As we all know, Harley-Davidson doesn't make chemicals. But they do sell chemicals with the H-D logo on them.
Recently, I stumbled across a thread from another website that revealed many of those chemicals' true manufacturers (BTW, most of the H-D lubricants are made by Citgo). But the thread doesn't list the manufacturer of H-D antifreeze. So, I did a little investigation.
I went to the local dealership and asked for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of ShopWiki Corp.. They printed it out for me and I called the manufacturer listed as the "Supplier". It is supplied to H-D by Old World Industries, Inc. My question to the company was, "Is this antifreeze available for sale under any other label?"
Drum roll, please...Peak Global Lifetime 50/50 in a gold-colored bottle.
I found it at NAPA in 50/50 form and in full strength.
But what should be of significant interest isn't just the price; this antifreeze is compatible with "any color antifreeze" and it "Provides a guaranteed LifeTime of maximum protection when a complete cooling system flush and fill is performed."
Since the Peak Global Lifetime antifreeze is exactly the same as H-D antifreeze (verified by matching MSDS), you can add any antifreeze to your V-Rod without harm to the system. However, since all V-Rods are shipped with this same "Lifetime" antifreeze, it never needs changing so long as you never add any other type or contaminate.
So, is the 28,000-mile coolant change interval just another way to make money? According to the lifetime guarantee on the label of the bottle, yes, it certainly is... but I think that I'll change it anyway for $10.
Recently, I stumbled across a thread from another website that revealed many of those chemicals' true manufacturers (BTW, most of the H-D lubricants are made by Citgo). But the thread doesn't list the manufacturer of H-D antifreeze. So, I did a little investigation.
I went to the local dealership and asked for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of ShopWiki Corp.. They printed it out for me and I called the manufacturer listed as the "Supplier". It is supplied to H-D by Old World Industries, Inc. My question to the company was, "Is this antifreeze available for sale under any other label?"
Drum roll, please...Peak Global Lifetime 50/50 in a gold-colored bottle.
I found it at NAPA in 50/50 form and in full strength.
- H-D dealership price: $20.00
- NAPA price: $9.59
- NAPA price for full strength (undiluted): $12.99
But what should be of significant interest isn't just the price; this antifreeze is compatible with "any color antifreeze" and it "Provides a guaranteed LifeTime of maximum protection when a complete cooling system flush and fill is performed."
Since the Peak Global Lifetime antifreeze is exactly the same as H-D antifreeze (verified by matching MSDS), you can add any antifreeze to your V-Rod without harm to the system. However, since all V-Rods are shipped with this same "Lifetime" antifreeze, it never needs changing so long as you never add any other type or contaminate.
So, is the 28,000-mile coolant change interval just another way to make money? According to the lifetime guarantee on the label of the bottle, yes, it certainly is... but I think that I'll change it anyway for $10.
We are rarely on the same side of the playground, but GREAT JOB, and thanks for sharing! I was preparing to take on a drain/flush since I'm at the 17k miles mark, but now I will just top it off with w/distilled & deionized water instead
