Syn or not to syn?
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
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From: Casper, WY
Syn or not to syn?
I thought I would share some personal experience with everyone.
I bought my '08 flht new in June of '08, and put 1000 miles on it the first weekend. At my 1k service I chose to run Syn3 in all 3 boxes. I'm a H-D tech and $ wasn't a concern being I could get fliuds for free. After a very short time I started to notice that my clutch felt "wrong". Every time I left from a stop it looked like I had never riden before. I adjusted the clutch, replaced the cable. I was tottly stumped. So, after 12,500 miles I switched to Formula plus in my trans and primary. AND low'N behold after about 45 miles the clutch was like brand new. And has been awsome ever sence (29,400)
Now the reason I switched was due to an issue we were having with police bikes. They were haveing clutch failures often and in low miles, and when we contacted H-D they siad to try switching out the primairy fluid. Said it was to slippery.
Just thought I would share that, hope it helps some one.
I bought my '08 flht new in June of '08, and put 1000 miles on it the first weekend. At my 1k service I chose to run Syn3 in all 3 boxes. I'm a H-D tech and $ wasn't a concern being I could get fliuds for free. After a very short time I started to notice that my clutch felt "wrong". Every time I left from a stop it looked like I had never riden before. I adjusted the clutch, replaced the cable. I was tottly stumped. So, after 12,500 miles I switched to Formula plus in my trans and primary. AND low'N behold after about 45 miles the clutch was like brand new. And has been awsome ever sence (29,400)
Now the reason I switched was due to an issue we were having with police bikes. They were haveing clutch failures often and in low miles, and when we contacted H-D they siad to try switching out the primairy fluid. Said it was to slippery.
Just thought I would share that, hope it helps some one.
I too have had much better experience with Formula plus in my primary. Trans and engine get full synthetic.
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I've read many threads where guys have had issues with a syn fluid in the primary.
I use rotella 15w-40 diesel oil in mine and have never had an issue on my Harley and I've used rotella faithfully in my jap bikes and never had an issue with them either.
The primary doesn't need any of that expensive stuff.
I use rotella 15w-40 diesel oil in mine and have never had an issue on my Harley and I've used rotella faithfully in my jap bikes and never had an issue with them either.
The primary doesn't need any of that expensive stuff.
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I agree with the Rotella-T 15/40 or Formula+ in the Primary. I don't agree with using ATF. I don't think it's enough protection for the Compensator. JMO
Mobile 1 15/50 Engine
Rotella-T 15/40 Primary
Redline V-twin in Tranny
Mobile 1 15/50 Engine
Rotella-T 15/40 Primary
Redline V-twin in Tranny
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Some clutch manufacturers (Rivera) recommend agains syn in the primary. I run Formula+ in my 120R due to the high torque.
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
+1 on formula plus, or in a pinch any good quality oil such as rotella in the primary.
As to the tranny, bel ray 85/140 instead of Syn.
My independent repair shop, has been replacing tranny bearings on a bunch of 07's due to bearing failure, most of them with Syn in the tranny.
Engine, gets Syn, why? Tried most of the others, engine seems quieter with Syn, its readily available on the road if needed and its not an easter egg hunt to find if I need to find it.
As to the tranny, bel ray 85/140 instead of Syn.
My independent repair shop, has been replacing tranny bearings on a bunch of 07's due to bearing failure, most of them with Syn in the tranny.
Engine, gets Syn, why? Tried most of the others, engine seems quieter with Syn, its readily available on the road if needed and its not an easter egg hunt to find if I need to find it.
I've heard of guys using ATF in the primary but I know some atf's contain friction modifiers,which will ruin the clutch.
Does anyone know which atf's have friction modifiers and which don't.
I'm sticking with rotella. All the fluids I use are easily found on the road or a parts store.
Except for shockproof but I would have no issue running any gear oil in my tranny.
Your results may vary
Does anyone know which atf's have friction modifiers and which don't.
I'm sticking with rotella. All the fluids I use are easily found on the road or a parts store.
Except for shockproof but I would have no issue running any gear oil in my tranny.
Your results may vary