cam 88 and 88B,Revolution and Buell models. This feature, however, is not unique. AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil may also be used in the engines, primary chain cases and transmissions of these applications, providing superior lubricating protection in each component.
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