Harley-Davidson M8 Softail Transmission Oil Change

This video explains how to change the transmission oil for a 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Sport Glide (FLSB). The process should be similar across the entire M8 softail range. Make sure and check your owner's manual for your specific model and fill to proper fluid levels. You could use more than the 28 oz the owner's manual calls so be aware and check multiple times if needed! Service manual calls for 28oz initial fill then top off as needed.
Disclaimer: I am not a motorcycle mechanic. I am just a guy with limited knowledge that works on his own bike at his own risk.
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Oil Used - Red Line V-Twin Transmission Oil with Shockproof
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I am an official Get Lowered Cycles affiliate! Copy this url to shop gear and parts for your bike: www.getlowered.com?rfsn=2603379.c7a2af
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Click here to get some cool lenses for your Harley-Davidson from GetPhantom.com and save 15% off your order by using code DCYCLE: getphantom.com
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Recording Equipment:
Cameras:
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[@DCyclemoto]

Hey, everyone! Always make sure and check your oils levels regularly to ensure the proper amount of fluids are in each hole (that’s what she said). Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@mikeleago1]

Why does the user manual say Syn3 20/50? I put that in trans yesterday because I drained it on accident. The dealership says I need formula + which they sold me. Is anything going to happen if I leave the Syn3 in??

[@barackblows1942]

Open the top filler plug before draining the oil.

[@ibkl2u]

I’m not sure why I’m watching this as I just change the transmission oil today on my Sport Glide with redline oil myself. Well it’s nice to see I got it right.

[@bigj200016]

Two tips. As I said in your oil change video, check your fluid level before draining. This helps with two things. First if you are low, we need to figure out why. The trans should not be consuming any oil. The moco did have issues with trans oil transferring into the primary with early M8’s. Second, look for any signs of water contamination. Normally this is gonna be foamy looking oil. Second, in gear components (primary and transmission) you want to use an oil that is formulated for gear components. Yes, the red line trans fluid is fine oil but any high quality gear oil (I don’t need to mention synthetic because almost all gear oils made any more are synthetic) will work fine. The moco is producing a gear oil now at 80w140 that works well in both. This should be the weight you look for for both the primary and transmission. But anyway, great tips. Here’s hoping you find a few decent days to get the SG out over the late fall. Up in Chicago today it’s 20 degrees 🤬. Hope it won’t be a long winter

[@DCyclemoto]

Jeremy Belko Dude, we’re in the 30s today for the high and snow expected Monday. Not ideal!

[@danielgaskell5490]

Uhhhh.....trans oil transfer was only in the early TOURING MODELS OF 2017.....no softails period.

[@drsmith751]

Great video. I watch it every time I’m changing my oil

[@t.s.racing]

The ONLY lubricants that we use in our Race Shop, Race Bikes, and Street Bikes. SARGE.

[@razzrasmussen5773]

Good video! I believe another comment already said this so I will just agree to check level and fluid before change.

[@DCyclemoto]

Razz Rasmussen For sure. I have done that for all three holes, just didn’t include it as part of the fluid change process. All looked great and at proper level. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!🤘🏻

[@billflixtone6684]

Thanks for the very clear and precise video. Unlike the engine the trans oil is checked cold so can be up,to the full mark. It's the engine cold oil that needs to be lower than full cold

[@thekrutchinator]

the Yaaaayyy! was pretty cool!

[@locoocho2415]

Hey D-cycle question 1) where did you buy your quart container? You pour your oil into. 2) Where did you buy your torque wrench at? 3) Is it possible you can make a video on how to use a torque wrench I'd appreciate that. When you torque it to where you need to be does it make a sound...... Appreciate all info you can share. Thanks.... Ride Safe 👍

[@DCyclemoto]

I’m not doing videos anymore, sir. The torque wrench does make a click sound when you hit the spec. The funnel and tube is from Walmart I believe. Wrench is from Sears. I don’t have links tho, sorry.

[@raymunchieftain4170]

D-Cycle, good work and good instruction.

[@DCyclemoto]

Raymun Chieftain I try to make them easy to understand for ppl just learning bikes and want to do a little DIY. Thanks for watching!

[@fb510m]

maybe, heat up the red line gently to get it to flow? not sure the best way to warm it though, only a thought. i'm going red line for gear lube in my road glide so was watching videos to get any details. thanks for the video! liked it, nice detail information. best!

