JBX, do you know what brand SYN Infiniti offers? I plan to switch to Syn at my first oil change.

It amazes me how a SYN thread can really get the fires started. If Vipers, Vettes come with Syn from the start it seems pretty obvious you can make the switch at any point and the protection benefits outweigh the few dollars extra you spend for SYN. Even Harley runs synthetic from the box on it's high end Screaming Eagle bikes.

 

Ya know what's really funny? Harley used to say (as recently as three years ago) that if you used synthetic oil in their engines you'd void the warranty. Well, funny thing is that was their policy UNTIL they came out with their own brand synthetic two years ago (made by Castrol I believe) Mercuiser was the same way....funny ****...no? Infiniti offers Mobil 1, for the most part, for their oil changes. You should be doing your own anyway Dude . It gives you the opportunity to become familiar w/your car and enjoy the ownership a little bit more when you take part in the upkeep. bcool/jbx

 

That's cool. In any event for sure it's entertaining and informative. Keep up the posting.

 

ROFL, I'll tell you whats funny...You are! Your kidding me with this, right?

The reason you can use synth in Harley's now is because they reengineered their engines. You know, after Bleustein was hired as the CEO?

 

Now let me understand this now "Sweetness" , You're saying that because of a re-configured head/valve design, the introduction of the twin cam B, and slightly updated oil pump and crank (not to mention a change in piston ring design) Harley finally came along with an official OK on synthetic oil use , and it has not a thing to do with them marketing their own brand? What about their long term stance on NOT using syntetic based oils in any AIR COOLED engines, AND their old school thoughts on premature seal wear ? Does my 30 years building Harley engines have any bearing what so ever, or is this some **** you picked up in a Harley chat room or MCI class? By the way, I'd love to see some pics of your projects, be it cars, motorcycles, or bath tub toys posted here so I could check your stats. Do you even change your own oil? Probably own a stock Fatboy with "Live to Ride" **** all over it and wear a "made in the Republic of China" genuine Harley leather too, right? HAVE A LITTLE PRIDE...BUILD WHAT YA RIDE Much luv, your Jersey buddy, Mr. frigg'n JBX

 

I love your cynicism, I really do. Though I can do without the ad-hominem.

Yes, I'm saying that the redesign was the main reason for the change of policy regarding synthetic oil. I'm sure some genius marketing guy had a plan all along about marketing the "Harley Synthetic" and that it didn't hurt the decision making process and probably affected the timing. The truth is probably a combination of the two. But since neither of us was in the Harley boardroom, we are both guessing about their motives, now arn't we?

And I'm surprised you would characterize the beloved Harley Davidson is such a macheavelian way. Why it's almost unamerican...

 

Yes, I change my own oil. I've been doing my own auto maintanence for 10 years now. I started back in 95 or so, oil changes, spark plugs, little stuff like that when I got tired of paying an arm and a leg...But then in 97 I got a DUI and since that is an unbelievable expensive thing to do, I had to trade in my new truck and bought an 85 Dodge pickup. I paid $600 for it and had to fix it up. Emissions, carb, ignition system, brakes, exhaust, etc and I couldn't afford to send it to the shop. So I just dove in and did it myself. Made some mistakes and had to redo things sometimes but I learned a lot. Before I bought my G35 I owned a little hyundai tiburon...got into autocrossing for a while. Did all the work needed on that car myself, except the timing belt change. Including installing all new suspension components and doing an alignment. Anyway, I do as much of my own auto maint. as I am able, given limited facilities and tools. Like the timing belt on the Tiburon...the belt tensioner tool cost almost as much as getting the whole job done. So I went the easy route and had it done. Partly because I knew I was trading in the car and didn't want a $250 tool hanging around I had no use for.

And no, I don't own a stock fatboy and a 'made in china' jacket. I own a Kaw. Vulcan 750. I got it used a couple years ago...it's a 94 and it's what the budget said I could buy. I could trade it in now for something "bigger and better" but I've done enough work on it myself getting it in riding condition that I feel too inveseted in it to get rid of it.

True, I havn't rebuilt an engine yet, though the vulcan is looking like a candidate next winter(or maybe sooner, but I hope not to miss too much riding this summer)...it'll need a clutch and new cam chain tensionsers..so I'll at least be pulling the engine and drivetrain out. So true, I'm not as experienced as you but I'm not some dumb fatass who's never had grease under his nails, either.

 

Well alrighty then. Anyway, there is nothing that Harley did in engineering upgrades that made their air cooled engine anymore accepting of synthetic oil than the previous configuration. The design remained, for the most part, the same. I ran my 64' FLH panhead (which I owned since 68') on synthetic engine, and gear oil, since 1997 (at the completion of my third top end and tranny rebuild) until 03' when I sold it to an old friend of mine. He still runs the Amsoil in it and tells me the compression is still right on the money 17,000 miles after the last rebuild. No new tech. or engineering here.....just synthetic oil in an old motorcycle that wasn't designed to run on it. and, by the way, in all my flaming I never called you a fatass.

 

Alright, Alright...so I'm the poser here. It's not a Fatboy, but it is a Softail (Heritage Springer) and a 100yr anniversary model no less. Isn't that what all the yuppies drive anyway? Sure I wish I could break down an engine and all that cool stuff, but 20 years pass by pretty quick doing stupid stuff like chasin' a little white golf ball, drink WAY too much Milwalkees Best, playin' online poker and spending Sunday afternoon watching football. My pop never was much a motorhead and all my friends did was challenge me to non-stop Madden games. Hell, at least I have learned to DO an oil change.....pretty impressive huh? Anyway, just wanted to set the record straight.

 

That's funny 01', I guess I was stereotyping a bit huh? Oh well, if the Pakistani leather fits, wear it huh? lol. I'm gonna PM you w/some stuff I have for sale ( beautiful Amer. made leathers and such) that I have left over from my custom shop. You can see the stuff at foxcreekleather.com Check it out. I'm selling the stuff for a whole lot less than it sells for on their site (my cost). I'm still one of the FEW retailers for them, so if I don't have it (style or size) I can get it for you and still save ya a bunch. (they don't discount). I also have some other sh1it....brand new 42mm Mikuni, Voss helmets,etc. Oh yeah...a nice $6,000. Lincoln Tig/Mig welder and wire feeder. Uh....I guess I don't have to PM you now...LOL JBX

 

Oh, I almost forgot to say that as I look out at a beautiful sun rising over tha Atlantic Ocean, that it's a gorgeous day. I only am saying this to give 'nohero' something to disagree with me about today.....................JBX ....OUT lol