What Lube are you using in your Harley Davidson Transmission?

In this first in a series of Harley Maintenance Videos I discuss the best lubricant for your Harley Davidson Transmission, and also show how to check the fluid level as well as change the transmission fluid.

[@davidinghram2494]

I decided to go with Amzoil severe gear oil, 75-140 I think it is. The difference was astonishing, like the shifter was disconnected from anything. It was that smooth. I did this and also went with the Amzoil appropriate oil in the engine just prior to taking my Dyna on a 4K trip. A couple of times when going slow on the Blue Ridge, the Shenendoah and the Natchez Trace, I got 71 miles to the gallon. I didn`t believe it the first time, but after the second time there was no questioning it. With these two lubricants, this bike is going to be pleasing someone long after I`m gone.

[@DisgruntledRETSCOUTSHUB]

I'm new to the Harley world. Got a '07 street bob. I already added a 2in tank lift and a relo for the horn and coil because of your videos. Thanks brother.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Awesome Brother. '07 Street Bob is a great bike. I hope that thing brings you many great miles. thanks for watching the channel... I appreciate the support.

[@chargerman426]

AMSOIL in all 3 holes. Had used Mobil 1 and Redline before as well. Found finding neutral was easier to find and trans shifted smoother. Use AMSOIL in everything now and have become a dealer so I can help other keep their bikes and cars protected!

[@t.s.racing]

Adding to my recommendation for Primary lubricant is the WARNING that many aftermarket performance clutches CANNOT be used with Synthetic or Semi-synthetic lubricants. For those running Kevlar or similar clutch discs, I highly recommend a 4T 10-40 PETROLEUM BASED oil, Castrol makes a great one for the rice bikes. I use this Castrol oil personally on my Drag Bikes after freshening up the top end, and or complete engine build. The 4T 10-40 will truly help with finding neutral as well as ALL the protection you need. Sorry but I never ever do a 3 hole change with the same Screaming Eagle, MOBIL1, Amsoil, or otherwise. RIDE SAFE RIDE FREE.

[@nobodysreview6137]

I use Castrol GTX 20W50, works great, i just change it often, everytime i change the engine oil, i change the trans too. I use Mobil 1 V Twin in my 103 motor though. That thick oil sucks when its cold and even the first few shifts in the morning, it will last a long time but thats about all its good for.

[@peted2770]

96 FXDL 20-50 Bel-Ray mineral for the engine (works well in winter and summer) Gear Savor 85w 140 Bel-Ray for the transmission ATF type F for the primary I change the oil in the spring and again in the fall, more if enough miles have been clocked. The mineral is cheaper than synthetic, and it is changed before it is worn out.

[@Pushrodlife]

Good video, straight to the point

[@dennism103]

Excellent advice

[@rocaleon]

I like using Amsoil, and they make a primary specific and a transmission specific oil. Also, i really like your videos. Hope your channel takes off, i like them more than most of the "work on your Harley" channels out there.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Jose.... really appreciate the compliment.I know a lot of guys that love Amsoil, and I'm sure it's every bit as good as the Royal Purple products I use. I'll be posting more videos soon. Hope you enjoy.

[@richcasinover4012]

Jose Roca check out "Delroys garage'. Great vid, btw..thank you

[@t.s.racing]

RED LINE V TWIN. My Dyna Superglide has 74,000 miles and a honest 200 laps down the quarter and eight mile. There's a reason almost every Top Fueler, with over 10,000 horsepower uses RED LINE. Brothers and sisters with a big twin, show your Hog some love, use RED LINE. YOUR WELCOME 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Erik.Lundberg]

I use Red Line V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof in gearbox (same fluid as Heavy ShockProof). Shifts smooth and makes no debris on magnet.

[@gdubbsmotolife9713]

+1 best trans fluid on the market 🙌

[@larrys.3992]

Syn 3 in all three holes. My Heritage loves it!

