[lilhomer2013]

I've been using the Indian oil change kits, since I bought the bike off the showroom floor, in 2017.
Because I live 3 hours from any Indian dealership, it's a pain in the ass to get kits.
After much research, (and procrastination), I switched to amsoil full synthetic 20w40. It says it's for the Thunderstroke 111.
To make a long story short, the difference is phenomenal!!
Shifts smoother, runs cooler, and quieter.
I should have switched years ago. I've been apologizing to the poor girl ever since I changed.

 

[Medicine Bow]

A summertime oil thread? Oh no.

 

[Lost Hillbilly]

I'm not participating in another oil thread.
But if I were, ...yeah. Same result for me. I've even tried going back to Indian oil because there was a great sale on them at my dealership. But the difference for me was clear. You said it well, smoother, cooler, quieter.
But I'm not participating in another oil thread.

 

[EvilMonkey]

You should try the Amsoil 15w60 …

 

[Dean E]

I've been using the Indian oil change kits, since I bought the bike off the showroom floor, in 2017.
Because I live 3 hours from any Indian dealership, it's a pain in the ass to get kits.
After much research, (and procrastination), I switched to amsoil full synthetic 20w40. It says it's for the Thunderstroke 111.
To make a long story short, the difference is phenomenal!!
Shifts smoother, runs cooler, and quieter.
I should have switched years ago. I've been apologizing to the poor girl ever since I changed.

I have never been a fan of the Indian semi synthetic oil. I used it for break in oil when I did the top end of my 111. Ran it for 500 miles and switched back to Amsoil. The difference in gear shifting and finding neutral was night and day. I don't particularly think this is an Amsoil thing but more of a full synthetic thing. I recently switched to Ultra1Plus 15w60. Great price and literally could not tell any difference between the Amsoil and this product. I used to get the Amsoil just because I had a friend that was a dealer and could get me a great price. He got out of that so I decided to try the Ultra1Plus and honestly a great oil at a good price and a full synthetic oil. Dean

 

[Lee-Bro]

You should try the Amsoil 15w60 …

15w60, 15w61. Whatever it takes.

 

[wassup77]

I switched to Mobil 1 20-50 motorcycle oil, and K&n filter because it has a nut welded on the end of the filter, making it much easier to remove. I switched to the Mobil 1 and K&N because it’s a full synthetic and is very available at Walmart, autozone, ect. It does seem to run a little cooler and definitely shifts better than the Indian oil.

 

[lilhomer2013]

Up here in canada, we're trying to run as heavy oil as possible. Spend more time driving in the 40s in the '50s, than the 80s and the 90s.... Temperature wise, that is.
And for the guys that don't think an oil thread in the summer is important, oil is always important....

 

[PeacePipe]

Had the same results as the OP on my Scout and now my Challenger using Amsoil.
I agree with @Dean E - fully synthetic seems to give the best results. Additives / detergents vary by manufacturer.
A lot of excellent fully synthetic oils available for our bikes. As long as they meet Indian's min specs, it's all good.

 

[Hijinx1812]

I ordered a Klotz full synthetic kit for the Thunderstroke 116. It was actually cheaper than the Indian kit (same price as the Indian kit on sale). Part # KH-123

I’ll report back next season when I use it 👍🏻

 

[El-Spanky]

When I had my Vic in a pinch had to do Motul 10/40 Semi... Bike felt much better!!! I went on to Maxima 10/40 Semi then on.. Even on my '17 RM that 111 feels much better.... I think go to any good solid oil you'll feel the difference Amsoil, Maxima, Motul etc....

 

[LifeLongRider]

I switched to amsoil full synthetic 20w40, the difference is phenomenal!!
Shifts smoother, runs cooler, and quieter.

Totally agree, did the same thing as the OP. Used Indian semi-syn for the first 10K then changed to Amsoil 20W-40. Transmission shifts like butter and valve train noise is 99% gone. Very quiet engine now. Became an Amsoil preferred customer so price isn't too bad. More than worth it. Will not use anything else in my factory 116.

 

[wolfrider06]

I ordered a Klotz full synthetic kit for the Thunderstroke 116. It was actually cheaper than the Indian kit (same price as the Indian kit on sale). Part # KH-123

I’ll report back next season when I use it 👍🏻

Klotz 20-40w is the brand of choice for both my IMs. Shifting couldn’t be any smoother.