[@DCyclemoto]

Warming it is a good idea, though an accurate level check needs it at regular temp. Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@FrensTimmerpens]

We put Kroon 80W90 GL4 in the trans here...and 20W50 formula in de prime

[@lent2005]

Great vid. Finally, someone else who pays attention to torque values, fluid capacities, and uses the right tools for the job 👍🏻. Going to be switching over to Redline shockproof in my RGS. Currently running Amsoil trans fluid. Did you notice any difference in audible gear lash or smoothness improvement while shifting? Inquiring minds ..

[@DCyclemoto]

Smoothness, yes! Much easier to find neutral, too. Thanks for watching!

[@Reneluis04]

@@DCyclemotowhat oil were you running prior to the red line

[@DCyclemoto]

@@Reneluis04 Belray, I believe. It’s been awhile.

[@saveurselves989]

Loved it man!

[@jeremyanderson8758]

Thanks for such an excellent video. Could you possibly do one with removal and reinstall of rear wheel. I want to take mine in for tire replacement.

[@DCyclemoto]

I probably won’t ever tackle that project. I hear its a pain.

[@MySt0rmy]

Red Line make great oil ,but i used it in all 3 places and the motor oil made the engine run smooth and the primary help the shifting , the trans oil made more noise that was hard to put up with .so i went to a other oil and it made no noise . it was in my 2017 road glide . it is hard to find a dealer in Canada . do what you have to do

[@jimrideshd8832]

Excellent Video. 👍👍

[@DCyclemoto]

Jim Rides HD 🤘🏻

[@BBD40]

cool wheels on that bike

[@uweyaa]

Why you not used 80w140 HD Gearoel?🤔

[@DCyclemoto]

Just a preference, I guess!

[@dane5896]

Crazy, that they made it harder to get to the filler plug. 😵😵😵😵

[@amsmith170]

Great video! Levels are VERY important. How do you like the RedLine Transmission Oil?

[@DCyclemoto]

What few times I have ridden since this oil change, I can say it has performed well. I’ll use it again for sure!

[@michaelsweeney6596]

Thank you it helps 👍

[@DCyclemoto]

Michael Sweeney Excellent!

[@paulson9616]

Great video as always... the amount of trans oil is bit less than 1qt? When filled, the Dipstick is checked with kickstand correct?

[@DCyclemoto]

Yep, check on the side stand. I used a little less than a qt. Thanks for watching, bud!

[@Plumbermark]

Why all the heavy metal music.....Some opera would be a nice change.

[@DCyclemoto]

Said no one ever😂🤣

[@TheBlueBikeDoyle]

Wow that tight fill hole.

[@DCyclemoto]

The Blue Bike & Doyle that’s what she said 😂

[@TheBlueBikeDoyle]

@@DCyclemoto well ok I'm not going to judge if that how you roll

[@DCyclemoto]

The Blue Bike & Doyle 😂

[@davidfellows6250]

Da da da da da d dada dadada yey!!! No specks on the oil???

[@adminadmin9997]

And while your there would be good to check your battery.

[@kennyvincent]

Great vids! I changed my trans last week with same Redline. (Also Sport Glide). Been waiting for your vid to see if you had same results. You only used 28 oz, measured out. I didn’t measure mine, but put in about that, levels looked good. I should have measured because checking it repeatedly was a pita in that tight spot. Got it right in the middle. Went for a spin and when I came back, it was low. Not exactly surprising except I had to put the rest of the quart in to bring it up to level! Thats 4 oz over! Did you check yours after a ride? I don’t know why it would take more than the manual said it would. I see no leak. I wish I measured what I took out. (there’s a good tip). Any ideas? Its a Softail manual clutch, so there should be no trans to primary transfer like other hydraulic clutch M8s, and level has been fine all along. Puzzling!

[@kennyvincent]

Checking the manual again, page 125 on instructions to change says 28 ounces. But I found a Capacity table on page 29 that says 1 quart! It says initially “refilling”, start with 28, then add as needed. It conflicts between pages, but sounds like 1 quart is needed if you drained it all the way! Check yours again please!

[@DCyclemoto]

You are checking on the side stand correct? The manual calls to check at ambient temperature. If you checked right after a ride, the oil is hot, not at ambient temperature.

