Ever wondered what keeps a Harley Davidson running so smootly? It’s more than just the enviable engineering.
Behind that powerful roar of every Harley on the open road, there’s a secret ingredient: its oil and oil filters. But, who exactly manufactures these critical components? Are they as top-notch as the iconic motorbikes themselves?
Dive into this article as we demystify who makes Harley Davidson oil and oil filters, and gauge whether they truly live up to the high-octane expectations of Harley enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s kickstart this exploration into the lifeblood and filters safeguarding these legendary rides!
What Company Makes Harley Davidson’s Oil?
When it comes to Harley Davidson’s oil, the credit goes to Sunoco LP, a master limited partnership based in Delaware. Established long ago, Sunoco has been a significant player in the oil industry, supplying motor oils wholesale across various states and companies. Its headquarters are situated in Dallas, Texas.
While the Harley Davidson brand is imprinted on the oil cans, Sunoco operates independently. They specialize in manufacturing synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils for automobiles and have no direct affiliation with Harley Davidson.
Is Their Oil Any Good?
The quality of Harley Davidson oil, produced by Sunoco, is exceptional. With a special blend of synthetic and petroleum-based oils, the oil provides superior lubrication, protects the engine from excessive wear and tear, and enhances the overall performance of the motorcycle.
Friction Reduction
Synthetic oil, known for its superior friction reduction capabilities, is thinner than non-synthetic oil. It facilitates a smoother engine operation by minimizing friction. Harley Davidson’s synthetic oil is acclaimed for being one of the best in the market in this regard.
Extreme Heat Resistance
The oil in an engine plays a critical role in lubricating moving parts, thereby reducing friction and cooling the engine. However, under extreme heat, oil can break down, becoming thinner and less effective. This can lead to increased engine wear and decreased performance. Harley Davidson oil excels in withstanding extreme heat, helping the engine run cooler and more efficiently even under scorching conditions.
Related article: Harley Breather Bypass
Protection for Chains and Gears
The metal components of a motorcycle are constantly exposed to friction and wear. Without appropriate lubrication, these metals can deteriorate quickly, leading to expensive repairs. Harley Davidson oil, especially its synthetic variant, is formulated to protect against wear and corrosion. The uniform size of the molecules in synthetic oils makes them adhere to metal surfaces more effectively, providing a robust barrier against friction and corrosion.
Read next: How Long Do Harleys Last?
Better Performance
Harley Davidson oil is designed for superior performance. It can enhance fuel economy and power output. Furthermore, it provides excellent drag resistance, improving the bike’s performance and rideability.
Related article: What Is High Mileage For A Harley Davidson?
Who Makes Harley Davidson Oil Filters
Harley Davidson oil filters are primarily manufactured by Champion Labs, a reputable company with production facilities in Albion and West Salem, USA. Champion Labs excels in producing various Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products, with Harley Davidson oil filters being no exception.
Champion Labs keeps its production lines for Harley Davidson somewhat confidential due to the legal agreements binding the two companies. However, it’s worth noting that Champion Labs isn’t the sole manufacturer of Harley Davidson’s oil filters. Harley Davidson also collaborates with K&N in the supply of replacement oil filters.
How Good Are Their Oil Filters?
Harley Davidson oil filters, manufactured by Champion Labs, have proven to be reliable and efficient. Here are some of the key benefits:
Advanced Technology
Harley Davidson oil filters incorporate advanced technology, featuring a 5-micron rating, an 8lbs relief valve, a non-cardboard media filter, and an anti-drain back valve. They also have more holes in the tapping plate for higher oil flow, ensuring a consistent flow of oil to the engine.
Compatibility with Different Oils
Harley Davidson oil filters are compatible with all types of oil, including synthetic, conventional, and blended oils. This flexibility allows you to choose the oil that best suits your motorcycle’s needs.
Easy Installation
The oil filters come with an easy wrench-off fitting, making installation and removal quick and straightforward. No special tools are required, saving you time and effort.