[@kawasakiracer100]

Awesome Vids keep it up 👍🏼👊🏼

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks!

[@Highdepthfilms]

GREAT set of videos Rich. Awesome editing and fun. Definitely like your choice in gear oil. Some may like Redline, Mobil Etc, but I have always liked royal purple as well. It is a great product as for as much $$$ as we put into our Harleys why not go the extra mile and pay a bit more for a better quality oil. SYN3 is GARBAGE.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Jimmy. Yeah, I couldn't agree more... I put more money into my Harley then I'll ever admit to my wife.

[@boisedynaa]

Good deal. Be ready for the comments regarding this subject. Everyone thinks they know best. Great video and great info. I use Lucas Synth 75-90. Keep them videos coming.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Matt. Appreciate the feedback. I like Lucas products as well. I'm curious to see how many people out there are using 20w50 in their trans. Doesn't make sense to me.

[@boisedynaa]

+Granite City Riders yea I don't get that either. I also run Amsoil synth in my primary and engine. When I change my engine oil I do the primary as well. It's an extra quart and it keeps everything clean so why not.

[@guspi76]

Agree 100%

[@Cwra1smith]

20w-50 gets into places that heavier oil can't. That's from a guy who ran Mobil 1 in there for 13 years, Beats me, I just switched to Redline for the next 5,000.

[@krayjaydynalrs-1736]

Gotta Say Bruda GCR, Appreciate your DYI with instructions on how you work on your Horse. Comparison and Research on products before utilizing them fluids on that Vehc of yours. Doesn't get any more real then that. Appreciate and Thank You for your Vlogs. God Bless Ride and Be Safe Bruda Ltrz

[@krayjaydynalrs-1736]

GCR meant Chainsaw Bruda.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks man... appreciate the feedback.

[@Bigiron429]

I use Syn3, my low rider s loves it.. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrHarleyoldfart]

I use 20-50 in the engine and primary and EP80 in gearbox.

[@Poppa_82]

I use Harley Davidson's Screaming Eagle SYN3 synthetic 20W50 oil 👌🏽

[@anthonysquires8905]

RedLine is what I use and its never let me down, 107 to 124 kit

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Cool derby cover 👍

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks!

[@harleymk88]

Redline. Hands down the best.

[@jasonhall9459]

I bought my '12 bob used last April and had serious issues with finding neutral and the primary whine along with hard clunking when shifting. bike only had 4400 mile. had the 5k mile service done and all fluids change but didn't help. I run amsoil in my diesel truck and looked into it for the bike. they have oils specifically for each oil, trans, and primary and they work great. bike doesn't whine near as much and shifts as smooth as one could as for.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Jason Hall The whine is a bearing going south. good luck, soldier!!!

[@mopar340dave]

Super Tech 75W90 is perfect for the trans. 20W50 valvoline synthetic motorcycle oil in the engine with wix filter and 10w40 in the drive

[@chuckfullington8389]

Harley Heavy Duty Full Synthetic best for trans and primary. Better protection and performance. Currently in my FLHTK, FLHX AND FXDB.

[@kevintsetse8440]

I use Amsoil primary fluid,Amsoil synthetic oil in the crankcase and 75 W 110 severe gear Amsoil oil in my tranny. I have a 1998 Harley-Davidson road king classic with 120,000 miles on it....evo motor still running strong.

[@Olaf138]

IN the owner manual for my 2012 Dyna it states to not re-thread the plug when checking the level Insert dipstick into transmission with filler plug/dipstick resting on threads. Do not thread in.

[@midlantic1]

I believe you check the oil level by just letting the stick touch the case, no need to thread it in. Also I found that using Red Line fluid made my Heritage shift a lot smoother and also a lot more quiet.

[@dougfrazelle-OldManRiding]

midlantic1 you are correct. The Harley manual states NOT to thread the dipstick in, just let it rest on the threads.

