ATF in primary...WOW!
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 6
From: Olympia WA
ATF, being thinner and designed for use with clutch paks, allows the clutch to disengage more fully and the transmission to shift more smoothly. High viscoisty oils create a 'drag' when the clutch is disengaged.
I like the 'idea' of using ATF in my primary. It IS designed for use with clutch paks. But there's more going on in the primary than just the clutch. There's the primary chain and bearings and tensioner shoe and other stuff, too.
Many aftermarket clutch makers recommend the use of ATF with their clutches. But they're not concerned with anything other than the clutch they sold you.
I'm going to shy away from it until somebody convinces me otherwise. The low viscosity of ATF has me concerned.
I like the 'idea' of using ATF in my primary. It IS designed for use with clutch paks. But there's more going on in the primary than just the clutch. There's the primary chain and bearings and tensioner shoe and other stuff, too.
Many aftermarket clutch makers recommend the use of ATF with their clutches. But they're not concerned with anything other than the clutch they sold you.
I'm going to shy away from it until somebody convinces me otherwise. The low viscosity of ATF has me concerned.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
The issue that concerns me is the chain and teeth wear on the clutch basket and compensator sprocket. I fully understand the benefits of ATF to the clutch plates, it's just the other pieces in there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
What I can say is that the dreaded overnight clunk is gone
If your clutch is spot on your transmission will not even clunk when shifting gears. If you hit your marks it will just click right into gear.
I use AMSOIL 20w-50 in all three holes. You can use what you wish. I am not saying that AMSOIL 20w-50 is what you need to use. Please do not misinterpret. I am just saying that I would not rely on fluid to solve most of my tuning problems. As mentioned. A correctly set clutch, hit the shift marks, and be sure to have your clutch lever pulled when the bike warms. Roll it back about 2 feet, put it in first, and you most likely will not have a clunk. No matter what fluid you use. JMO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
Barnett says the use of formula+ is not recommended for their clutches, type F ATF only.
I've never seen any wear issues with its use and the people that use it swears the bike shifts smoother and clutch lock up is solid.
I've never seen any wear issues with its use and the people that use it swears the bike shifts smoother and clutch lock up is solid.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 32
From: Canton, Ohio
Interesting thread. Thanks for all the info. I've read on here also about letting the bike warm up for a few seconds before shifting into first after an overnight sit. I pull the clutch about 2 or 3 times and as the idle drops, it doesn't clunk. I do like that primary cover though.....
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 459
Likes: 2
From: USA
Thanks. :thumbsup: