[<G Man>]

Thing 1: the Amsoil transmission and primary oils aren't any more expensive than a quart of SE 20W50 so if you are running SE in all three holes it won't cost you any more to switch to something formulated for a transmission and a clutch respectively.

Thing 2: You only have to change them out every 10,000 miles so that saves you money over the old method of every 5,000 miles (not sure whether the cheaper semi-synthetics are formulated to last 10,000 miles)

Thing 3: Harley specifically recommends against using heavy weight gear lube in the six speed transmission. They never came out with a bulletin on not using it in the five speed so I assume that there is a good reason for this latest advisory.

Thing 4: Baker recommends against using 20W50 engine oil in their transmissions. I assume they did some testing so there's a vote for something different.

So, what year is your bike? Do you have a HD service manual for it? Mine says 10,00 miles for primary and 20,000 for tranny.

 

[heresolong]

So, what year is your bike? Do you have a HD service manual for it? Mine says 10,00 miles for primary and 20,000 for tranny.

I have a small shop. All the bikes from 2007 up had switched to 10,000 for both and I have gone to 10,000 for older bikes as well based on my experience with the new oils and inspection of the used oils coming out. I hadn't noticed the switch to 20k for transmission on the latest bikes but that makes sense since the transmission isn't subject to heat or contaminants to the same extent as primary or engine.

 

[Zanthamos]

I personally have always run Amsoil 20W50 in my bikes but recently I have changed the primary and tranny to the Amsoil Primary and Tranny fluids (respectively). So far I have noted that the primary and tranny are a bit quieter, and since I buy from the Amsoil website, the primary and tranny fluids are the same price as the 20W50 oil. I have a 2005 Softail Deluxe that I bought 1800 miles ago with 13900 miles on it. The PO used nothing but SYN3 oil, so we'll see what the difference is. When I did the tranny fluid change I did note chrome shavings from the dipstick on the magnet, so I changed to the Baker dipstick.

 

[pb68slab]

I've gone to Amsoil products after swearing on HD products for 40yrs for a few reasons.

Amsoil is a proven quality synthetic. Synthetic oils are the way to go.

Amsoil is even making a synthetic 50wt for my Pan and Shovel.

HD conventional oils are getting very expensive. Some HD dealers don't stock conventional fluids anymore. Special order only. They look at ya funny if ya ask for 50 or 60wt!

I get a good deal on Amsoil by the case from a local supplier. Better than local HD prices.

Harley now sells a universal synthetic oil they say is good for motor , trans and primary.

 

[2wheelrider]

MOTOR: Every 5,000
PRIMARY: Every 5,000 sooner if I think about it
TRANS: Every 20,000 or 4 mtr oil changes.
How often do you hear about a trans breaking. The oil always comes out clean. But the shear forces in a trans is purity bad. Good trans oil smells real strong...I would say bad but its good for the trans. All those additves

 

[BaggerDad]

I believe the primary fluid is relabeled Amsoil Supershift Type F ATF and the transmission fluid is relabeled Amsoil Sever Gear 75W110.

Maybe George will correct if wrong.

 

[Rev61]

Newbie Harley question here.
I have a new to me 2012 Ultra Classic and first Harley in 30 years. I was recently discussing fluid changes with a friend. Specifically transmission oil and changes.
I was told that if "Red line" was previously used, I'm "married" to that product due to some specific additive in the fluid. Supposedly, this guys repair shop has seen a correlation between changing from Red line to any other products and transmission failures.
I want to do a fluid change but now concerned that my fluid of choice (Amsoil) could be detrimental.

Any truth to this???