Transmission Oil Change Interval

[NC Triker]

I am getting ready to do the 10K servicing on my 17 TG. I was looking at the service interval chart and it shows that the transmission oil doesn't get changed till 20K miles. I hear people say they do all three holes at the same time. I know it won't hurt to change it every engine oil change. How often do you change your transmission fluid?

 

[ultrafxr]

Everyone has their own ideas of course but I follow the book recommendation and change at 20k. Never had a problem and while I've used Red Line lubricants before for the last several years I've been using H-D's Formula Plus and it works just fine for me.

 

[Zammy]

I know it's probably excessive, but I change mine every 5k with the oil change, I use the Redline with shockproof.

 

[rhino 2]

With my 2011 Tri, All 3 holes every 6 k.....With my 2017 if i waited to do the trans at 20k, Because of the oil migration it probably would have fired long before that...:Shrug:..

 

[ISP-FL]

Before retiring I would normally just put on 2,000 or so a year on. I would change all three holes every year. I just looked at it as cheap insurance. Having it stored in winter temps up north for 3 or 4 months always concerned me.

Now being retired and putting 8,000 to 10,000 miles on a year I go with every other 5,000 miles oil change I will do the primary and tranny. My TG is never in temps lower than 55 or 60 degrees and driven almost daily.

 

[NC Triker]

I am going to change it at the 10K servicing and every 10K after that. Thanks for the replies.

 

[MDO]

I'm going for 10,000 mile change internal on the transmission with Redline Shockproof.

I'm doing 5,000 miles on the primary just because it gets so nasty looking. I have 1 more quart of HD Formula +, then I'm switching to Red line primary fluid.

After my trip, I will change engine & primary fluids this fall.

 

[Sunman]

I change trans fluid every other engine oil change so every 10,000 miles. I run Royal Purple 75W-140 in the trans and it shifts very smoothly. I run Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 in the engine and primary and change both every 5,000 miles. I think it is very important to change the primary oil every engine oil change. There is a lot of heat in the primary and the stator was fried on both my 2001 Road King and 2005 CVO Electra Glide before 30,000 miles. Since then I have changed the primary every engine oil change.

Sunman

 

[1dn5up]

Trans gets done at every other engine change. Motor and primary at 6k.

This time I am using Spectro primary for V-Twins. Seems smoother clutch engagement with out the jurk. Also Spectro trans fluid as it now slips into neutral like butter, and shifts smoother. Felt no improvement with the Shock-Proof stuff. Was not impressed at all.

 

[Cagmo]

+1 with Fuzzy. All 3 holes 5K or annually with Redline and HD filter.

 

[ISP-FL]

Got a question for the guys/gals who are using something besides Syn-3 in all three holes, like Redline for example.

If I want to still use Syn-3 in my engine and primary, but decide to put Redline or something different in my tranny, what about my migration issue? It looks like my bike migrates around 2 ounces every 1,000 or 1,200 miles, so in other words there will be a Redline product going into the primary which is filled with Syn-3.

Is there a Redline product you can use in both the tranny and primary?

 

[prariepilot]

Got a question for the guys/gals who are using something besides Syn-3 in all three holes, like Redline for example.

If I want to still use Syn-3 in my engine and primary, but decide to put Redline or something different in my tranny, what about my migration issue? It looks like my bike migrates around 2 ounces every 1,000 or 1,200 miles, so in other words there will be a Redline product going into the primary which is filled with Syn-3.

Is there a Redline product you can use in both the tranny and primary?

Here's a link to the entire Redline kit:

https://www.amazon.com/RedLine-9022...ocphy=9015260&hvtargid=pla-377844071267&psc=1

 

[Texan]

I've always changed (cleaned) my oil filter at 3K miles and the oil and filter at 6K. Then on the second go round of 6K I clean the filter, chg oil and tranny fluid at 12K. I've run Amsoil 20-50 in the engine, Amsoil SuperShifter in the primary and Sevear Gear in the tranny for years along with MotorKote in the holes. No problems what so ever.

8~\o

 

[lightnin]

Amsoil in the engine, K & N fiter, Redline in he other and very pleased

 

[Jack Klarich]

Got a question for the guys/gals who are using something besides Syn-3 in all three holes, like Redline for example.

