Transmission oil change @5K?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 22, 2006 | 11:10 AM

smoran24

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From:

Transmission oil change @5K?

Hello to all HD riders!!

I have a 2005 Softail FXSTI.

I performed my 5K service the other night and replace the primary crankcase oil and the transmission oil. The primary was pretty dirty, but the transmission still looked brand new.

Now, the questions:
1. Should the primary be changed more often and what kind of oil do you use?
2. Is it worth it to change the transmission oil @5K based on what I saw? Can anyone confirm what I saw?

Thank you in advance.

Ride on!

Jun 22, 2006 | 11:59 AM

dert

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 916

Likes: 1

From:

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

Whether either looks dirty or not,go by service schedule or more frequently and change.Even if it doesnt look discolored ,it still breaks down. I change all fluids out @ 2500 and oil filter every other interval.I use HD 20-50 dino. And the new HD"plus " in primary and transmission.No comment on synthetics as mine was raised on dino.

Jun 22, 2006 | 12:01 PM

billnourse

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 7,934

Likes: 43

From: Bloomfield, NM

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

Primary will always look dirty compared to the transmission oil. I recommend you do the changes per HD's schedule. Even if the trans. oil looks clean it could have heat breakdown, and shear breakdown, leaving it less than great.

I change my Trans. and Primary every 5,000 miles, and my engine oil and filter every 2,500 miles. I do the engine oil more often, because I feel that the oil in an air cooled engine really takes a beating, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Regards,

Bill

Jun 22, 2006 | 12:10 PM

oldgeezer

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 4,513

Likes: 4

From: Midland, TX

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

I use Mobil 1 V-twin 20W-50 in the crankcase and primary and Redline Shockproof Heavy in the transmission. I change all fluids and the oil filter every 2500 miles. Maybe too frequently, but oil is cheap, bikes are expensive.

Jun 22, 2006 | 03:18 PM

sleepneagle

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 3,273

Likes: 7

From:

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

every 3,000 I change everything. Mobile 1 V-twin engine, mobile 1 75w-90 in primary and trans.

Jun 25, 2006 | 12:05 PM

softail2005

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 644

Likes: 1

From:

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

I follow the same schedule as you do and think your advice is solid.

I live in Oregon so temp is not a big problem most of the time. My friend in Los Angeles has been riding Harleys for over thirty years, has worked maintenance his whole life, he uses Amsoil Synthetic in the engine and castroil in the trans and primary. He has done the research and claims these products hold up better in high temp situations.

I just use the standard Harley recommended products and have 5K on my 05 Deluxe. I may change as some point if I start doing my own work.

Jun 25, 2006 | 12:16 PM

Alien Spyder

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,511

Likes: 12

From: Western, MA.

RE: Transmission oil change @5K?

I follow the schedule in the owners manual. What the hell, oils cheep and changing all the oils is a pretty easy job ta do.

Your local dealer can point you in the right direction as far as oil options and gaskets.

Good luck!