[@JustDieAlready662]

...hear here, you're correct!

[@mlunden11]

Hey quick question. I hav a 2000 FB with a SE 6 speed. I always ck level of tranny holdin bike straight up. And i use spectra 6 speed fluid. Em i right or wrong. Thanks again for your help john

[@dennism103]

I just put lucas 80w90 gear oil shifts like silk, it was a good decision...

[@larryjacobs4070]

I use Spectro heavy duty platinum 6 speed 75/140 , BECAUSE BAKER TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDS it the transmissions they design & build for HARLEY’s , also because they use to work for GENERAL MOTORS designing transmissions . Therefore they would probably know more about the needs of a transmission than I would ! ! !

[@randycole9008]

I've ran Screamin Eagle Syn 3 in the Primary, Transmission and Engine since my bike was new in 2006 and I've never had a problem with anything..

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Randy Cole Not yet!!! lmao

[@priestof1]

Kick ass thumbnail

[@2ndamendment770]

"99" - 1340-80ci EVO Heritage 5 Speed > Sooo , what your saying is use the same Oil in all 3 Holes ?

[@gmil9410]

Redline..06 dyna 👍

[@autodrack]

does not have the factory suspension installed, which specifications have the suspension .. both back and forward your dyna

[@Dachamp2001]

I use mobile-1 75w90 gear lube in the trans and mobile-1 20w50 in the engine and primary

[@guspi76]

I have read that since regular motor oil like Mobil 1 is for engines, you could have clutch slippage due to the oil not having friction modifiers. I have read that ATF is being used by some people as this was the standard in the 70's-80's. I just did it on all three...Mobil 1 for engine, Mobil 75w90 and ATF on primary. 5k later I'm ready for the next oil fluid change and loving it.

[@vaughnmusic32]

Chainsaw, can you do a full handle bar install? Love your attention to detail and nervous about throttle cables and housing. '17 Street Bob.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Vaughn.... thanks man. I do hope to do a full handle bar install. What I may get done sooner is a cable install (throttle, clutch and brake lines. I'll keep you posted.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hey Vaughn... I posted videos on a throttle cable install. Hope this isn't too late to help you out.

[@joshuabennett723]

What about redline v twin transmission with shock proof?

[@MySt0rmy]

I used red line on my 2017 Milwaukee 8 and it was extremely noisy , I flushed it out and used Lucas 75/140 full synand very little noise you have to go of your way t hear it a better oil is Torco SGO 75/140 gl6 fully syn oil used in my BMW K1200GT work fantastic . but if you live in Canada good luck on getting some ,no longer comes across the border

[@exoskeletal7742]

I'm running SYN3 in all holes in my 14 FXDL. I don't wring my bike out but do powershift without the clutch, everyday.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Exo Skeletal yikes.....you'll be replacing that transmission soon enough.Syn 3 is garabage, way to light for HD transmissions.

[@JustDieAlready662]

... a good way to accelerate premature wear on trans gears ...

[@t.s.racing]

REDLINE 🇺🇸🏍💪

[@JCcanU]

I use Castrol 85/140 gear lube 5 speed trans 1995 road king

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

JCcanU Me as well, better shifting......smooth as silk,my man , smooth as silk!

[@mikeez5455]

75/90 synthetic gear oil

[@jimmyflowers6597]

I hope you stood It Up level when you were draining that because you plug is on the uphill side when it's on the kickstand which means it didn't all drain out

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Yep, no doubt!

[@jimmyflowers6597]

Granite City Riders have you checked out the new Amsoil oil 2050 for the V-Twin I hear it's good for all three holes

[@GraniteCityRiders]

I have not... thanks for the tip brother.

[@JustDieAlready662]

Depends on the year model dude, ... 07 Road King Police states in service manual to NOT thread the dipstick. Overfill can cause problems!

[@morrisdennis]

I use 85w140 dino

[@ronlind1757]

Please turn up the background music so we can hear it... thanks!

