| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnylunchbox |
Not trying to start an oil war thread here. I just want to know if running Castrol Syntec20W50 is OK in the primary. I have a quart on hand and am wondering if it's just better to go get a quart of HD Syn3 (or whatever they call it)? | ||
| Chadhargis |
The fluid specified for the primary is called Formula+. It's not much money, why take chances? | ||
| Chris_in_tn |
I was told by the Buell tech at my local dealer that a full synthetic in the 06+ bikes can possibly cause clutch slipping due to the lighter springs. No direct experience though. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Just about everyone started running synthetic in their primaries to make the bikes (tubers) shift better (in some cases to make them shift.) The newer units don't even compare when it comes to shifting. Formula+ and roll with it. G2 | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Chad, I've got no beef with the Formula+, I'll probably get a quart. Just figured a lot of people are running 20W50 mobil 1 in both engine and primary. I guess I reasoned that Castrol will do the job too. Chris, I suspect that is just more paranoia about synthtetic - you know like the old flat spotted bearing deal. I'm not sure that syn is any more slippery, I think it just resists multiple stresses (heat, shearing...) better than dino. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Wouldn't Castrol Syntec automotive oil have those friction enhancers that don't work with wet clutch motorcycles? | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Xbimmer, those friction modifiers are generally found in the lower weight "energy conserving" oils. A 20W50 should not have them, nor will most diesel oils (Rotella, Delvac...) | ||
| Slowride |
I changed my primary oil to Mobil 1 20/50 and the clutch started slipping with miles from my house. I switched back to Formula+ | ||
| Chris_in_tn |
Normally I would agree that it is some paranoia. But, Harley spec. for years have been 20/50 in the engine and primary. Many people ran synthetic with no problem. In 06 they changed the clutch enough that it required a change in lubes. I personally run Mobil 1 15/50 auto oil in the engine and have for years in several bikes with good results. I asked the service manager at my local dealership(one that I actually trust)about the same thing, running a synthetic in the primary of my Uly when I was doing my 1K service. He said they they experimented with it when they first got the 06's in and they did slip. He said he is not sure what what the composition of Formula+ is but suspects it is a synthetic blend as apposed to full synthetic. I do not believe you would do any damage to the trany with the Castrol, it would likely be better for the gears and other hardware. I believe it would only affect the friction plates of the clutch. Draining and refilling with Formula+ would reverse any ill affects of the lube if it did cause any problems. Give it a try and let us know. (Message edited by chris_in_tn on July 29, 2007) | ||
| Ozarkdennis |
Lucas Synthetic motorcycle 20w 50w works just fine. Available at O'Reily's. Working great in the engine as well. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
This is what I've been using for years. Bel Ray Gearsaver. My local Harley dealer doesn't have this stuff out where the public can see it but they use it in the service area and sell it to me by the quart when I ask for it. They sell Formula+ on the sales floor but use this stuff to service the bikes. http://www.johnparkermotorcycles.co.uk/sbelray.htm | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Thanks for the input. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
I'm just going to pick up some Formula+ tomorrow. I'm going on a week long trip next week, and will just go by the manual this time. I don't want to have problems on the road (knock wood). | ||
| Davevv |
House of Harley-Davidson in Anchorage put Syn 3 everywhere (engine, tranny, and primary) when they did the initial service on my '07. They didn't even ask what I wanted since the service was part of the purchase deal. 4800 miles later it shifts great and no clutch slip. |
