Harley Fluids What and Why!

[mpurkiss]

Harley syn 3 all the way,,

 

[Softail Trike]

Well for my .02 cents... In both '02/'03 Heritage Softails -5-Speeds

Engine: Amsoil 20W-50 (code MCV)
Primary: Amsoil 20W-50 (code MCV)
Transmission: Amsoil 75W-110 (code SVT)

Engine oil temp runs 200F in the hottest part of the summer, no clutch slippage, easy to find neutral whether running or not & they shift great.

With all the different oil combinations listed on this thread & most everyone being happy with what they use....maybe it's not quite as critical as we are lead to believe.

 

[Lakeman]

Same as rap47

 

[rossn2]

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Your codes are flipped...
Should be MCV for the Amsoil 20w-50 engine oil
and SVT for the Severe Gear 75w-110 oil in the transmission.

This is the setup I ran in my bikes until last night when performing my 5k.

Switched to Schaeffers Supreme 7000 20w-50 in Engine and Primary and the Schaeffers 80w-90 Gear Lube in tranny. Saved $$$

 

[triketomcat]

I like the amsoil and had a disagreement with an old friend who is an auto mechanic. On a trip to the Rockies we stopped for a break and I checked my bike with a dipstick temp gauge against his ( Same bikes all the way and we are same size) my bike was running almost 10 degrees cooler than his that was on fossil oil. Also found that a little "LUCAS" in the tranny makes way less noise on shift

 

[MICK66]

I use Lucas 20w50 synthetic in the oil and primary. I use HD formula plus in the tranny. Engine oil is too light for transmission use. I have used this combo in alot of various models and with 20,000 + miles, it works flawless. But to each his own. That's why they make so many flavors.

 

[GARYD]

Amsoil 20/50 in engine
Amsoil 75/140 in trans
H-D Formula+ in primary
Michilob Ultra in me because that's what I ride.

 

[j79phan]

Spectro Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase Oil.

Spectro Heavy Duty Platinum 6 Speed Transmission Oil.

Engine oil varies.
Was always Mobil 1 V-Twin or Red Line 20w-50.
Now with the heat on the trike. Put in Red Line 20w-60 before my recent 4,200 mile trip.
Thinking I'll stay with the 20w-60 in the heat of the summer and for a trips.

 

[Softail Trike]

Your codes are flipped...
Should be MCV for the Amsoil 20w-50 engine oil
and SVT for the Severe Gear 75w-110 oil in the transmission.

This is the setup I ran in my bikes until last night when performing my 5k.

Switched to Schaeffers Supreme 7000 20w-50 in Engine and Primary and the Schaeffers 80w-90 Gear Lube in tranny. Saved $$$

OOPS:blush:....Fixed, Thanks!!

 

[Norton]

I use Amsoil and Redline Shockproof. Works great for me.

 

[T'Fred]

I've used Syn3 since HD recommended it.

 

[mcdonaldroadcapt]

Ok, just want to know what you all are running in twin cam's (ultras, trikes etc), and why you have settled on that brand and weights.
What are you running in all 3 holes, motor, primary and trans.
Thank You
Mike

Redline Shockproof in Tranny and Mobile 1 in other two holes. 37,000 trouble free miles changing every 5.000

 

[Lakeman]

I use Rredline shockproof in the trans
Redline chain case in the chain case
Mobil 1 engine w/HD filter
I ran the Mobil 1 5,000 this time, don't like to run it that long, will be less next time.

 

[g.aholt]

I use Mobile 1 full syn. motorcycle and never have engine or tranny noise. I use it in all 3 holes.

 

[Texan]

?........., I won't chime on on the fluids use except to say I found it interesting that for years, Harley cautioned against using any kind of synthetic fluids in any Harley. Ah, but now that the MoFoCo has Syn3, it is fine........

Yeah, kinda funny isn't it. Was warned by my dealership back in the day that my using syn oils would void my warranty. BUT when they came out with Syn3 it's recommended.

Me, still running Amsoil products, 20-50 in the motor, Super Shifter ATF in the primary and Severe Gear in the tranny.

o~\o

 

[White Knight 04]

I use Mobile 1 full syn. motorcycle and never have engine or tranny noise. I use it in all 3 holes.

+1 have used M0bil 1 in my last 3 Harleys with no problems !!!!!

 

[g.aholt]

I use Mobile 1 full synthetic in all 3 holes and love it !!!

