Hey all! First post!
I just recently changed fluids in my new to me '86 fxr low rider. I used 20w50 in the crankcase and primary and 80w90 in the transmission. Here's the problem... After cold startup, it doesn't want to shift out of first gear. It only takes a couple of tries then it shifts to 2nd and thereafter, it's fine. I'm getting conflicting information from my riding buddies who disagree on whether the problem is the trans or the primary. I just changed fluid. I touched nothing else. I also don't know what was in it as far as fluids go. I know it ran and shifted just fine. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

 

80w90 sounds thick as molasses to be using in the transmission. Is that what it calls for?

 

The manual calls for the Harley #xxxx trans fluid. I've been told that 80w90 is good to use and know a few who use it without issue. I'm clearly having a little bit of an issue though so maybe I should try that. I'm still kinda scratching my head at this

 

80w90 is fine I would check your linkage make sure nothing is binding also check the throw on your clutch you want at least .080 travel at the pressure plate. Seems really odd that it only does it when cold. Also try running a primary fluid in your primary,like a Harley formula plus. Motor oils have detergents that don't always get along with clutch plates they could be sticking until it heats up.

 

Ok so I put some rev tech primary fluid in. I'm thinking I'm going to ride a bit and see if I notice any difference. I'm thinking this might turn out to be a very slightly maladjusted clutch. Although if the clutch doesn't completely engage and hang up the 1-2 shift, it seems odd to me and my mind that it would only do it when it's cold. I would think it would do it at each and every shift and no matter if cold or warmed up. Thanks for the advice and replies. I'll report back as I learn more

 

Subscribed.

 

H-D primary for those years was actually 10-40 so 20-50 might be a bit much - especially if it was conventional oil. Your plates are probably going to need to free up a bit.

 

You're not paying attention. Put HD Formula+ in the primary, and adjust the clutch as per the manual. No shortcuts in the adjustment procedure...adjust as per the manual!!