Harley question

[ebc]

Greetings,
Looks like I will soon be the owner of a new Low Rider. This is the first HD bike I have ridden. I plan on opting for the oil cooler, but still have some lube questions.
This bike has the 6 speed transmission. Any comments on that are appreciated. I will definately run synthetic in the engine but I am confused as to what works best in the primary and transmission with respect to smooth shifting and clutch engagement. There seems to be much discussion on what works best in these applications. Comments please.
Regards,
ebc

 

[msparks]

If you pick the right product you can use 20w50 synthetic motor oil in all 3 the engine, trans, primary.

Otherwise you can use motor oil in the engine and primary(wet clutch) and use a gear lube in the trans.

I have customers running everything from 75w90, 80w90 and 75w140 in the trans with great results.

But honestly most of my customers just use 20w50 in all 3 holes.

 

[LC]

I highly recommend you use this in the transmission.
http://specialtyformulations.netfir...alog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=50

It's the best oil I have ever used in a Harley transmission, in over 30 years.
It will serve your new 6 speed Trans better than any 20w50 oil, no matter who makes it.
For the primary I use 15w40 or 10w40. Your clutch operation will be much smoother than using 20w50.
I don't want to get into it about the motor oil.
The name brand 15w50 and 20w50 synthetics are all pretty good with the exception being (IMHO)
HD SYN3 (CITGO) Synthetic.
Don't fall into the 1 oil for 3 holes.
That nice new 6 speed trans will not shift very well or for very long with 20w50 in there.

 

[Fatboymoe]

I use 20-50 Redline in the engine, Redline Shockproof heavy in the transmission and Redline MTL in the primary in a 03 Fatboy thats been highly modified. I just switched to Redline 20-60 for the summer. I would also stay away from the 1 oil for all 3 holes. I rode a buddies bike that had Syn 3 in the transmission. It sounded and shifted like a Tractor. He switched to Shockproof heavy and is much more happy. Good luck and congratulations on your new ride!

 

[KW]

I buddy of mine runs a small harley shop and he recommends synthetic 20W50 in all 3 holes.

 

[IBelieveinlube]

I have a 1996 Road King (EVO) and I use Amsoil 75W90 in tranny (change every 5,000), Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W50 (purchased from Wal-Mart at $7.50), and H-D primary oil. Just passed 34,000 miles and she loves it - no problems at all.

 

[todds21]

A buddy of mine just picked up his a $40K screaming eagle fatboy that came from the factory with syn3 in all 3 holes. I rode it and its awesome.

 

[LC]

The only hole HD SYN3 belongs in can't be found on a Harley. Especially not the transmission.
The dealers make good money on this oil, of coarse they are going to recommend it.

 

[todds21]

I agree that syn3 is not worth the money they charge for it. I have no problems running Amsoil 20w50 in all 3 holes. I change all 3 every oil change though. Heat is my main concern down here in Texas.

 

[todds21]

LC

are you using Molakule's 75w90 or 75w140 gear lube? I am thinking about putting it in the tranny for my 01 Road King Classic. While running the 20w50 in all 3 holes may be acceptable, I think the tranny deserves the best.

 

[LC]

Yes I am using Molakule's 75w90 gear lube.
http://specialtyformulations.netfir...alog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=50
I had shockproof heavy in before.
I was really suprised how much better the bike shifts with Molakule's oil. I highly recommend all his products.

 

[Mongo]

Just because you "can" run 20w50 in all 3 holes doesn't mean it's the best in all 3 holes.
I started with 20w50 in all 3, switched to 75w90 in the trans but really couldn't tell a difference. Then went to 75w140 in the trans. That DID make a difference. She still clunks but not as loud and she shifts much smoother.

IMHO, the 20w50 thing is all about marketing.

 

[GMBoy]

I agree - Harley oil is not the best and the Syn3 is a joke. I also tried the Syn3 in all 3 holes and quickly dumped it out. Shifting was notchy and noisier (than normal for a Harley. I run Mobil V-Twin in the engine, Mobil 1 gear oil in the trans and Harley primary fluid in the primary. Been working great so far. BTW the bikes are a 2002 Softail Duece (mine) and 2004 Lowrider (wife's). I also have an older '84 ironhead sportster that's used Mobil 1 15W/50 it's whole life in the engine and trans.

 

[seldont]

I have an 06 ElectraGlide Standard. I am running Mobil 1 15w50 in the engine and Mobil 1 75w90 in the trans and Rotella 15w40 in the primary because it is cheap and I have a lot of it. Believe me I like this combo a lot better than the Harley Syn3 in all the holes. I keep meaning to order some Amsoil from MSparks but never remember to until I am already needing to change oil. But I do plan to try the Amsoil. In the mean time I will continue what I am doing and the Mobil 1 gear lube in the tranny sure smoothed it out and made it much quieter.

 

[KBFXDLI]

I am using Mobil1Vtwin 20w50 in the engine, Redline Shockproof Heavy in the trans, Redline MTL in the primary...no problems!!

 

[Laminar Lou]

Quote:

---

Yes I am using Molakule's 75w90 gear lube.
http://specialtyformulations.netfirms.co...;products_id=50
I had shockproof heavy in before.
I was really suprised how much better the bike shifts with Molakule's oil. I highly recommend all his products.

---

I will second the Mola brew. I have a 96 Road King with almost 40K on it. Pretty well modified engine (larger fuel injectors, high lift cam, etc..) and it stresses the tranny hard. I couldn't shift into Neutral when the engine was running. After about 100Mi on Mola's 75W90 I was able to shift into N without too much trouble. I've never had a fluid make such a positive and significant impact. I HIGHLY recommend his oil.

I use Amsoil 20W50 in the chain case and the engine. It runs pretty good for me. Tried the Amsoil 20W50 in the tranny and it was okay, but not as good as Specialty Formulations. I was really impressed...