If I want to still use Syn-3 in my engine and primary, but decide to put Redline or something different in my tranny, what about my migration issue? It looks like my bike migrates around 2 ounces every 1,000 or 1,200 miles, so in other words there will be a Redline product going into the primary which is filled with Syn-3.

Is there a Redline product you can use in both the tranny and primary?

Joe, a lot of Harley dealers are carrying Red Line products now

Check them out

I do not have the migration problem with my M8, I use Redline in all my trannys

The answer to your Redline question is NO @ this time

Only the Sporster unit construction tranny/ primary share the same lube

 

[ultrafxr]

Got a question for the guys/gals who are using something besides Syn-3 in all three holes, like Redline for example.

If I want to still use Syn-3 in my engine and primary, but decide to put Redline or something different in my tranny, what about my migration issue? It looks like my bike migrates around 2 ounces every 1,000 or 1,200 miles, so in other words there will be a Redline product going into the primary which is filled with Syn-3.

Is there a Redline product you can use in both the tranny and primary?

An excellent question and the answer afaik is no. The only products I've seen are separate - one for the trans and another for the primary.

But Kevin of DK Custom Products runs Redline in the trans and he has reported some migration so you might want to check with him.

Personally I ran Redline in my 2007 CVO Ultra for several years but really couldn't tell much of a difference. So I just went back to Formula + in the trans and primary and have had no problem at all. Might try H-D's new synthetic gear oil made for both holes in the future but in any case I prefer the same lube in both holes and I don't want engine/motor oil in either.

 

[MDO]

Joe, a lot of Harley dealers are carrying Red Line products now

Check them out

I do not have the migration problem with my M8, I use Redline in all my trannys

A big +1. Jack & Kevin convinced me of the quality & benefits of Redline with Shockproof & I'm glad I took their advice. Besides Kevin's great story on Redline, the best recommendations are that several different HD dealers have told me it's the best for HD trannies.

I'm too, 1 of the lucky ones with no migration. If I had it, I would be concerned about the compatibility of 2 different fluids.

I was perfectly happy with Lucas oil in all 3 holes. The Redline is just better.

Jack, I knew you couldn't stay away from an oil thread.

 

[Jack Klarich]

A big +1. Jack & Kevin convinced me of the quality & benefits of Redline with Shockproof & I'm glad I took their advice. Besides Kevin's great story on Redline, the best recommendations are that several different HD dealers have told me it's the best for HD trannies.

I'm too, 1 of the lucky ones with no migration. If I had it, I would be concerned about the compatibility of 2 different fluids.

I was perfectly happy with Lucas oil in all 3 holes. The Redline is just better.

Jack, I knew you couldn't stay away from an oil thread.

You got me hooked

 

[ISP-FL]

Heck, I'm glad several of you guys can't stay away from an oil thread. Appreciate the input and great advise.

Right now I'm still in the process of doing more testing to see exactly how much migration there is. Making a run down to Kentucky for a few days so by the time I get back I'll be able to measure it after another 700 miles.

I'll be close to my 10,000 miles service so I'll probably use Syn-3 in the motor as always and throw some Formula+ in the tranny and primary for now.

 

[Triglide1950]

I used to follow the 10K service. But have switched to all three holes every 5,000 miles. I use Castrol Actevo 20W50. It's part synthetic. You can purchase 3 one gallon jugs for $65 bucks on Amazon with free shipping if you have Prime. I also use Bel Ray 85W140 in the tranny with no trouble finding neutral, and Bel Ray primary oil. I'd rather be preventative than face a major repair. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Ed H]

I know it's probably excessive, but I change mine every 5k with the oil change, I use the Redline with shockproof.

Makes two of us. Always put fresh oil in when I have to put it to bed for the winter even if under 5K

 

[MontgomeryLittle]

I do all 3 at the same time. 5000 miles. I have a bunch of bikes and that has always been my rule. Not sure what the deal will be with the M8 and the migration issue. Just traded my 2018 Street Glide Special in for a new Tri-Glide. I had 5000 at trade in and used the dino Harley oil and Formula+ at 1000. At the time I saw no indication of the migration issue. We'll see with the Tri-Glide, I like synthetics but hate the thought of migrating a heavier oil from primary to engine or vice versa.

