I posted up a pretty long thread in the Dyna section about this issue when I switched from the HD Primary/Tranny fluid that they recommend, to ATF. The difference was mind boggling. Never have I installed or changed from one oil to the next and seen such DRAMATIC improvements. First and foremost, when I switched to the Ford ATF the dreaded first time drop in gear morning clunk all but vanished. Second, the clutch works infinitely better, locks up smoother and of course as a result of the clutch functioning tons better, the tranny now shifts like silk. 1 quart of ATF is less than 4 bucks. Your clutch packs are virtually identical to the clutch packs in an automatic tranny. Most aftermarket clutch manufactures recommend ATF in wet primary's to assure their clutches function properly...what else can I say. I was STUNNED at the drastic improvement and I'm now a total believer in the stuff. Last week I did the oil in all three holes and of course did ATF for what is now the second fluid change with ATF in the primary. Its even a tad smoother than it was. For me, I will only be putting ATF in my primary.

 

Hmm, using a aftermarket clutch, heavy duty spring, an extra clutch disc, and you can't find neutral? So what are you riding a fuel dragster? Any stock bike with all the parts the factory gives you should easily find neutral, with a properly adjusted clutch. Using oil recommended by the factory, or something close. People can spend thousands on a Harley then think they will get super performance from using something not even recognized by the manufacturer. And those that swear their fluid of the day works great, would probably fall over when they use the right stuff and adjust their clutch properly.,,

 

Being a Ford guy, I too have been running Motorcraft Merc V for a couple of years now. Smooth and much easier to find neutral than with the HD stuff. If your feeling a little more darring, try the Motorcraft 75-140 in the trans... I noticed my biggest difference there, very quiet trans and it feels like I barely touch the shifter to change gears with no clunks what so ever.. Back to HD motor oil for now though..

 

I put the Mobil 1 ATF in last year before Sturgis. I've done about 3K miles on it since. I change the primary and trans oil every 5K or so. My bike shifts so well now that I'm not going back to that HD new crap oil, ever. Literally, it shifts better than new. I've had the bike since new, so I know.

 

It's a 113" Ultima engine that develops a bit more torque than stock and yes, if I were better at adjusting the setup it would be better, but the Energy one extra disk & heavy spring setup is NOT the same as stock. The Energy one setup cost about $106 and works better with higher torque engines, this was more economical than buying a new clutch. I did not have any problems adjusting the stock clutch setup while I was using the (modified) 80" evo engine and at that time used the Harley primary oil.

 

ATF as designed for use with "clutch packs" in your trans, and you have a LOT of gears whirring @ in there, so it makes sense to use it.
I've had nothing but good luck in the other bikes I used it in over the years.
(At one motocross race in the late 80's, I had been running a Honda 125 CR, that had almn clutch plates, (makes it rev faster, less spinning mass). On a 125 you REALLY abuse the clutches. I knew the clutches were shot, a old guy came over and told me to dump the gear oil and put some ATF in there.
It held up great for the entire 45 minutes!
When I took it apart Monday there wasn't zip left of the almn plates, they were paper thin!)
I dunno, I'm just not happy with the clutch action of this Harley. When I got it I took the pack apart, checked for warped plates, basket wearing, etc. It just seems to hang up? drag at times...... Might be me, but.......
I have the Amsoil in it, (P.O. ran Harley oil ONLY). The Amsoil seemed to work well in my '07 Ultra, so I figured........
I have to change the "O" ring (seap), so I might try some Mobile 1 synth ATF.
I just wanted some feed back from other Evo owners before doing something stupid, (as I've been known to do).
Joe
If you don't do REALLY stupid things, how do you learn anything new? If that's the case, I should be a genious

 

I've been running Red Line MTF because that seem to be the hot lick on the oil forum. Not overly impressed. Going to try ATF. Why Ford type over Dextron?

 

Dextron is a level, like Mercon or Type F. I use Ford be cause its typically easier for me to get.

 

From Energy One tech support concerning the type of oil to use to pre-soak it mentions this:

ATF Type F. (No Dextron. Has slipping adjacencies.)


http://www.energyoneclutches.com/pages.php?pageid=4


I like the Energy One products, great prices and quality too. I have read you can contact them and they will help you with any clutch problems even if you do not use their products.

Here is something I read a while back posted by Nancy at Energy One I saw on another forum ( I edited out the other forum reference) :

" Glad to hear everybody is happy with their clutch. We here at Energy One make all the plates for Rivera Primo, Belt Drives Ltd., Baker, Sputhe, some stuff for Bandit and Karata. If there is anything we can do to help, feel free to let us know. Again, thanks for the support and kind words about our clutches. "



joe

on edit: I do not work for or get any kickbacks from Energy One, just like their products and support.

 

I use B&M Trick Shift, So far so good.