Your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a special machine. It demands special treatment and motor oil is no different.

Harley's high performance V-Twin engine runs at temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Not just any motor oil will do. In fact, most motor oils were designed to be used in water-cooled engines that operate at temperatures well below that level.

Harley engineers have come up with what they believe is the perfect oil for your HOG. It has been engineered to keep your cycle running smoothly for lots of miles to come.

It's H-D 360 and it replaces H-D 240, introduced more than a decade ago.

Mike Kull, Project Marketing Manager for Harley-Davidson's parts and accessories, said a lot has changed since H-D 240 was introduced in 1986.

"We spent more than a year developing this oil," Kull said. "We wanted to make sure we are offering our customers the best motor oil possible."

Blended exclusively for Harley's V-Twin engine, the H-D 360 does more than just lubricate your engine, it also helps engine performance.

Here's how.

• Improved film strength. The additives in H-D 360 act like little springs between the moving parts of the engine. When the engine is operating, the spring-like action of the oil reduces wear by holding the metal surfaces apart.
• Cleaner engines. The new oil leaves less sludge, meaning an improved deposit control. Thus, a cleaner engine.
• Improved wear protection. With normal use, motor oils lose their viscosity, the property that protects engines in the first place. Under high temperatures and high-load conditions, H-D 360 showed 25 percent less viscosity breakdown than its predecessor, H-D 240, providing better engine protection.
• Reduced oil consumption.

Engineers worked closely with suppliers to develop this oil. It contains 75 percent mineral oil and 25 percent of H-D's exclusive additive package. What it means for you is better protection for your bike.

If you think you can just use a less expensive American Petroleum Institute SJ designated motor oil, think again, the answer is no. The SJ designation means the oils were formulated for use in water-cooled engines which run cooler than Harley's V-Twin.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to add a quart of oil to your Harley and can't get to a dealer, Harley recommends that you use a heavy-duty diesel motor oil. But, under no circumstances, use a regular passenger car motor oil.

Anything less than the best just won't do.