Fluid change, now difficult neutral
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
I tried Formula+ in my Road King's primary but found it to be too heavy and viscous for proper clutch operation. I think Formula+ causes too much drag between the clutch plates. IMO, Formula+ is better used in the transmission. I used Syn3 in all 3 for my RK's first 50K miles with no problem. Mobil1 V Twin would probably do better in your bike's primary.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,201
From: Oxford, Nc
Since the OP appears to have a rushmore in his sig pic I am guessing there is no clutch adjustment since it's a hydraulic clutch.
Fluid level too high or brand of fluid. I run Mobil 1 in the engine redline chain case and redline transmission fluid. 0 issues in 20K miles on the 16RGU and 0 issues in 32K miles on my 13SG
The wet fill measures are really pretty dead on in your service manual make sure you measure your fluid then pour it.
Primary should not come up higher than touching the bottom of your clutch.
Fluid level too high or brand of fluid. I run Mobil 1 in the engine redline chain case and redline transmission fluid. 0 issues in 20K miles on the 16RGU and 0 issues in 32K miles on my 13SG
The wet fill measures are really pretty dead on in your service manual make sure you measure your fluid then pour it.
Primary should not come up higher than touching the bottom of your clutch.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
wondering if you use the BelRay 85-140 in the tranny..
I used it once yrs ago for about 500 miles,, didn't like it at all, after giving it a chance (hard shifting till it warmed up)-- [can't be good], I couldn't wait till I drained it out and just started using Mobil 1 V twin 20-50 in all three and I ve been using it for the last 38K with Zero issues. I am totally happy with the Mobil 1.
..
I used it once yrs ago for about 500 miles,, didn't like it at all, after giving it a chance (hard shifting till it warmed up)-- [can't be good], I couldn't wait till I drained it out and just started using Mobil 1 V twin 20-50 in all three and I ve been using it for the last 38K with Zero issues. I am totally happy with the Mobil 1.
..
Last edited by oct1949; Nov 4, 2016 at 05:37 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 480
Likes: 349
From: Wilmington, NC
Leave the clutch cable along. There are guys who want to adjust them at every intersection. If it worked well and now it doesn't and you haven't changed your bars or clutch, it ain't the clutch cable. If you change fluid brand and can't find neutral change back or to another fluid. I can find neutral easy and every time with Syn 1, but when I changed to Red Line I could never find neutral again. Tried different fluids with same weight and some would clunk, some not. Just have to find the right one and stick with it. Same with valve noise. Every one of the 20 Harleys I have owned seemed to want different fluids. Go figure.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 492
From: Heart of Georgia
I had the same problem with my 11 RGU until I started doing my own service. My local indy recommended I use Lucas Primary Chaincase oil and only 1 qt. instead of the book recommendation of 38 oz. The dealer had been putting Forrmula + in it. Now it shifts better and neutral is very easy to find. I don't know how much of it has to do with the brand of oil but I expect most of it has to do with the level.
Check this first with the bike up right. Report back and we'll go from there.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 463
From: USA
I had a similar experience with my 14 SGS. Went from Syn3 to formula + in primary. Seemed difficult at times to find neutral. Went back to syn3, problem solved. Much smoother gate selection.
I would advise if dropping the the Belray to go back to synthetic if it's Belray hypoid tranny oil that you flush the transmission first.
I would advise if dropping the the Belray to go back to synthetic if it's Belray hypoid tranny oil that you flush the transmission first.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,613
Likes: 7,087
From: SoCal / AZ
My current bike hated Syn3. Finding neutral on it was terrible. I switched to Amsoil and it clicks right in now. When I do my primary fluid changes I use a measuring cup and put in exactly what the manual calls for.