[@keegancb84]

Seems like with the drain plug on the right side, and the bike leaning on the left side, it may be wise to at least upright the bike for a minute while it evacuated the residual oil hanging out on the left side of the trans. Am I wrong?

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hi Keegs... what you said is true. You could definitely evacuate more of the old fluid with some effort.

[@ricksimpson2167]

It look like there was a nother drain bolt on the right side for when the bike was leaning. The one on the bottom was for when it was on a motorcycle rack. ???? Isn't the oil level and transmission gear oil level checked and filled with the bike sitting straight up level not leaning. ???

[@williamcormier1553]

@@ricksimpson2167 agreed the bike should be level for both tranny and primary refills...engine oil should be checked while on the jiffy stand,

[@JustDieAlready662]

... you're correct

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Great video. you are cool as shit BTW. very direct to the point !! one of the best video a on KZbin. thank you. I personally run Belray Big twin transmission fluid,85w-140. as well as you should. stay away from that Royal purple . It gunks up, in the helical gears,and cause's sludge build up. just my 2 cents.

[@JustDieAlready662]

...Redline shockproof will gum up also, I found out the hard way!

[@RJ67.]

Oring?

[@tax905972]

So who test to see that gear oil was getting to all the moving parts? The oil lubricates by slashing that thick ass oil to all the internal parts. What test was done during cold starts? Since the oil is thicker than syn3, it's gonna be like sludge to it gets to operating temperature, so will it have any oil on those moving parts while warming up?

[@JustDieAlready662]

... hear here!

[@whollymary7406]

It’s not stripping the treads as much as smooshing and damaging your oh ring

[@rafdecc]

RED LION THE ENTIRE PACKAGE, OIL, PRIMARY, TRANI, ALL FORMULATED FOR SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS. I'VE TRIED AMSOIL, HARLEY OIL, CROSS COUNTRY 3 TIMES. RED LION THE BEST FOR HEAT AND PROTECTION. THE STATISTICS ARE OUT THERE PROVING SAME.

[@saveagewolf2581]

The Dyna bleeds red line

[@tap42al]

I'll use the 20 50 in the primary but not in the transmission I use Red line v twin trans fluid.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hi Tap. I hear ya. A lot of people do. But there are some great lubricant products out there specific to your primary, and I tend to use that as well. I use Bel-Ray Primary Lubricant. Here is Bel-Ray's take on this: While we all know the benefits of a good engine oil, the advantages of a gear oil are often overlooked because people don’t know the different requirements of lubricating an engine compared to a gearbox.

[@ryandunbar1314]

I drained my 01 softail oil as when I bought it dude said it needed it. It was pretty black. So while I was at it drained the tranny. It was a red clean thin oil (Amsoil)?? Idk but replaced with the same HD 20/50. Just not sure wtf was in tranny

[@obfuscated3090]

HD has a reddish lube they use. I don't worry about gear lube much and my 1988 5-speed has no issues and no significant wear at over 150K miles of rather unkind use. It's had whatever was handy from 60 weight aircraft or racing oil (which I use in the engine too) to gear lube. If a manual transmission is sensitive to lubricant I regard it as being poorly designed. What both engines and transmissions benefit from most is clean oil and enough of it. I use ATF in my primaries as Barnett recommends for their clutch. As with automatic transmission clutch packs (very similar to multiplate motorcycle clutches), the friction plate material is what matters. Bike primary components lead easy lives compared to truck transmissions.

[@JustDieAlready662]

The red stuff was probably Redline ...

[@bruceburns1672]

Mobil one Synthetic 90w 140 to stop the clunking .

[@mlunden11]

Bruce Burns try this pull clutch in rev the engine 2 or 3 times then put it in 1st. Good luck

[@alanbrandywine8356]

sit on bike lean right to drain all oil. roll on new oring wet untwist any kink. now is done .

