Fluid changes
Fluid changes
Hey y’all, so it’s getting to be that time of year here in the good old mid west where it starts to thaw out and riding season begins and one of the things on my list to do is fluid changes. So my question is what does everyone use for their Engine, Transmission and primary case fluids? I’ve seen videos of people using SYN3 full synthetic oil for all three cases, but since this my first time changing the fluids, I don’t want to break or mess anything up. Any thoughts and feedback from y’all would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advanced!!
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
You'll be fine if you use what your owner's manual says to use. I avoid synthetic because the motor can be noisy, and you can get gasket weepage, although I DO run it in my primary 'cause I like how progressive the clutch feels with it; no hot chatter or grab. There is also something with synthetic in the motor called "bearing skate", but I don't know how common that is. Harley Dino oil is fine.
Last edited by dickey; Mar 17, 2019 at 09:16 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Texas, USA
There is an oil subforum with all the information you need. See the Sticky's at the top of the page.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
Any name brand quality lube will do the job. Many, myself included prefer gear oil in the transmission over engine oil. I am more comfortable with the 75-140 viscosity over the 75-90. Harley primary oil is recommended by many but engine oil will work in the primary also. My BIG RECOMMENDATION is for changing fluids at the END of the riding season. That way you have fresh, clean lube that will be sitting around for months RATHER than contaminated fluid that will let the grunge settle out and stick to inside surfaces. In the engine, it would be a shame to let oil contaminated with combustion ACIDS work on the interior of your engine and bearings ALL WINTER LONG when clean oil could be in there instead. If you use engine oil in the primary, check that is suitable for wet clutches.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Search this forum..... so many questions like this. Many threads with many inputs.
But.... I would change my fluids each fall for storage. Old fluids carry condensation and contaminants....get rid of these while your bike sits for 5-6 months. Second, I would not recommend syn3 in the primary. I had a clutch manufacturer advise that they do not recommend this due to the additives to the syn3.... creates slippery conditions which is not good for clutch plates. Many will say i'm wrong or that they have no issues, but still use Formula+ in my primary. Why chance an issue.
But.... I would change my fluids each fall for storage. Old fluids carry condensation and contaminants....get rid of these while your bike sits for 5-6 months. Second, I would not recommend syn3 in the primary. I had a clutch manufacturer advise that they do not recommend this due to the additives to the syn3.... creates slippery conditions which is not good for clutch plates. Many will say i'm wrong or that they have no issues, but still use Formula+ in my primary. Why chance an issue.
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