 

[470004]

Harley Syn3

 

[lboos]

Harley syn 3

 

[rhino 2]

Harley syn 3, I let the dealer do it.ThumbUp

 

[Jerry/MD]

I plan on using Redline products when the first fluid change comes...which is soon. I used them on the past 2 CVO`s with 110" motors with zero issues. I'm a big proponent of using application specific oils.

Jerry

 

[470004]

Harley's Syns-3 in my three holes and in all my bikes. Here is one for you, Harley's Syn 3 is less expensive then the aftermarket syn oils sold here.

 

[tbear]

Redline 20x60w in Engine ,I believe the heavier Weight is needed for the Heavier Trikes. Reline HD weight for the trans. same reason. Formula + because you guys have said it is better to use. Just let you all know, you can get Mobil 1 at Meijers for $10 a quart (MC oil 20x50w) if you want to save a buck or two.

 

[sparky8754]

On my wife's 2013 TriGlide with Syn3 in all 3 holes, we CANNOT find neutral and it sounds like my Uncle's thrashing machine. Also shifting is very ruff and loud. What comes after clunk, a bang in the primary. We told by dealer, "well some are quiet and some are not, you got one that makes noise". BS is what that is!

Switched to HD Shock in primary and BelRay 90-140 in the transmission and Syn3 in the engine. It now runs like a fine tuned Swiss watch, very quiet and can hit neutral on the first try. Shifts so quiet now, it is a totality different machine.

I have just hit the 1k on my trike and plan on the above for it also.

I cannot see trashing a transmission for the convenience of carrying just one kind of oil! I guess if you got one of those quiet running bikes it doesn't matter. I have owned 5 new Harleys since 2011 and all 5 have NOT been the quiet kind...

 

[tom w]

amsoil in engine/ royle purple in trans / b&m trick shift in primary. but............. pulled into a mc d's drive thru that was on an up hill angle and had to wait a while with the clutch in. started pulling with the clutch in. I reved it a couple of time and it quit. No problems now but that concerned me a little .

 

[GARYD]

My 2014 and all my previous bikes ran on Amsoil 20/50 and they all ran like a top and quiet also. I believe no 2 bikes are the same and that's why you get one person saying Amsoil/Syn3/RedLine/Mobil1/Belray/Royal Purple/Penzoil/etc. etc. is quiet and the next person says it's the noisest one ever.
My best advice is use whatever one is the lowest cost, easiest to get and that YOU feel comfortable with. I have yet to hear of anyone's engine self destructing due to the oil they used - if it was the right viscocity and changed per the mfg's recommendations.
Bottom line - ANY modern motorcycle oil will be fine to use.

It costs me $9/qt and the warehouse is just down the street from my office.
For the trans I use Amsoil severe gear 75-140 and the primary I use H-D Formula+

I also remember Harley saying syn oil will destroy your engine. How times have changed. I'm going through something like that now with GM saying if you don't use a "Dexos" oil you will destroy your engine. Will they ever stop??? :gah:

 

[tom w]

This is an age old argument with no clear answer. too many variables . No oil company is putting out crap oil. if it meets the code for that particular machines requirement, it should work.

HOWEVER: its experience with the machine that will dictate how each of use choose an oil we like.

my NO list is

quaker state

pensoil

Castrol

mobile one

at one time or another I have had a bad motor problem with all of the above. there for I choose not to use them. I cant say the oil caused the problem but ...........bad mojo for me.

we all have to make our own choice... choose wisely grasshopper.

 

[Phu Cat]

Gear and rings have very different lubrication requirements and in the long run you will be glad you used the lubricant intended for each application. Sure, you can get away with a single lube for a while. Lord only knows how long.But if you have two identical bike ridden the same, one using the same lubricant in all cases and the other bike using job specif oil, which one are you going to bet on?

PC

 

[HDB0B]

2014 TG - Harley 2 free services from my dealer Classic Harley, Leesport, PA.

At 1K service they used Syn3 in all three holes. Now at 2K neutral is getting very easy to find .... put still hate the clunking.

Coming up 2.5K service they are putting Syn3 in motor, Formula+ in Primary, 85W-140 Bel-Ray in transmission.

I am sure I will be much happier.

Bob orag:

 

[CRBandit]

Why the 2.5K service? Harley dropped that service years ago and now suggest service every 5K.