Primary Lube Poll

[lorne]

just bought a bike (98 Softail)that has only had about 500 miles in the last 3 years, 12k total miles. serviced 3 years ago at the HD shop with what they normally use. it is going in the shop to get

Mobil 1 VTwin 20-50 synthetic
Harley formula plus in primary
Spectro 75-40 synthetic GL-1 for the tranny

from the advice of a good buddy 3 days ago.

 

[TheNowhereman]

I use mobil 1 synthetic ATF because of my clutch material and it performs superbly. I change it out every 3000 miles, chain stretch is minimal, clutch functions very well for 157 HP motor.

 

[Blue Wide Glide]

Formula + in the primary.

 

[BluesFan]

Name brand Semi syn 75W-90 gear lube

 

[Jack Klarich]

Name brand Semi syn 75W-90 gear lube

In the Primary?

 

[D.Bradfield]

Royal Purple Cycle Max

 

[llharr]

I also run Royal Purple 20W50 in the primary.

 

[wilks3]

Mobil 1 0W20.
Read about this on another HD site. Made sense instead of ATF.
So... dropped out thick Formula+ and put in the 0W20 oil.
Started bike, didn't even let idle down, pull in clutch, put in first gear, click!
No clank, no clunk, no bike shaking when going into gear. I know what some will say...clutch will slip.
Took bike out, stop, rev engine let clutch out hard, no slip, spin tire.
From stop in second gear, rev engine, let clutch out hard, engine chugged alittle, no slip.
Rolling, first to third, about 10 MPH, rev engine, let clutchout hard, no slip.
So...the way I ride, not hard, this is the best upgrade yet!!! Bike now sounds like it should for a $18,000 motorcycle.
Time will tell, but I don't see any problems since so many have been using ATF with no problems.
wilks3

 

[glider]

Another foolish idea that ranks up with the ATF in the primary.:34:

Why do you think the engineers post a specific oil viscosity to be run in certain areas?

Anyone that would spend the kind of money that these bikes cost and then experiment with their own ideas on the lubrication let alone other vital areas because "somebody else did it" should be riding a bicycle, not a Harley.

 

[wilks3]

Thanks for reply Glider.
Didn't HD at one time say no to syn engine oil? Yes.
Didn't HD say ok for their Syn3 in tranny, but now are hedging? Yes.
All I know is my bike now sounds like it should've from the factory.
I'll let you all know clutch progress.
wilks3