Clutch Grab
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
I have learned that being consistent in the primary with fluids (that work for me) will make that part of life easier.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
Just changed my Primary fluid which was Syn3 - Arggggg horrid smelling stuff.
It was pinkish in the trans draining out, and darker not so pinkish looking syrup from the primary with 5K on those fluids.
Glad I changed those fluids- I went Amsoil Severe Gear 75-90 in the trans, and Amsoil 20-50 in the Primary.
Shifts better :-) Will be staying with Amsoil for that.
While I was at it, oil change using the Scavenger oil change with Mobil1 20-50 V-twin
It was pinkish in the trans draining out, and darker not so pinkish looking syrup from the primary with 5K on those fluids.
Glad I changed those fluids- I went Amsoil Severe Gear 75-90 in the trans, and Amsoil 20-50 in the Primary.
Shifts better :-) Will be staying with Amsoil for that.
While I was at it, oil change using the Scavenger oil change with Mobil1 20-50 V-twin
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
The pink stuff is Redline with Shockproof. Syn 3 isn't pink.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 2
From: Utah
Scavenger is best kept secret for oil changes. First time I used it I freeked out at all the gunk it pulled out after the oil had drained. Best investment ever.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 518
Likes: 8
From: Biloxi Ms
I had the same jerky response on take off up until i switched from syn3. Has not done it since. No other work or adjustments were made.
I am not going to get into the brand name of the 20w-50 that I use as i think my primary is MOBIL enough to support it.
I am not going to get into the brand name of the 20w-50 that I use as i think my primary is MOBIL enough to support it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
To echo what everyone else is saying...
I ran some 15w-50 Mobile1 in there just last season and it acted exactly how the OP's bike did since day 1. I ran it for 7K and dumped it.
So thinking my clutch was somehow shot, I put HD Formula + back in and the clutch is now buttery smooth again... I've run it for 4K and no change.
For whatever reason I don't mind fooling around with Engine oils - for the engine, but from here on out I'm just going to use Formula+ in the primary. Lesson learned.
lp
I ran some 15w-50 Mobile1 in there just last season and it acted exactly how the OP's bike did since day 1. I ran it for 7K and dumped it.
So thinking my clutch was somehow shot, I put HD Formula + back in and the clutch is now buttery smooth again... I've run it for 4K and no change.
For whatever reason I don't mind fooling around with Engine oils - for the engine, but from here on out I'm just going to use Formula+ in the primary. Lesson learned.
lp
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 2
From: Utah
Severe Gear is what I have in currently and I think that's the problem. It will be interesting to see if you end up with problems eventually. I'm going to put 20-50 in my primary like I used to run in my 2003 EG and it ran fine for 100,000 K. I'll let you all know how it runs after I've done the change.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
Had an issue with mine and it was kinda like yours. Turned out to be a frayed clutch cable binding in the housing. It would bind just enough to cause an uneven release and a catch or grab feeling. Cable was soon to break so I'm glad I caught it at home. Could be just a cable slightly kinked also.