When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Had my bike at the dealer (not the one I usually frequent) to have my new touring handlebars put on. One of the cables to be replaced was the clutch cable. In doing that replacement, the tech lost some of the tranny fluid. (I run Red Line -- not Syn3.) He noticed that it wasn't what the shop used, inquired about it, had me pick up a replacement bottle of Red Line, and he was going to top it off. I gave it to him on my way by the shop, and he was going to top off the tranny the next morning.
However, another tech picks up the work order, sees the bottle of Red Line, and assumes that it is to replace the fluid in the primary (what the #$%^????). So he drains the fluid from my primary, puts in Red Line (NOT the proper application), and then I get a call that my bike is ready to come pick up. (Now all of this is revealed to me AFTER I pick up the bike, ride it for about 80 miles, and then call the dealer to remind them I want the rest of my Red Line fluid the next time I'm in the shop.) "What, rest of the fluid?" the tech says... "I put it all in the primary."
WHAT??? Imbocile..... Whatever gave him the idea that it should be changed is beyond me........
Now I'm heading back in there to have them drain the primary, put in Syn3, and top off the tranny with the Red Line as originally intended.
Sooo, here is the question: What is the chance of any permanent harm done to the clutch plates and primary components? The Red Line is a lot slicker than the Syn3 and meant more for gears... I'm thinking I walk in with a pre-typed page recounting what was done by the dealer, have the service manager sign it -- then hope I never need it for a primary/tranny/etc... replacement battle.
HD is suppose to be the best motorcyle in the world ( that statement in it self is drawing a long bow ) but even if they are the best motorcycle in the world they certainly are not maintained by the best mechanics in the world.
My advice for what is worth is to document including dates, discussions and mistakes made and if posible get something signed. And also notify in writing to the MoCo what has transpired . ( send it by fax, email or registed post ).
I truly hope that no damage has been and Good Luck.
GlennsGlide
Probably no harm done, but the only way to get the Redline out of there is a complete disassembly and bath....don't let them just try to drain it out and then put in primary fluid
Redline Shockproof can only be totally removed in a solvent tub
You shouldn't worry so much. The only problem you may have is some clutch slippage. After you change the fluid to a less slippery fluid, whether it is syn3 or redline mtl or hd formula+, the fluids will mix and any slippage will not stick around for long. I might suggest you go with redline mtl or the HD formula+ instead of the syn3.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.