Not arguing for/against using ATF in the primary. I wouldn't use it in my trans unless the manufacturer specifically recommended it. Maybe Europeans and Mustangs do, but my HD doesn't. Do what makes you feel good inside I guess.

 

I don't use ATF I use HD trans / primary oil. Some vehicles are designed to have ATF in the trans, just the same as the original Mini's with auto trans used the 20/50 engine oil to run the auto trans.

 

I guess I'm missing the point of this discussion unless your motorcycle is one of those vehicles. Oh look, time for my lunchtime ride....

 

I wouldn't use it in the tranny either and haven't known anyone to install it there. OTOH, the factory synthetic manual-tranny fluid for my European car looks suspiciously like ATF (red and relatively thin).

 

If your clutch smells like a dead animal could mean your clutch is gone.

 

I use B&M Trick Shift. Works good for me.

 

I use a motorcycle specific 10w-40 in the primary. These oils give great clutch feel and protection against slipping (that's why they're motorcycle specific ...Jaso MA or API SG). Your 10w-30 Royal Purple is a energy savings "car" oil. The additives can cause a clutch to slip. I would not run anyone's 10w-30.

 

No, he said he's using RP Max-Cycle 10w-30. That is motorcycle-specific oil that is approved for use with wet clutches.

 

If your oil smells burned then your clutch has been slipping most likely for some time. 7800 miles on the oil is not the cause if you used any of the oils people have recommended in this thread (even ATF). Factory recommend service is first 1000 then every 10,000 thereafter so like I said 7800 miles on the oil should not cause damage. Hell I know a few people who never have change their oil with over 20K miles with no apparent damage. Keep in mind since there is no combustion gases in the primary the oil dose not deteriorate much at all like it does in the engine.

It's "possible" the person who adjusted your clutch did it incorrectly and is the reason for your problem.

Possible causes for your described problem:

Incorrect clutch adjustment which caused clutch pack damage (clutches and plates over heat and warp), worn or damaged clutch shell or hub, worn clutch ball and ramp mechanism, damage diaphragm spring, damaged pressure plate or the clutch cable itself is sticking and needs to be replaced.

I would not recommend you just change the oil. Have a Harley mechanic check it out to prevent severe damage.

 

Absolutely do not use ATF in the tranny. In the primary, yes.

If I were a betting man, I would say you have a clutch cable hanging up or frayed.

Yes, if the clutch was slipping, you would have a burnt odor from the primary. If the rotor was oging bad, you would have a very distinct burnt electrical smell, smells awful.