I have a 2011 Limited and would like to find out what type of oil I need to do an oil change. Not wanting to start a debate on what the best brand of oil is, and I know what to put in the engine, I am just not sure what type to use in the primary and transmission. My previous bikes have been metric, so one oil covered the crankcase, clutch and tranny. When the dealer did my 1000 mile service, they used the same oil (syn3) in all 3 places.

I live in Phoenix, and it's 106° here today and it hasn't started getting "hot" yet, so if that is a factor, I'd like to know as well. Thanks.

 

Do a search on this site, but be prepared to get bombarded by opinions. Here's mine: I went Syn3 in all 3 and noticed no difference. Next was Amzoil in all 3, and I think there is a difference, ESPECIALLY in finding neutral.

 

I run harley syn in motor and harley formula plus in trans and primary.

 

You can follow the owner's manual and use Formula+ in both the primary and transmission and you're done.

Or you can get dizzy reading about the 394,613 different combinations of aftermarket lubricants you could use...

 

For the trans, most guys go to a heavier weight, like 75-90. As the engine and primary, changing from Amsoil to Mobil 1, which is 4.99 right now at NAPA for the whole month,

 

Well - it's unavoidable. I'd suggest you do a search and make what you will of what you find. You're not going to get a definitive answer on the board.

Congrats on the new bike!

 

Try Redline shockproof in the tranny and primary. They make one for each.

Syn3 is good in the motor or try Mobil V-Twin.

 

any 20-50 in the motor, save the more expensive v-twinn for the primary(v twinn really means safe for clutch) and 75-90 up to 75-140 gearlube in the gearbox.

 

I also follow the owner's manual

 

My rule of thumb for touring bike lube:

1. Motor oil for engine (M1 20W/50 Synth)
2. Tranny oil for gears (Spectro 6-speed GO)
3. Primary fluid for clutch (Spectro Primary)

Never failed me yet...been riding & servicing bike(s) for 33+ years (not including mini-bikes when I was really young). Choose your fluids wisely...especially w/$20K worth of toy in the garage.