Warranty
Harley Davidson oil filters come with a 1-year limited warranty, providing assurance of their quality and durability.
Superior Performance
With their high flow rates, robust engine protection, and high filtration technique backed by synthetic-blend media, Harley Davidson oil filters are an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications.
Do These Companies Manufacture For Other Brands?
Yes, both Sunoco and Champion Labs manufacture oil and oil filters for other brands as well. Sunoco, apart from making Harley Davidson’s oil, also produces a variety of petroleum products for different industries. Similarly, Champion Labs, known for its diverse product range, produces oil filters for various other vehicle brands.
Should I Stay With OEM Products or Are Others Ok?
While Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products like Harley Davidson’s oil and oil filters are designed to provide the best fit and performance for your motorcycle, there are also high-quality aftermarket products available in the market. These products can offer similar, if not better, performance at a potentially lower cost. Therefore, it’s advisable to research and consider both OEM and aftermarket products before making a decision.
Benefits of Using Harley Davidson Oil
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduces Friction | Synthetic oil reduces friction, promoting smooth engine operation. |
| Heat Resistance | Withstands extreme heat, maintaining oil effectiveness. |
| Protects Chains/Gears | Safeguards metal parts, preventing wear and corrosion. |
| Enhances Performance | Improves fuel economy and power output for better performance. |
Using Harley Davidson oil in your motorcycle offers several benefits:
- Reduces Friction: The synthetic oil reduces friction, enabling the engine to operate smoothly and efficiently.
- Heat Resistance: The oil can withstand extreme heat, maintaining its effectiveness and protecting the engine from overheating.
- Protects Chains and Gears: The oil safeguards the metal components of your motorcycle from wear and corrosion, extending their lifespan.
- Enhances Performance: The oil improves the motorcycle’s performance by enhancing fuel economy and power output.
Benefits of Using Harley Davidson Oil Filters
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Technology | Filters use advanced tech for efficient and consistent flow. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with all oil types, allowing flexible oil choices. |
| Easy Installation | Simple to install and remove, saving time and effort. |
| Warranty | Filters come with a 1-year limited warranty for quality. |
| Superior Performance | Offers high flow rates and strong engine protection. |
Harley Davidson oil filters also provide several advantages:
- Advanced Technology: The filters utilize cutting-edge technology for efficient and consistent oil flow.
- Compatibility: The filters are compatible with all types of oil, offering flexibility in oil selection.
- Easy Installation: The filters are easy to install and remove, saving time and effort.
- Warranty: The filters come with a 1-year limited warranty, assuring their quality and durability.
- Superior Performance: The filters offer high flow rates and robust engine protection, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
How Do These Products Stack Up To Others? (Specs Comparison)
Harley Davidson oil and oil filters are highly regarded in the motorcycle industry for their superior performance and quality. However, it’s important to note that there are other high-quality products in the market as well. When comparing these products, it’s crucial to consider factors such as compatibility, performance, installation ease, and warranty.
How Many Kinds of Harley Davidson Oils Are There?
Harley Davidson offers three types of oil: synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, providing options for different riding conditions and motorcycle models.
Mineral Oil: This is a refined petroleum product used as a lubricant for engines. It’s often used in antique motorcycles to keep the engine running smoothly.
Semi-Synthetic Oil: This oil is a blend of synthetic and high-quality crude oil, offering good performance at a reasonable cost. It’s a great choice for highway driving.
Synthetic Oil: This oil is made from artificially created molecules designed to resist high temperatures and extreme stress. It’s ideal for high-performance engines operating under demanding conditions.
In conclusion, while Harley Davidson doesn’t directly manufacture its oil and oil filters, the companies that do – Sunoco and Champion Labs, respectively – uphold the brand’s commitment to quality and performance. Whether you’re a Harley Davidson enthusiast or a casual rider, knowing what goes into your motorcycle can help you maintain its performance and longevity.