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May 10, 2009 | 08:05 AM

mcdaniel52761

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Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 251

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From: Muscatine, IA

HD Formula +

I did a search on the forums here, and there hasn't been a posting on Formula + this year. So, with Harley saying to use Formula + in their 09 cruise drive transmissions and *most* of the previous postings from 06-08 saying to use something different.....I was wondering if people who have the cruise drive transmissions are using Formula + or something different and if their opinion on it has changed? If you look on the Amsoil website, you get 75-110 in the transmission and the 20-50 in the engine and primary while alot of people use 75-90 Mobile1 in the transmission. I'd like to know what to use since there are A LOT of posts on here about people having transmission, primary and engine issues.

May 10, 2009 | 09:22 AM

dynarule

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Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 413

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From: texas

Use a GL5 gear lube of your choice. The F+ is great for the primary but thats about it. If you go to BITOG you can find a VOA on the F+ and there isnt much of anything in it.

May 10, 2009 | 09:58 AM

Heath

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 303

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From: Mason City, Iowa

If you use gear lube in the tranny go with either a 110 or 140. The 90, in amsoil's case anyway, is a lower viscosity than the 20/50 oil. The 110 is the same as the 20/50. Amsoil actually recommends the oil in all 3. The 20/50 oil is cross referenced product for the formula +.
All will work, just a personal preference.

May 10, 2009 | 02:32 PM

mcdaniel52761

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From: Muscatine, IA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heath

That being said, what is the difference between using 20/50 or 110 in the tranny?

May 10, 2009 | 02:52 PM

Heath

Former Sponsor

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 303

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From: Mason City, Iowa

There should be no difference as far as lubrication and protection, but many say that the gear lube makes things a little quieter. That may be because they are running a 140 weight in most cases but some with the 110 have noticed it. I've always used the 20/50 in all three, but I'm gonna try the 110 next time just to see if I notice a difference.

May 10, 2009 | 04:55 PM

Bill G

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 564

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I use Formula + just like the manual says in my 09 SG in the trans & primary and it works just fine, nothing wrong with it at all, I also used it in my 07 with no problems. The Formula + was designed for the new cruise drive transmissions, but I am sure there will be diffrent opinions about what is best from all the oil Doctors He He!!!! no offence, just kidding guys. The Formula + will works fine in the trany & Primary.

Ride Safe,
Bill G

Attached Thumbnails

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Last edited by Bill G; May 10, 2009 at 07:04 PM. Reason: spelling

May 10, 2009 | 11:03 PM

KBFXDLI

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 23,881

Likes: 34

From: USA

Formula+ is a 50w oil with a fair additive package. It will work but a GL5 75w140 gear oil will work better for the same money or less. Gear oils are more shear stable than a 20w50 in a transmission application.

I use Redline Shockproof Heavy gear oil which is a 75w250. It will go 20,000 miles easily. The cost is about $10-11/qt. I run it 2 years. So it is cheaper than Formula+ and really quiets the trans.