'08 Buell Blast...what to use in primary/tranny ?

[kmrcstintn]

keeping my '08 Buell Blast; it uses a setup similar to a Sportster with a shared sump for primary & tranny and a separate sump for engine oil; what should I use in the primary/tranny when I get fluids changed? in other words, what is equivalent to Harley Formula + (is it more of a motorcycle oil lubricant or gear oil lubricant?)

I currently have Harley's Syn 3 20w-50 in there, but was told that there are 'better choices' & when I asked what was recommended I got answers like 'Amsoil Synthetic, Mobil 1 Synthetic Engine Oils on one side vs BelRay or Drag Specialites Primary Lube or Gearcase Lube'

I'm so confused...please enlighten me! thanks

 

[abycat]

What does Buell have in the book for viscosities and specs? You would think there would be some sort of guideline for you to start with. I have also heard the harley oil isnt anything special and is overpriced. I wonder who makes it. If it was Mobil I would change my tune but I dont think its worth paying the over 10$ per litre up here for it when you can get top of the line big name syn for less.

 

[kmrcstintn]

the book says squat about tech stuff on primary/tranny; just that it needs to be checked by a tech at required intervals & replaced according to scheduled intervals; the blast has the footpeg frame bar covering the primary cover almost as a way to prevent a DIY check/drain/fill...

the Syn 3 'holier than though' oil is bottled by Citgo & is a group III base oil so it is maybe a step above using their Formula Plus, but not enough to warrant $11.95/qt!!! I guess I'll just get a better full syn 20w-50 moto oil...seems to be a widely accepted 'upgrade' as a GL-1 equivalent to the HD stuff

 

[kballowe]

Formula+ and most other "Primary & Gearcase Lubes" are mineral oil formulas with little additives.

Syn3 is a motor oil but will work just fine.

You can also use Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 or Amsoil MCV 20W-50. These two work much better for an engine oil and may provide for longer service intervals in your shared transmission/primary.

DO NOT use gear lube.

 

[kmrcstintn]

thanks for the advice concerning dedicated gear oil; I even toyed with just using something like Valvoline 20w-50 conventional motorcycle oil that is wet clutch approved since I am not going the full 10K interval listed in the Buell manual...I'll probably do more like 5K or once per year prior to storage