I know Harleys are noisy as you change gears and that they have improved a lot lately, but when the bike is cold and you start her up in your garage, that first gear is just waiting for you to step on the lever and push down.....CLUNK! Oh that really feels awful and I hate that part of my ride every single time. I don't want to get into the oil thing, but my guess is that a synthetic oil is better to avoid the clutch plates from sticking so much. I cannot wait for the engine to warm-up since my garage is small; what I´m asking from you is what oils have improved that problem or what you have done to avoid this from happening every single time, (and now coming winter it will get worse and worse).
Thanks,
Spanish Flyer

 

I use ATF type F in the primary.

 

Thanks Charlie,
The ATF for clutch disengagement could be the solution; I will wait till others crop-up with their ideas and opinions. I do however think that you cannot just drain the oil you have and just go ahead and pour ATF since they are not compatible. I guess I would first have to fill the primary casing with some cleaning agent such as the one they use in workshops to wash engine parts, go for a spin making sure the cleaning agent gets between the plates and thendrain it completely. After that the primary drive is ready for the ATF fluid. The other thing about ATF is that you cannot overheat it otherwse it turns brown and loses its qualities, so I guess you have to keep an eye on the color and when it turns brown (compared to red) you will have to change it. One thing is clear ATF fluid works well on clutches and does not allow disks to get stuck as with a normal engine oil.
Thanks Charlie,
We might have something going on here.
Spanish Flyer

 

There's no need to rinse anything when changing fluid types. With the exception of brake fluids, I've yet to come across anything that will "react". I have used ATF with good results in my Ironheads.

I use Redline MTL and I put mine under what I would consider oderately severe duty. I'm pleased so far and I've tried many.

( ... waiting for the Amsoil junkies to stop by and tell us to have a sip of the Kool-Aid)

 

I'm not sure if you were joking...

I definately would not do that. If you're intent on flushing before going to the ATF, I'd flush with ATF. That is, drain the old stuff out, fill with ATF ride for a while change out that ATF for fresh stuff. Not that I think it's necessary, but any cleaning agent is just asking for trouble IMHO.

Jeff

 

That clunk is normal. Harley- Davidson transmissions have been doing this for as long as I can remember. I had my first in 1973, and every one since then has done it. Won't hurt a thing.

 

WOW!!! DO NOT do your cleaning agent idea! I would hate to see you on here in a few days/weeks asking how much is reasonable to spend on a new transmission!

Think about it, if you drain it, fill it with cleaning agent and ride it, then drain it again, and fill it with ATF, there will still be cleaning agent in there! That cleaning agent will not allow the ATF to properly due it's job! It will try to "pull" the ATF off of all of your parts that require lubrication!

If you REALLY want to go the ATF route, I would suggest following FLHTPjeff's idea! That's the ONLY way to go without causing problems or tearing EVERYTHING apart, cleaning all the old stuff out, putting it back together, and fiiling it with ATF.

Again, PLEASE DO NOT DO YOUR CLEANING AGENT IDEA!!!

 

I rode a Triumph did exactly the same thing, never caused any harm though. Touch wood my 06 FXDC is nice and smooth through the gears so far

 

OK, OK, I won't do that cleaner flushing, básically that is why I'm asking. But getting to the point, how did the ATF fluid help out on the "morning" CLUNK......???

By the way the fushing was some friends idea that I liked: http://www.snowvalley.20m.com/bikes/clutches.htm

Spanish Flyer

 

Same here - '72 Bonneville did it from the first day I bought it new until the day I sold it a year ago.