Heavier oil isn't bad. However, heavier oil robs Hps due to fluid drag, and the tighter you make your engine tolorances, the thinner oil you can run. Just because oil is thin has no bearing on it's oil protection capability. Perfect example are modern cars using 5w20 oil. Ya never even considered that 25 years ago. Hell.....I believe Baby Oil is 5w15........
Striaght 50wt is the same thickness at full temp as 20w50, but is much thicker when cold, which is why multiviscosity oils were developed. COld starts and thick oils means oil starvation and premature wear.
Synthetic oil molecules have higher shearing capabilities, so it lasts longer and has 3 times better "Cling factor" to metals, giving it better protection....and in the cold, they're always thin. It also helps to reduce engine temps, which is another bonus, especially if you're riding an air colled vehicle, like the HD. (excluding V-Rods)
I run straight 60wt in my Evo in the summer. I prefer straight weight oils, because they lack the polymers that multiviscosity oils have, so they're considered "heavy duty" oils, as polymers can break down, reducing your oil's viscosity and protection capabilities, in extreme conditions. A 20w50 oil, as it starts to break down, becomes 20w40.....20w30......etc. Straight weight oils don't do that.
Truth is, with modern technology, better oils and more efficient engines, heavier oils aren't recommended any more. You get just as good of protection with "thinner" oils, in proper applications.
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HERD meber #10
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Following my instructions will likely lead to death, mental retardation and/or bodily injury, consistant with eating lead-based paint chips, and by doing so, will release me, my family and my dog from any legal action(s) for listening to anything I recommended.
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