Formula+Trans. and Primary
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I was under the impression it was the same as straight 50 weight. I have also wondered this, and read so many differing responses that I am truly clueless. I would never put it in my primary, as I feel its much to thick for the primary and much too thin for the transmission, but that's another thread. Actually its like another ten thousand threads, but what the heck...... I am going with the straight 50 weight hypothesis.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I have always been of the opinion that it is somewhere around 20 or 30 weight light mineral oil. That kind of makes sense because lot of guys use automatic transmission fluid in it's place.
I have always though 50 weight was too heavy for the primary or the transmission, but I have zero data to back that up other than the fact that there are sure a lot of bearing failures since guys started using 20-50 five years ago.
I have always though 50 weight was too heavy for the primary or the transmission, but I have zero data to back that up other than the fact that there are sure a lot of bearing failures since guys started using 20-50 five years ago.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 8
From: Western Canada
Formula + is designed for the primary and tranny
on the twin cams. What weight it is I don't know but it's heavier than the 20-50 syn from Screamin eagle. I stopped running the syn 20-50 in the primary and tranny on the theory that it's too thin at temp for the tranny and is specifically designed for the primary/tranny.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,175
From: Oxford, Nc
Been running Wal-Mart 10W-40 or 20W-50 dino in the primary for years. Bike just turned 135,000 miles. Everything in the primary except the cap to the compensator is still original.
And "W" in the description labeling stands for "Winter" as a determining factor in how the oil behaves when its cold. It does not stand for "Weight." (For example, 20W-50 motor oil and 75-90 gear oil have almost the same "weight" meaning viscosity. But you won't find that on the label.)
And "W" in the description labeling stands for "Winter" as a determining factor in how the oil behaves when its cold. It does not stand for "Weight." (For example, 20W-50 motor oil and 75-90 gear oil have almost the same "weight" meaning viscosity. But you won't find that on the label.)
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 3
From: Styxville
You ever take a good whiff of that Formula + stuff??
Smells like fish oil, or sumpin dang close to it....
Been running it in my Ironhead tranny and primary for years and it works just fine though.
Smells like fish oil, or sumpin dang close to it....
Been running it in my Ironhead tranny and primary for years and it works just fine though.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 9
From: Greensboro, NC
Here's the published specs:
Harley Davidson Formula+
Application: recommended for heavy-duty service in manual transmissions where the manufacturer normally recommends either engine oils or GL-1 lubricants.
Specific Gravity: 0.857
Pounds per Gallon: 7.14
Viscosity, ASTM D 445,
cSt at 40°C: 168.04
cSt at 100°C: 20.10
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270: 139
Brookfield Viscosity, ASTM D 2983,
cP at -26°C - 28,800
cP at -40°C - n/m
Pour Point, ASTM D 97, °F (°C): -60 (-51)
Flash Point, ASTM D 92, °F (°C): 507 (264)
Harley Davidson FORMULA+ Trans and Primary Chaincase VOA (Tested by blackstone lab)
Petroleum based.
Ca 169
P 230
B 210
S - some
Zn - essentially none
No other elemental additives.
Vis. within SAE 50 range.
Listed as a GL-1, does test out as a GL-3.
Harley Davidson Formula+
Application: recommended for heavy-duty service in manual transmissions where the manufacturer normally recommends either engine oils or GL-1 lubricants.
Specific Gravity: 0.857
Pounds per Gallon: 7.14
Viscosity, ASTM D 445,
cSt at 40°C: 168.04
cSt at 100°C: 20.10
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270: 139
Brookfield Viscosity, ASTM D 2983,
cP at -26°C - 28,800
cP at -40°C - n/m
Pour Point, ASTM D 97, °F (°C): -60 (-51)
Flash Point, ASTM D 92, °F (°C): 507 (264)
Harley Davidson FORMULA+ Trans and Primary Chaincase VOA (Tested by blackstone lab)
Petroleum based.
Ca 169
P 230
B 210
S - some
Zn - essentially none
No other elemental additives.
Vis. within SAE 50 range.
Listed as a GL-1, does test out as a GL-3.
Last edited by Markk9; Sep 20, 2013 at 04:39 AM.
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