Formula+, what is it??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 282
From: Long Island NY
Tried Redline in the primary for about 2K miles when I did my 5K, bought into the "best thing since sliced bread" hype. Quiet for a little while then noisy as hell. I went back to Formula+ in the primary, that along with BelRay in the trans is what I'll use from now on. A $30 lesson learned...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I may be one of the first with a Rushmore bike to discover that synthetics do not work as well in the new style compensator as Formula Plus does. I had used syn 3 as a rule in all three holes. After I had a few thousand miles on my new '14 Limited a couple years ago I notice the primary made God awful sounds at idle. Kinda like a coffee can full of loose nuts. Happened to have some Formula Plus on the garage shelf, drained the Syn 3 and replaced it. Almost immediately the noise went away, never came back. The Rushmore compensators are stronger than previous ones but have more moving parts. It seemed to me the viscosity of the syn just didn't do the job. I passed that info on to my local dealer and they started doing the exact same thing every time they had a complaint on a Rushmore primary being noisy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
My dealer did the 1k and 5k service on my bike using Formula+ in the primary and Bel-Ray in the trans. My bike is quiet and shifts like butter. They used Harley regular 20-50 in the engine which I'm going to switch out to Amsoil synthetic when I do my own 10k service, but using Formula+ in the primary.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 156
From: florida
Yup, I have used Amsoil, Belray, Spectro and Redline. Clutch feel is smoother to me in the SG with formula+. Other bikes I"ve had I ran Amsoil or Belray
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
Formula + is and has been good in the primary. on warranty repairs I got the bike back and they put it in. No complaints but since I use Redline in the other holes I tried their MTL primary fluid and found it to be a touch better, my perception of course.
since I have no issue with Redline, that is what I use.
since I have no issue with Redline, that is what I use.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 328
From: Southern Utah, USA
No question 20/50 VR1 turns in good results. Im using a semi 15/50 CJ4 oil right now. its impossible for me to buy this oil locally, I get it delivered, $34 for a 2 gallon container at my door. Mystik JT8 15/50, a Citgo oil.
I m curious regarding your use of 15/40 Rotella in your 2014 engine, you have run this oil with no ill effects? Valve clatter etc? I assume no wet heads.
HD does give you the option to run a 15/40 but states 20/50 better. Being the summers where I live are NEVER below 90 daytime highs for 4 months straight I never considered the 15/40, again, just because the summer here is HOT, low 100s not uncommon at all.
Anyway, I have thought about it more then once ... running 15.40 ... but .. think its not a good idea with the heat here.... anyway, havent, yet.
I m curious regarding your use of 15/40 Rotella in your 2014 engine, you have run this oil with no ill effects? Valve clatter etc? I assume no wet heads.
HD does give you the option to run a 15/40 but states 20/50 better. Being the summers where I live are NEVER below 90 daytime highs for 4 months straight I never considered the 15/40, again, just because the summer here is HOT, low 100s not uncommon at all.
Anyway, I have thought about it more then once ... running 15.40 ... but .. think its not a good idea with the heat here.... anyway, havent, yet.
Truthfully, these HD motors are pretty basic and really not that picky. I get R-T at Walmart in a gallon container and I'm off to the races.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 65
From: Earth
I have been running this in all my bikes.... ALL THREE HOLES. If it is good enough to protect farm machinery with the abuse and that service type, I am certain it will do well in my bikes. And it has!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
My dealer did the 1k and 5k service on my bike using Formula+ in the primary and Bel-Ray in the trans. My bike is quiet and shifts like butter. They used Harley regular 20-50 in the engine which I'm going to switch out to Amsoil synthetic when I do my own 10k service, but using Formula+ in the primary.
I had them switch to Formula+ In the primary. The clutch is better, but not perfect. I'm going to pull it myself, and I'm betting I find it glazed or something like that the Syn3 enabled.Anyhow:
Amsoil in the engine.
Formula + in the primary
BelRay in the tranny. ...and it shifts nice and smooth now,
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