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You already know that oil is a vital and important factor for the smooth operation of your motorcycle.
You should be sure of the oil you are using for your bike.
The right oil will keep your Harley Davidson running at its best and improve the wear of your engine’s components.

Oil is vital for your Harley Davidson.
Be sure that the oil you’re using is recommended for your specific model and year.
If you are unsure, consult your authorized HD mechanic or a Harley users forum, before making your decision. Using the wrong oil may damage your motorcycle.
Mobil 1 96936 20W 50, V-Twin Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w-50 is recommended for four-stroke motorcycles where the owner’s manual specifies 20w-50 engine oil.
This is good for motorcycle engines that have a design with a common lubrication system for engine and transmission or a separate lubrication system for engine and transmission.
For the latter case, use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of oil for the transmission.
Fully synthetic Mobil 1 motorcycle oils are typically engineered for motorcycles and the formulations withstand the extreme heat produced by the motorcycles and under the toughest riding conditions.
The label on the bottle says ‘for use in the engine, primary chaincase, and transmission’.
SAE 20w-50 means the oil has a viscosity of SAE 20 at cold (ambient) temperatures and SAE 50 at the operating temperature of the motorcycle.
Many have used this oil for their 2005 Road King engine, 2015 Dyna Fat Bob & 2015 Ultra Limited (primary, engine, and transmission).
It’s a good option for air-cooled engines.
AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
This oil kit offers everything you need to do the complete oil change for most of 2016 to present Harley Davidson motorcycles.
The kit includes five quarts of AMSOIL 20w-50 fully synthetic V-Twin motorcycle oil, one AMSOIL chrome oil filter, and one drain-plug O-ring.
The manufacturer recommends this oil for all three places.
AMSOIL Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil 20w-50
This AMSOIL full synthetic V-Twin oil 20w-50 is the same as above in a one-gallon container.
User reviews are good.
AMSOIL MVTQT-EA Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid
AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic transmission oil is specially designed for riders who want a dedicated transmission oil and do not want to use the same lubricant in all three places.
This product helps the smooth running of the transmission with quietness and efficiency.
This can be a high-performance alternative to the manufacturer’s recommended and supplied oil.
User reviews are good. One user has used this oil on his HD Road King Screaming Eagle.
MaximaHiflofiltro VTTOCK21 Complete Engine Oil Change Kit
Oil manufacturer’s recommendation for Harley Davidson all Twin Cam Motorcycles (Electra Glide/Ultra, Street Glide, Road King, Softail, Dyna) 2000 to 2015.
This oil kit includes 4 quarts of Maxima V-Twin Synthetic blend 20w-50 engine oil, 1 quart Maxima V-Twin primary oil, 1 quart Maxima V-Twin 85w 140 transmission oil, and a black HiFloFiltro HF171B premium oil filter.
Maxima V-Twin Synthetic Blend is a special high-temperature formula featuring a blend of ester-based synthetic and petroleum base stocks for the protection of critical engine components, reduce wear, friction, temperature, and oil consumption
Maxima V-Twin Heavy-Duty Transmission & Gear Oil is a high-quality, mineral-based motorcycle transmission oil, and the primary oil is a high-quality, mineral-based motorcycle gear oil formulated for high-performance.
User reviews are generally positive. Users have used this kit for their 2005 Electra Glide, 2010 Fatboy, 2003 Dyna Wide Glide, 2016 Road Glide, and one user complained that the oil he had received was semisynthetic (instead of synthetic), the transmission oil was not heavy enough, and the filter was of cheap quality.
Red Line 42804 V-Twin Transmission Oil
Red Line 42804 V-Twin Transmission oil dampens transmission noise, reduce temperature, and ensure thicker films of oil between gear teeth.
The manufacturer says that this product can be used for Harley Davidson motorcycles (transmission) including Evolution engines, Twin Cam engines, and 6-speed cruise drive, and this is the same as the unique Heavy Shock Proof gear oil.
Transmission oils are normally not specific to any model.
User reviews are good. Users have used this oil for their 2011 Ultra, 2017 Harley SGS with 6-speed transmission (user felt that this oil quieted the ‘clunk sound’ while shifting to first gear at 10 MPH speed), and Harley Big Twin 6-speed.
Red Line (42904) V-Twin Full Synthetic Primary Case Oil
Primary case oil on your Harley motorcycle is as important as engine and transmission oil.
V-Twin primary oil can work over a wide range of temperatures and improves clutch operation, and reduces wear and temperature, and operates smoothly. Red Line V-Twin primary case oil is designed and engineered especially for 1984 to the present American V-Twin motorcycle engines.
Red Line 42524 20w-50 Full synthetic Motorcycle Oil
This Red Line oil is designed for the latest Big Twin motorcycle engines that specify 20w-50 grade oil, including Evolution, Twin Cam, etc.
This oil is packed with anti-wear chemistry like zinc and phosphorous, and special friction modifiers for better wet-clutch operation.
User reviews are good and positive. One user said that he is using this oil in his FLT Harley for touring and it is working. Another user said that he is using the complete range of Red Line oils.
Red Line 90226 V-Twin 20w-50 Power Pack Oil
This Red Line oil package includes 5 quarts of 20w-50 motorcycle oil, 1 quart of V-Twin transmission oil with shockproof, 1 quart of the primary chaincase oil, 1 bottle of fuel injection cleaner, a sticker kit, a Red Line oil hat, and a versatile funnel.
This is a complete kit for motorcycles with Evolution, Milwaukee-Eight, and Twin-Cam engines, and each kit is checked for compatibility and sufficient quantity for a complete oil change.
User reviews are good. Users have used this oil in their 2017 Harley Lowrider (air-cooled), 2014 Ultra Limited, Dyna, and a Road Glide, and one user commented that he would have preferred to get more oil and O-rings in place of stickers, hat, and funnel’.
Castrol 159AE1 06080 Power RS V-Twin 20w-50
Formulated with Trizone technology and protects the engine, clutch, and gearbox, this oil is engineered and tested to ensure performance in Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Castrol POWER1 V-TWIN 4T 20w-50 is fully synthetic oil and is specifically designed for giving the best performance in modern V-Twin engines, primary and transmission.
Castrol oil protects the three areas of your bike- engine, clutch, and gearbox.
Motul 104104 7100 20w-50 Synthetic Motor Oil
The manufacturer recommends this oil for motorcycle categories like all-terrain, street, sport, off-road, cruiser, and touring.
Key features include:
- Low engine wear due to maximum oil film resistance even at high temperatures.
- Maximum power input and decreased operating temperature due to the presence of friction modifier.
- Reduced oil consumption.
- Stable oil pressure at all operating conditions.
One user used this oil in his Harley Davidson M8 engine and the engine quietened down after using this oil.
Another user felt quieter engine noise and more harmonious vibration.
What is the recommended oil for Harley Davidson motorcycles?
Please refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil for your Harley.
Harley normally recommends different oils considering the minimum ambient temperature (SAE 10w40 for cold weather, SAE50 for warm weather, etc.) and also synthetic or mineral oil.
If Harley has recommended synthetic oil, you may go for it and it works well even at high engine temperatures (if your Harley engine is air-cooled it reaches very high temperature) in warm weather.
By selecting a good quality oil for your Harley Davidson motorcycle, you can keep your bike healthy and running smoothly for many years.