[@dennism103]

Think I'm going to switch to 80w 140 in summer, 80w 90 still feels to thin, to clunky...

[@dougfrazelle-OldManRiding]

Dennis Morris I went to the full synthetic 80w 140 that Harley sells. It definitely shifts smoother and is much quieter than the 20w 50 that they say is ok to use. It’s a gear box, use gear oil!

[@morrisdennis]

@@dougfrazelle-OldManRiding great move

[@paulfiore7083]

Hold the bike up straight after you think it's all drained out on sidestand. You'll get another ounce. The dirtiest oil is still sitting on bottom of tranny😊

[@lincoln6g]

does it matter if the bike is cold or warm when draining tranny fluid?

[@GraniteCityRiders]

It always helps to drain fluids when the bike is warm.

[@JustDieAlready662]

@@GraniteCityRiders All lubricants drain better when warm ...

[@allanbieger7523]

Did Harley reinvent the gearbox? Years ago (2002) I had a Mustang GT with a 5 speed manual Transmission. Ford required a standard motor oil for lubrication. I think it was a straight 30 weight . worked fine. I use a synthetic 20w50 in my 2017 Harley.. Been using it for years. no problem shifting and good for 10k miles. YOU DON"T NEED A GEAR OIL IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Allan Bieger To light weight for transmission, come on now!!

[@allanbieger7523]

Gear oil is "measured" differently than motor oil. A 20w50 Motor oil is equaled to a 75w90 gear oil. Check it out.

[@vincentmcclain6642]

AMSOIL severe gear smooth quiet 30k AMSOIL 60 wt in crank

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Haven't tried it, but I know guys that run it and love it.

[@mrlinkinpark9467]

Man syn 3 isn't a bad oil

[@nonyabiz9487]

This oil non sense is an ongoing epidemic of confusion and buffoonery.. I go with whatever I have available. Last years trans oil change I put Suzuki 20w-50 in the Harley. I got a good deal on Suzuki oil for a bunch of 5 gallon jugs for 8 dollars a piece because some nut bag didnt want to put the oil in his precious Harley according to him it would "blow it up" because its not Syn 3. The time before that it was Lucas Synthetic gear oil. Its whatever I can get the cheapest its the best way to go since the most important part is doing the oil changes more often than not.

[@darinkelley116]

Mobile 1. 75/140

[@dennytuma]

a semi truck uses straight 50 weight in the transmission i have a hard time believing a motorcycle needs to use gear oil

[@coffindancer38]

Harley davidson heavy synthetic gear oil 80W-140. Trans should never have motor oil put in it.

[@243wayne1]

Agreed.

[@donniepierce2293]

I put red line in my 99 fatboy tranny and noticed zero difference over 20w50.

[@zipper978]

20w 50 is just fine. Every other motorcycle is lubed in the same sump and they run perfectly fine and use a lighter oil.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

ZIPPER OH my!!!

[@dennism103]

Can u run 75/ 90 in ur primary too?

[@GraniteCityRiders]

75/90 or 75/140 should work for Harley big twins.

[@guspi76]

ATF on Primary? I have read discussions on fluids that are put into the primary needing friction modifiers due to the clutch pack. Regular oil and gear oil do not have friction modifiers. Hence, gear oil is not recommended for LSD differentials. Need a fluid with friction modifiers. I just put ATF 5k miles ago and ready for my next oil change. I am loving it. Also in traffic, I'm not getting slippage anymore. It was a good switch for me from Amsoil and Syn 3. My bike is a '12 Fatboy Lo.

[@JCcanU]

Primary is a non detergent oil , SAE 30w or 20/50 Do not add gear Lube to the Primary .

[@hardtailsuicidaljockey6827]

JOHNNY CASH need I say more ! Fuck the bike JOHNNY CASH. .....😎👍

[@johnbowen2963]

WHY THE FUCKING MUSIC