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Thought I'd post this for anyone interested. I was curious what was in this stuff and honestly doubtful it's replacement (Formula+) had the same formula. I was right: it's not even close. I found Sport Trans on eBay and that's what I went with...until I can find it no more.
FWIW a 75w90 gear oil is about the same viscosity of SAE 50 motor oil. Some recommend an SAE 30 non-detergent motor oil. I tried this but just seems a bit thin.
For my money, since HD calls for it, that's what I'll use.
Are you saying it's better than formula +? I'm kinda slow and not following I guess. I run formula + in my primary and I recommend it for any other bike i service for someone. I wouldn't use it in the transmission but I think it's a good choice for the primary.
Are you saying it's better than formula +? I'm kinda slow and not following I guess. I run formula + in my primary and I recommend it for any other bike i service for someone. I wouldn't use it in the transmission but I think it's a good choice for the primary.
I'm also confused on this one. The Sportster "primary" includes the clutch, sprockets, chain, and transmission. Sounds like you work on BTs.
HD calls for Sport Trans for older bikes which is now obsolete. It was replaced by Formula+ which HD says is a replacement for Sport Trans. It isnt, at least regarding the additives. Formula+ Is used in newer bikes. Not sure when the switchover was.
Hence the analyses. Sorry but I do like to have some idea what Im pouring in my bikes. Since HD doesnt publish ANYthing about their fluids, the only way to know is to test.
Fortunately, HD seems to make the bike gearbox equivalent of Chryslers old Torque Flight tranny. Many people use ATF, without analysis, and report no issues. Thats fine, but not for my bike.
In about 20k miles, Ill have a decision to make as I still have another quart. Whatever I use, if I still have the bike, am alive, etc., itll be as close to the above report as I can make it.
Thought I'd post this for anyone interested. I was curious what was in this stuff and honestly doubtful it's replacement (Formula+) had the same formula. I was right: it's not even close.
Is the analysis the HD Sport Trans Oil?
You state Formula+ is not even close but you haven't provided the same analysis for it to show.
I did find this -
Harley Davidson FORMULA+ Trans and Primary Chaincase VOA
(Mini VOA via Amsoil)
Petroleum based.
Ca 169
P 230
B 210
S - some
Zn - essentially none
No other elemental additives.
Vis. within SAE 50 range.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Aug 15, 2022 at 04:05 AM.
You state Formula+ is not even close but you haven't provided the same analysis for it to show.
I did find this -
Harley Davidson FORMULA+ Trans and Primary Chaincase VOA
(Mini VOA via Amsoil)
Petroleum based.
Ca 169
P 230
B 210
S - some
Zn - essentially none
No other elemental additives.
Vis. within SAE 50 range.
Yes,
I found the same post on BITOG for Formula+. I think theres also a similar post here. The low levels of zinc and phosphorus make complete sense given the manufacturing changes due to resulting problems with catalytic converters from ZDDP.
My post is for information regarding Sport Trans. Having done my research, I (for now) have my answers.
Please feel free to post a VOA for Formula+, Bel Ray, or any other lube.
Finally, and for FWIW, HD is in the business of selling new motorcycles, as are all manufacturers.
I attached the post I found, so you can read the details. BRSTL oil analysis is post #1.
Now, you can compare and tell us what and why you think one is better than the other. I'm not a petroleum engineer, maybe you are. I'm very interested in your analysis, and what "numbers" you find most important.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Aug 15, 2022 at 09:32 AM.
Oh for goodness sake give it a rest . If you can afford Harley Davidson , you can afford a quart of Harley Davidson oil once in a while . Life is too short .
Oh for goodness sake give it a rest . If you can afford Harley Davidson , you can afford a quart of Harley Davidson oil once in a while . Life is too short .
Yes and that's pretty much the point: Sport Trans is obsolete and has been for years. Then again, there are fewer and fewer bikes left that call for such, so...
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HD Sport Trans Oil Analysis (VOA)
