Changing oil Type
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Nope this one is brand spanking new 
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
K. Your are incorrect. Amsoil is not more slippery than other oils. It's has the JASO spec which means it's wet clutch safe.
Now some synthetics contain molybdenum disulfide. It's a friction modifier and yes it makes oil more slippery however many conventional also contain it.
Now. I would agree you don't need a synthetic,expensive oil in the primary. Some guys use just plain old tranny fluid in it with no ill effects.Rotella 15w-40 carries the JASO spec and it's cost effective.
When are people gonna get it. Just because oil is synthetic doesn't make it more slippery.
Bearing skate ring a bell. A made up condition to push Harleys brand of oil.
And the gear oil idea in the tranny is a good idea. Baker makes a tranny of the same type as Harley does and they do not recommend motor oil in theirs. And all they do is transmissions. I am going to assume they know what they are talking about.
Now some synthetics contain molybdenum disulfide. It's a friction modifier and yes it makes oil more slippery however many conventional also contain it.
Now. I would agree you don't need a synthetic,expensive oil in the primary. Some guys use just plain old tranny fluid in it with no ill effects.Rotella 15w-40 carries the JASO spec and it's cost effective.
When are people gonna get it. Just because oil is synthetic doesn't make it more slippery.
Bearing skate ring a bell. A made up condition to push Harleys brand of oil.
And the gear oil idea in the tranny is a good idea. Baker makes a tranny of the same type as Harley does and they do not recommend motor oil in theirs. And all they do is transmissions. I am going to assume they know what they are talking about.
So, Amsoil is not more slippery than other oils? Hmmm Really?? Sure about That?
Wet clutch safe? Safe? Is that the word? I never said it was unsafe. Just that its not the best choice for a friction clutch. And its not. There are some Amsoil engineers that dont recommend it in that application at all. I checked, a while ago when I noticed a problem. Been there, done that. Their disclaimer lists reasons it wont work, including modifying the engine to exceed stock power. Their staff and disclaimers hardly sound anything like your glowing recommendation. Might want to recheck your data.
Im not anti-Amsoil, I actually use it in the engine, where it was designed to be. And used to use it in the primary before I knew better.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
This is the great part of these oil threads, all the experts come out.
So, Amsoil is not more slippery than other oils? Hmmm Really?? Sure about That?
Wet clutch safe? Safe? Is that the word? I never said it was unsafe. Just that its not the best choice for a friction clutch. And its not. There are some Amsoil engineers that dont recommend it in that application at all. I checked, a while ago when I noticed a problem. Been there, done that. Their disclaimer lists reasons it wont work, including modifying the engine to exceed stock power. Their staff and disclaimers hardly sound anything like your glowing recommendation. Might want to recheck your data.
Im not anti-Amsoil, I actually use it in the engine, where it was designed to be. And used to use it in the primary before I knew better.
So, Amsoil is not more slippery than other oils? Hmmm Really?? Sure about That?
Wet clutch safe? Safe? Is that the word? I never said it was unsafe. Just that its not the best choice for a friction clutch. And its not. There are some Amsoil engineers that dont recommend it in that application at all. I checked, a while ago when I noticed a problem. Been there, done that. Their disclaimer lists reasons it wont work, including modifying the engine to exceed stock power. Their staff and disclaimers hardly sound anything like your glowing recommendation. Might want to recheck your data.
Im not anti-Amsoil, I actually use it in the engine, where it was designed to be. And used to use it in the primary before I knew better.
best oil for primary
Harley went with the same "Syn3" oils for all three holes, however i a have heard that the original Harley primary oil (no longer avail.) is better for your clutch. So, i took pains to find some leftover at Kennedy's cycle in Oceanside, Ca. I also like to use real tranny fluid in the tranny. Having read Amsoil's oil tests, i agree that theirs is now #1 for the motor. I still worry about the "fake bearing oil slide problem", knowing that all Harley's lower ends were a ball bearing design, until the automotive type bearings of the twin cam motors. What say you?
Oh Goody!
No oil threads in a while now we have two!
It's alright to switch oils, just not to mix them. Reason being you don't know if they are compatible. They could react badly, they could bond together and form a gel, either way not good, so drain it completely and make the switch.
Amsoil is a great choice but I wouldn't use it in the primary, the simple reason is; your clutch needs friction to work and Amsoil is very slippery and not the best choice in there.
No oil threads in a while now we have two!
It's alright to switch oils, just not to mix them. Reason being you don't know if they are compatible. They could react badly, they could bond together and form a gel, either way not good, so drain it completely and make the switch.
Amsoil is a great choice but I wouldn't use it in the primary, the simple reason is; your clutch needs friction to work and Amsoil is very slippery and not the best choice in there.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
Journeyman, my indy mechanic changed my fluids and used Amsoil in all 3 holes. If I'm reading you correctly, it's not a good idea to use it in the primary. What's my best option for the oil in the primary, and what change interval do you follow? I go 5000 on the engine and 15000 on the tranny and primary using all synthetics.
For the engine - a good synthetic after break in is great, everyone has their favorite. I like Amsoil.
For the Primary - I like the HD Formula plus
For the transmission - a good gear lube, I like Redline shockproof heavy
I might be the best person to ask on frequency because I tend to over due things and change these oils way before they are due.
edit: meant to say, I might not be
Last edited by journeyman; Feb 22, 2012 at 11:21 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Roads of Idaho
IMO, Using one oil for all three applications is convenient and may work, but the are always better options. None of them are going to save you any money, might as well get the best you can that specializes in each application. And you have 3 very different applications, an internal combustion engine, a gear box, and a friction clutch with chain.
For the engine - a good synthetic after break in is great, everyone has their favorite. I like Amsoil.
For the Primary - I like the HD Formula plus
For the transmission - a good gear lube, I like Redline shockproof heavy
I might be the best person to ask on frequency because I tend to over due things and change these oils way before they are due.
For the engine - a good synthetic after break in is great, everyone has their favorite. I like Amsoil.
For the Primary - I like the HD Formula plus
For the transmission - a good gear lube, I like Redline shockproof heavy
I might be the best person to ask on frequency because I tend to over due things and change these oils way before they are due.
I hane done my changes at 1K, 4K, and 9K miles. I did all 3 holes each time with the RedLine packages. Way to often but I like seeing what comes out and if there is anything metal!!!!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
I too use RedLine Shockproof for the tranny, Redline Primary Lube for the primary side and Redline 10W50 for the engine. U can buy this stuff as a complete package to do everything, all 3 holes with specific oils for each.
I hane done my changes at 1K, 4K, and 9K miles. I did all 3 holes each time with the RedLine packages. Way to often but I like seeing what comes out and if there is anything metal!!!!
I hane done my changes at 1K, 4K, and 9K miles. I did all 3 holes each time with the RedLine packages. Way to often but I like seeing what comes out and if there is anything metal!!!!
Looks good to me.
I thought the 10W50 was a bit on the light side, then I looked at your location and it seems about right.