[@DCyclemoto]

Also, as thick as the redline is, I had to put in more because it was so thick alot of it stuck to the bucket. I will go check it today again. Since that stuff is so thick, it may be a good idea to wait 5-10 minutes to do a check to give it time to settle in the gear box.

[@kennyvincent]

D-Cycle Yes, I drained straight up on a stand, at full operating temp, checked on jiffy, added a little more. Went for ride, and yes waited for ambient before I checked and added more, the rest of the quart. Still in the middle of A and F. Let me know if you need to add more. If you don’t, then maybe it didn’t all drain out. I only just found that capacity table, so I think the quart is the full amount. I was previously focused on the 28 oz the steps page had.

[@DCyclemoto]

Ken Vincent The service manual says 28oz too but also says to add after a check to bring level, between A and F. May be possible some more may need to be added depending on your check.

[@simonhouel1984]

Hi Sir ! Did you need to warm the bike before draining ? Will the remaining oil and the new one will mix or do you have to clean everything inside before filling with the new oil ?

[@DCyclemoto]

I did ride the bike to get the oil hot to drain faster. You will never get 100% of that oil out, so there was a little residual oil in there I'm sure. Won't hurt anything because it's minimal.

[@simonhouel1984]

@@DCyclemoto Thanks buddy. My bike cannot run for now and I really need to drain the fluid out because I need to change the clutch release cover gasket ... Maybe I'll make a double drain, one dead cold and the second in more classical way when the bike will be able to run.

[@adminadmin9997]

What's the 1 year update on the redline oil how did it work out for you? I'm on the amsoil transmission fluid currently. 1k miles so far

[@DCyclemoto]

Still running strong! Will keep using!

[@nog4026]

HI D-cycle, great vid,can you use the same oil in the primary aswell ?

[@DCyclemoto]

You cannot. Redline does make a primary oil for that: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/red-line-v-twin-primary-case-oil?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EvyiBL7Ii8BVQRwJVzGV3fsYF3QlZOqrdp-BZ1Uh9sqtzhowNNgjVwaAgXgEALw_wcB&sku_id=952561

[@nog4026]

Thanks D-cycle,keep the videos coming

[@DCyclemoto]

@@nog4026 sadly, I have stopp creating videos but will keep all content up hoping it can help others. Thank you for watching!

[@MetabolicMuscle]

Love the video, but on my 2001 softail I can’t find the trans dipstick anywhere… not top left or mid right, what might I be missing? Anyone?

[@DCyclemoto]

Check your owners manual.

[@N6J6R6]

YO! Great vid. What torque wrench are you using/recommend just for the HD oil changes?

[@N6J6R6]

@@DCyclemoto Outstanding, thanks!

[@DCyclemoto]

Nathan Roehrs actually it’s this one! amzn.to/2R8Zpgb

[@reddog907]

I thought you could use the same oil for all three holes.

[@DCyclemoto]

Rob Hey, Rob! Depending on the oil you totally can. Blends like the Lucas or Mobil 1 20w50 can be run in all holes. I chose to try some new oils to see how they perform. It’s all a preference, for sure.

[@reddog907]

Thanks D appreciate it

[@danielgaskell5490]

You don’t want 20W-50 in your gear box, far from it. Use 80W-140 for the transmission.

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Why you would put engine oil in primary and transmission is beyond me. Gear oil folks, gear oil.

[@jhanlon1903]

what is the weight of red line trans fluid, it must be a secret

[@BW-kv9wj]

It’s a 250 weight

[@garybaldwin1061]

Go question. What does Harley recommend?

[@BW-kv9wj]

@@BeardedBavarianBiker. I’ve been using Redline Transmission oil for many years in my Harleys. It’s not too thick and it shifts like butter. It’s the same oil as Redline Heavy Shockproof.

[@DCyclemoto]

I have had no problems, besides this is made for the bike.

[@BBD40]

do you like the redline? Are the shifts quieter

[@DCyclemoto]

I thought so. Still using it!

[@BBD40]

I put the redline in today. Gearbox today and I bought primary fluid that I will do soon also

[@illduitmyself]

music is really crappy and distracting. majority can do without it

[@junixsk8]

That a slime lol Gee that's think af

[@DCyclemoto]

DDias86 Word! Ghostbusters 2 stuff right here!