Side note: Harley says mixing SYN3 and dino oils can cause tranny wear, if I read that correctly. So I may rethink my oil choices from the past.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I do all 3 at the same time. 5000 miles. I have a bunch of bikes and that has always been my rule. Not sure what the deal will be with the M8 and the migration issue. Just traded my 2018 Street Glide Special in for a new Tri-Glide. I had 5000 at trade in and used the dino Harley oil and Formula+ at 1000. At the time I saw no indication of the migration issue. We'll see with the Tri-Glide, I like synthetics but hate the thought of migrating a heavier oil from primary to engine or vice versa.

Side note: Harley says mixing SYN3 and dino oils can cause tranny wear, if I read that correctly. So I may rethink my oil choices from the past.

SYN3 is NOT a full synthetic oil so Dino oil should mix OK with it

That said I have NEVER run engine oil in any of my trannys and never had any problems

Harley has a new Tranny lube that you can run in the tranny and primary you may check this out

 

[ISP-FL]

I recently changed what goes in my tranny.

My last couple of Harley's I just dumped Syn-3 in all three holes. It was easier and it seemed to work fine. Then I got the 2019 M8 and discovered I had a migration issue. Along with that I think the tranny in the M8 just makes more noise overall.

Service guy at Four Rivers (Paducah), who got me in and took care of my migration issue this week, rides a 2001 Harley. He has used Bellray in his tranny and has something like 300,000 miles on that bike! Since they were doing the migration kit I had them do the 10,000 miles service and asked for his recommendation. So I left there with Syn-3 in the engine and primary, and Bellray in the tranny.

Rode just over 320 miles home in 90 degree temps and there was a huge difference. Tranny was quieter and even though it still had some of the "Harley clunk" when shifting, it shifted much smoother and N was much easier to find.

 

[hddocfl]

Has anyone used this and if so do you notice a difference in the primary ?

SYN3 is NOT a full synthetic oil so Dino oil should mix OK with it

That said I have NEVER run engine oil in any of my trannys and never had any problems

Harley has a new Tranny lube that you can run in the tranny and primary you may check this out

Anyone tried this in the primary ?

Has anyone used this in there primary and if so what do you think about it >?

 

[MDO]

I personally don't know anyone using the new HD tranny/primary lube. I currently have Redline Shockproof in the tranny & it's the best I have tried, so far, after 5,000 miles of use, it looks perfect & the tranny just loves it. I have HD Formula + in the primary & have 1 more quart to use, then it gets Redline primary lube.

If I was concerned about thr tranny to primary migration issue, I would run the same in both holes. I had Lucas full synthetic 20w50 motorcycle oil in all 3 for a while and my FW performed well & better than the HD Syn 3 they used at the 1,000 mile service. The Redline is just better for the tranny.

I easily have enough fluids for the next 2-3 years & need to stop finding good deals.

In honor of Jack's love for oil threads, I will be starting a 2020 holiday oil thread around Xmas, so stay tuned. I would like for everyone to chime in with their favorites.

 

[Gorilla]

so now HD is saying its okay to put 80-140 lube in the primary

might help that compensator issue

 

[520fd]

Has anyone used this in there primary and if so what do you think about it >?

The last 2 changes, I used the HD Heavy Synthetic Gear Oil in my tranny and primary. Seems to work just fine. Shifts good, and easy finding Neutral.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Red Line 3 Holes

End of Oct 2018, I switch to Red Line 20W50 Engine, Shockproof for Tranny and their Gear Oil for the Primary. I've since put a total of 8,933 miles on the trike, with two oil changes in less than 5k increments. When last checked over a week ago, the trans fluid still had that same vibrant pepto bismol color.

So unless I put on a lot more miles under really harsh riding conditions or problems surface during periodic checks, I'm sticking with 12 mos or 10k for tranny and primary fluid changes.

It doesn't appear to be broke, so no reason for me spend extra dollars to fix a nonproblem.