What is the difference?
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Havelock, NC
What is the difference?
I had the 1k service done ( no charge with purchase of the bike ), and they said that they put Syn3 in the motor and formula+ in the tranny and primary cases.
Just for sheets and giggles I went to the local HD dealership, I bought the bike a hour away from this dealership, to see what they charge for the 5k service. Not that I will be taking the bike to a dealership for the 5k because I will do it myself but I was curious as to what they charged. $270.
They stated that they put Syn3 in all three holes. I told them about my first service and what they recommended. The guy at the service desk, who couldn't stop eating his snack bar while talking to me, said he didn't know why they would put the formula+ where they did.
I asked him what the difference was between the formula+ and Syn3. He couldn't tell me.
So after all this can someone tell me the difference between the oils and which oil should be used if I decide to stay with HD products? Thanks
Just for sheets and giggles I went to the local HD dealership, I bought the bike a hour away from this dealership, to see what they charge for the 5k service. Not that I will be taking the bike to a dealership for the 5k because I will do it myself but I was curious as to what they charged. $270.
They stated that they put Syn3 in all three holes. I told them about my first service and what they recommended. The guy at the service desk, who couldn't stop eating his snack bar while talking to me, said he didn't know why they would put the formula+ where they did.
I asked him what the difference was between the formula+ and Syn3. He couldn't tell me.
So after all this can someone tell me the difference between the oils and which oil should be used if I decide to stay with HD products? Thanks
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
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From: Michigan
I had the 1k service done ( no charge with purchase of the bike ), and they said that they put Syn3 in the motor and formula+ in the tranny and primary cases.
Just for sheets and giggles I went to the local HD dealership, I bought the bike a hour away from this dealership, to see what they charge for the 5k service. Not that I will be taking the bike to a dealership for the 5k because I will do it myself but I was curious as to what they charged. $270.
They stated that they put Syn3 in all three holes. I told them about my first service and what they recommended. The guy at the service desk, who couldn't stop eating his snack bar while talking to me, said he didn't know why they would put the formula+ where they did.
I asked him what the difference was between the formula+ and Syn3. He couldn't tell me.
So after all this can someone tell me the difference between the oils and which oil should be used if I decide to stay with HD products? Thanks
Just for sheets and giggles I went to the local HD dealership, I bought the bike a hour away from this dealership, to see what they charge for the 5k service. Not that I will be taking the bike to a dealership for the 5k because I will do it myself but I was curious as to what they charged. $270.
They stated that they put Syn3 in all three holes. I told them about my first service and what they recommended. The guy at the service desk, who couldn't stop eating his snack bar while talking to me, said he didn't know why they would put the formula+ where they did.
I asked him what the difference was between the formula+ and Syn3. He couldn't tell me.
So after all this can someone tell me the difference between the oils and which oil should be used if I decide to stay with HD products? Thanks
That service writer is a clueless nimwit. If he knew his job, he would have been able to explain the difference & would have already known why they didn't use Syn3 in the primary.
There's lot of threads on HDF that debate these fluids & whether they should be used in which hole & why.
Congrats on the new ride.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Havelock, NC
Thanks Hammz for the reply. I didn't want to start another oil thread just was curious as to what the difference in the fluids was. At least I know to put Syn3 in the motor only if I choose. I will search the forum for oil recommendations when I reach the 5k mark.
Last edited by dabimf; Jul 3, 2015 at 05:36 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: SW Washington State
Sticking to the facts, Formula Plus is specific for Trans and Primary, its a straight 50wt and not to be used in the engine. Syn 3 is Harleys do all oil and can be put anywhere, some folks like to put it in the trash, not sure why but they do.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: South Florida
Up until recently, Syn3 was recommended by the MoCo in all three holes. They now recommend a non synthetic lubricant suitable for use in the primary. Synthetic oil is too slippery for the clutch plates and can allow slippage under torque....ask me how I know.
Formula+ lubricates the chain adequately while allowing a little friction (or grab) for the clutch plates eliminating excess slippage. I personally like to use a good gear oil for the transmission for smoothness with shifting gears like Redline with Shockproof.
Formula+ lubricates the chain adequately while allowing a little friction (or grab) for the clutch plates eliminating excess slippage. I personally like to use a good gear oil for the transmission for smoothness with shifting gears like Redline with Shockproof.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Primary just does not need fancy oil or lube F+ works just fine. Dealer was a bit out of date on HD recommending syn in all 3
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Long Island NY
Are you saying Redline Primary oil (which is a full synthetic as far as I know) is not recommended for the HD primary?
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From: Utah
Up until recently, Syn3 was recommended by the MoCo in all three holes. They now recommend a non synthetic lubricant suitable for use in the primary. Synthetic oil is too slippery for the clutch plates and can allow slippage under torque....ask me how I know.
Formula+ lubricates the chain adequately while allowing a little friction (or grab) for the clutch plates eliminating excess slippage. I personally like to use a good gear oil for the transmission for smoothness with shifting gears like Redline with Shockproof.
Formula+ lubricates the chain adequately while allowing a little friction (or grab) for the clutch plates eliminating excess slippage. I personally like to use a good gear oil for the transmission for smoothness with shifting gears like Redline with Shockproof.
Screamin Eagle Syn 3 Full Synthetic is still on the Spec sheet, pg 1-13 of the 2015 Touring Service manual. It say's Formula + or Syn 3. I used it for years in all 3 holes with no problem.
Just my 2 cents.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
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From: SW Washington State
Someone should tell the MoCo that.