So I bought a brand new FLHTP. I put a 1,000 miles on it and had it serviced by HD. I get it back and I just don't like the way the hydraulic clutch is. This is my first Touring bike with a hydraulic clutch. Anyhow I am concerned about the fluid migration issue from transmission to primary and dump the oil in both and measure what comes out. 32 Oz of oil out the primary and 28 oz out the transmission. The book calls for 30 Oz in the primary and 28 in the transmission. I put 30 Oz in the primary and 28 Oz in the transmission and the thing shifts beautifully. In addition, clutch operation is as I would expect it to be. Does 2 Oz of fluid above specification really matter? In the is case yes. I was wondering if others have noticed this. I am also wondering if the dealer techs read the manuals and put in what is specified? For example, My Fat Bob takes 32 Oz in the primary but this FLHTP only takes 30 Oz. Is 2 Oz of oil that critical? In my case yes. Thoughts?

 

For those of us that have had to deal with the migration issue, the answer is a resounding no. Clutch adjustment maybe? Let the dealer figure it out.

 

Yup...

 

My primary takes 38 oz on a wet change. The 1st time I did it myself I carefully and slowly measured what came out when I drained it - 33 oz. I put 33 back in, it just didn't feel right. I ended up adding 4 oz -- a 1/4 cup! It then seemed fine. Every since when I change I go back with 38 oz and all is fine. That's all I know for my bike.

 

It DOES not make that much of a difference. Honestly, stand your bike upright, put enough oil in the primary to reach the bottom of the clutch hub and ride it. Transmission? With your bike on the side stand the oil should be in the middle of the marks on the dip stick or at the top if it’s upright. An ounce or two either way won’t matter, people are too uptight about this stuff.

 

Do they change all fluids on a 1000 mile service, or just engine oil ?

 

No such thing with a hydraulic clutch..

 

As I think about this more, I am sure it is just the newness of the friction plates as there isn't much clearance and the extra bit of oil takes that space up. I am sure after a couple of thousand miles it probably won't make a difference. Something that does bother me is why the engineers can't design for serviceability? 30 Oz of oil? C'mon, you couldn't make it an even 32 Oz? And the fellow with the 38 Oz, you make him buy a second quart to get 6 Oz of fluid. That's the kind of stuff that is just crazy. I wonder how many problems would be solved if things were designed with serviceability in mind. I realize it's beyond the scope of this forum.

 

All are supposed to be changed

 

Yes, the service ticket indicates all was done.