What are the key benefits to using SYN3®?
SYN3® Can be used in the engine, primary chain case, and transmission. Offers improved film strength for superior wear protection at high temperature, and improved deposit control for a cleaner engine, transmission, and primary chain case.
Is formulated for reduced oil consumption, improved wear protection, high temperature detergency, and superior overall field performance. Provides high temperature film strength, which means the lubricant maintains film thickness in high power output and high engine speed conditions, keeping the metal parts from rubbing against each other and resulting in less wear.
In the past, Harley-Davidson® did not recommend the use of synthetic oils in H-D®/Buell® motorcycles. Why is H-D® introducing a synthetic now?
Because Harley-Davidson® cannot test and certify all available synthetics on the market nor control their oil and additive formulations, we have discouraged their use. However, Harley-Davidson®, in close partnership with our suppliers, analyzed available petrochemical technology and developed a custom-blended candidate fluid that can be used in all three cavities of a Harley-Davidson®/Buell® motorcycle. 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 H-D®/Buell® motorcycles.
What kind of testing was done on SYN3®?
Over three years of laboratory bench testing, dynamometer testing under accelerated conditions, open road vehicle durability testing, closed course durability testing, and wear and deposit rating analysis was conducted on SYN3®.
Who makes or blends this product?
SYN3® is a proprietary blend, exclusively custom-blended for Harley-Davidson®.
Will H-D® 360 Motorcycle Oil be replaced by SYN3®?
Harley-Davidson® continues to offer H-D® 360 Motorcycle Oil. SYN3® is an alternative lubricant product from Harley-Davidson®, and in particular, a formula that is very effective for high performance engines and hot climate applications.
In which motorcycle models can SYN3® be used?
SYN3® is formulated for use in Harley-Davidson® Evolution® XL, Evolution 1340, Twin Cam® (all displacements) and Revolution-equipped models and all Buell® models.
Can SYN3® be used in ShovelheadTM engines, 4-speed Big Twin transmissions, and early Shovelhead 5-speed transmissions?
Harley-Davidson® did not test SYN3® in these engine configurations. There are a multitude of tests that must be completed before a lubricant can be certified for use in Harley-Davidson® engines, primary chain cases and transmissions. Many of these tests require that the components be brand new, and the required quantity of new power trains for testing and validation could not be procured.
Will the use of SYN3® lengthen my service intervals?
No, we recommend that you still follow your owner's manual for the proper service schedule for your vehicle.
If this product is a high performance lubricant, why would my service intervals not be extended?
While SYN3® will help reduce the amount of impurities to your engine, no lubricant product can reduce fuel dilution (this happens every time you start your vehicle). As a result, the regular service schedule is recommended for optimum performance of your vehicle. Lubricants begin to break down the moment the engine is started. The long molecular strands of the lubricant begin to be sheared between the faces of gears, pistons or other moving parts. SYN3® was tested to confirm that the lubricant provides the protection required for the engine, primary chain case and transmission for the drain intervals specified in the Owner's Manual.
A common concern with other available synthetic oils is that roller bearings may "skate" or "float" in the bearing race, and not actually rotate as designed. How does SYN3® prevent this from happening?
SYN3® was formulated to provide improved high temperature stability, shear stability, proper lubricity for anti-wear (without roller bearing "skate" or "float") and maintain the coefficient of friction for proper clutch operation (without clutch slippage).
Harley-Davidson® does not recommend any lubricants that have not been tested and approved by Harley-Davidson® engineering because we do not control the formulations. Lubricants are reformulated frequently to meet changing American Petroleum Institute (API) Ratings. API Ratings are developed and tested for use in water-cooled automotive engines and diesel applications. There is no API Rating (classification) for Motorcycle Engines.
Harley-Davidson®, in close partnership with our suppliers, analyzed available petrochemical technology and developed a custom-blended candidate fluid that could be used in all three cavities of a Harley-Davidson®/Buell® motorcycle.
Can a brand new bike have its fluids drained and refilled with SYN3®, without voiding the warranty?
Yes, this product can be used as a first fill upon delivery of a new motorcycle. The formula is approved by Harley-Davidson® for use in all stages of engine life and is not detrimental to the engine break-in cycle.
Do the cavities that are going to be filled with SYN3® need to be completely drained?
Yes, the cavities that are to be filled with SYN3® must be completely drained. It is not recommended to mix SYN3® with other lubricant products. During servicing, a residual amount of fluid will remain in the sumps. It is not required to "flush" out the residual fluids.
Should I put a can of additive in with each oil change?
No, SYN3® is blended with an additive package already included. Other additives are not needed and may not be compatible with SYN3®. In fact, oil additives may actually dilute the SYN3® formulation.
If I'm on the road, and realize I'm down a quart of engine oil, and cannot buy SYN3®, what should I use?
If SYN3® is not available and addition of motor oil is required, the first choice would be to add H-D® 360 SAE 20W50 to the SYN3® for engine lubrication. Although H-D® 360 is compatible with SYN3®, we suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible. If H-D® 360 is not available, the second choice would be to add an acceptable diesel engine oil as listed in the Owner's Manual, and again we suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible. DO NOT add diesel engine oil to the primary chain case or transmission.
Can a quart of oil be added to the Primary Chain case or Transmission when SYN3® is not available?
If SYN3® is not available and addition of lubricant to the Primary Chain case (Evolution® 1340 and Twin Cam 88®) is required, the first choice would be to add H-D® Primary Chain case Lubricant. Although H-D® Primary Chain case Lubricant is compatible with SYN3®, we suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible.
If SYN3® is not available and addition of lubricant to the Primary Chain case and Transmission (common reservoir) for Evolution® XL and all Buell® models is required, the first choice would be to add H-D® Sport-Trans Fluid. Although H-D® Sport-Trans Fluid is compatible with SYN3®, we suggest the mixture of the fluids be changed as soon as possible.