Dang, in a pinch to put new oil in tonight, cuz I already drained it!
1999 FLSTC Heritage EVO 43000 miles.
All I could get late this evening is Valvoline Motorcycle 4-Stroke 20-50 dino,
with "Superior Wet Clutch Protection". And a picture of a Harley on the bottle. Label says its good for air cooled v-twins.

Seems like awhile back I read some caution about oil labelled as good for clutches but actually isn't. (vague enough?)

I'm putting it in now cuz I have to. But what's with the "Superior Wet Clutch Protection"? Should I change it sooner? Is it a good thing or BS or a not-good thing?
Thanks.

 

It's fine.

 

The label says it is for motorcycles/wet clutches, what is your issue?

 

Awhile back I read some caution about oil labelled as good for clutches but actually isn't good for Harley clutches, or evo clutches. Btsom why but just askin.

 

I've used the Valvoline 4-stroke 20W-50 motorcycle oil in my primary multiple times with no issues or clutch slippage; you'll be good to go with it.

There's always some confusion as to oil for the HD primary; if you want to try different oils look for the JASO-MA rating on the bottle. That's certified safe for wet clutch operation.

I've switched from the Valvoline 4-stroke to Mobil 1 10W-40 racing 4T synthetic, I like it even better than the Valvoline. The racing 4T is JASO-MA rated. Interestingly enough many people dump Mobil 1 20W-50 synthetic in their primary yet the Mobil 1 20W-50 is not JASO-MA rated. I tried the Mobil 1 20W-50 and experienced clutch slippage and dumped it back out almost immediately...

 

If anything 20/50 wt will cause your clutch to be a little grabby, instead of making it slip. I run 15/40 rotella t and never had clutch slippage. Ride the wheels off it and if it ever breaks, fix it and keep rollin.,,

 

I have read commentary on occasion by guys who have tried Red Line's "primary" oil and have indeed had issues with it. Others use it and like it. I use it and like it.

Theoretically, I suppose what works in one TC engine should work in em all unless some adjustment or other is out of wack. Nonetheless, the easy fix, if you're having oil related issues with your primary, is to just try something different.

I'm of the impression, from reading posts, that Formula + is the go to solution for many slippy / grabby primaries.

 

It'll be fine.
FWIW, we use Spectro, or Red Line engine oil.
Dedicated Red Line Primary oil(MTL).
Red Line Shockproof trans.
Day in/day out, in our service dept.
Scott

 

Seems 20-50 rated fine by some, grabby by others. Check JASO-MA rating. Also advice that in any case it'll work and run it and if I don't like it change it. My original question is answered. Thanks to all.