Harley's 20-50W oil?

[Sully]

I have a few gallons of Harley's proprietary 20-50W oil, and I use it in the '85 Low Rider.

After taking the '97 r1100RT to the local (86 miles away) BMW dealer for a valve adjust and oil change (without specifying synth oil), I realized they put in fresh 20-50 BMW drum oil...but when they charged me $3.20/qt, I realized they had used dynosaur oil. No big deal, but now I'm 3500 mi down the road and thinking of changing it soon. Are there any opinions on using the h-d oil for 3000 mi?

Any opinions would help...especially from those who have experience with having substituted h-d's oil before!:dunno

[kioolt]

Even though its HD oil I believe that it will still have a API rating. If it matches the BMW requirement I'd go ahead and use it.

[Mudbug]

H-D does not publish the API service of their oil.
They do recommend that you use diesel motor oil ( API service CF ) if necessary when their oil is not available. Many diesel oils are also rated SH.

That said. Amsoil and Mobil 1 are API SH and CF among others and I believe that BMW does recommend an API of SH.

Everything I've read leads me to believe that HD 360 motoroil is safe to use in your BMW. The last time I brought my Harley to the dealer for service, the HD dinosaur oil was over $3.00 a qt. The HD synthetic is over $8 per qt.

I use Amsoil 20-50 V-Twin synthetic for which I pay approx $6 per qt.

[Mr. Frank]

Some test data I saw in an Amsoil brochure had Harley oil last among a number of motorcycle oils. When you've used it up, I wouldn't buy more.

[Sully]

Well, guys...thanks for the info. I bought 2 cases when the local dealer sold it for $1.75/qt because I liked it in the Harley.

Hmm, bought the R1100RT and the LowRider's mileage total has dropped dramatically! I love the old beast, but it's more similar to a farm tractor now that I've grown accustomed to the Bmer. Since I've only put 700mi on the hog this year vs 6500 on the RT, I thought to clear the shelf in the shop by using it up.

It is weird, though, that H-D doesn't put any specs on their oil cans; I never noticed it when only using it for an H-D.

Thanks for your help!

Sully, getting out the cold weather gear 'cause it was 38* when I left for school last week!