Transmission Oil - HD or Royal Purple?

[429CV23]

I finally got the Badlands Pro III lighting module installed ( ), figured out how the PO screwed up the rear lights and fixed it ( ), got the new rear tire installed, belt tension set, and aligned the rear wheel (they had it way off).

So ... now it's time to tackle changing the primary and transmission oils. Well OK, not NOW, probably tomorrow.

Yesterday I stopped at the local Harley dealer to pick up the oil. They were blowing out their supply of Royal Purple gear oil for $3/bottle, so I grabbed a few bottles along with 2 quarts of the HD primary/trans oil.

According to the BDM service manual, synthetic isn't recommended for the transmission, but I see that many of you are running it. Any specific issues with synthetic in the early models with 5spd? I've read the early 5spd models had Andrews gears; any issue with those and synthetic?

Also, since tomorrow it likely won't be warm enough to get rid of the ice & snow on the ground in places around here, any issue running her on the stand in 4th or 5th gear at just above idle to warm up the primary and transmission oils prior to draining them?

 

[BadDawg Bill]

Just put in the regular oil and add silk 50.... Same thing only better.

 

[pauldeepsea]

Been discussed a lot on here!
But for me
Synthetic in the trans and motor Mobil one 20 w
Do not use synthetic in the primary it will cause clutch slippage.

 

[pauldeepsea]

I finally got the Badlands Pro III lighting module installed ( ), figured out how the PO screwed up the rear lights and fixed it ( ), got the new rear tire installed, belt tension set, and aligned the rear wheel (they had it way off).

So ... now it's time to tackle changing the primary and transmission oils. Well OK, not NOW, probably tomorrow.

Yesterday I stopped at the local Harley dealer to pick up the oil. They were blowing out their supply of Royal Purple gear oil for $3/bottle, so I grabbed a few bottles along with 2 quarts of the HD primary/trans oil.

According to the BDM service manual, synthetic isn't recommended for the transmission, but I see that many of you are running it. Any specific issues with synthetic in the early models with 5spd? I've read the early 5spd models had Andrews gears; any issue with those and synthetic?

Also, since tomorrow it likely won't be warm enough to get rid of the ice & snow on the ground in places around here, any issue running her on the stand in 4th or 5th gear at just above idle to warm up the primary and transmission oils prior to draining them?

I don't think running it on a stand is a goo idea either these bike vibrate too much

 

[BWG56]

Running it on a stand will definitely have your blood pumping

 

[john sachs]

Been discussed a lot on here!
But for me
Synthetic in the trans and motor Mobil one 20 w
Do not use synthetic in the primary it will cause clutch slippage.

Not True !!!
Synthetic ATF gets the job done.
Trans.- use BelRay Gear Saver.

 

[awg]

I put Amsoil in everything.

 

[pauldeepsea]

Not True !!!
Synthetic ATF gets the job done.
Trans.- use BelRay Gear Saver.

Not from my experience and decided to go back after using redline synthetic in the primary

 

[HMAN]

As long as your secure on your stand, ease into the gears and just pay attention. Done it a time or two with the Pit on a Harbor Freight stand. No problems as long as the rear tire stays off the ground....!!

 

[KaptinAmerika]

All I have ever used is Lucas

 

[chubs]

All I have ever used is Lucas

Your opinion of Lucas products??

 

[KaptinAmerika]

I've tried some of the others here and there but ultimately stayed with Lucas.
I just find I get the best results when I use their products.
Not the cheapest, not the most expensive but consistently reliable.
I use their gear oil in my trans, their primary fluid, and their 50w synthetic racing oil in my motor, in the hot months, and the 20-50 in the colder months.

 

[chubs]

I've tried some of the others here and there but ultimately stayed with Lucas.
I just find I get the best results when I use their products.
Not the cheapest, not the most expensive but consistently reliable.
I use their gear oil in my trans, their primary fluid, and their 50w synthetic racing oil in my motor, in the hot months, and the 20-50 in the colder months.

Thanks Curtis! I appreciate your knowledgeable opinion. I have used some of their products and liked them, but wanted a more "expert" opinion.

 

[liferider]

I run Royal purple in Everything I own! From my bikes to my bus! Stuff is absolutely increadable! I met one of the engineer's at Marathon oil who designed it. They run it 30,000 miles between oil change but spin on a new filter at 10,000 and top off the oil. That says a lot!

 

[429CV23]

Got the primary and transmission oils changed today. It was nice enough when I got home from work, around 48*, to take her for a spin to warm up the oils. Had to choose my route carefully since there is still quite a few spots of ice/snow on our roads.
The transmission oil looked very clean. The primary oil was very dark. Not much sludge on either drain plug.
I haven't ridden her after changing oils, but when I fired her up and put her in first, she didn't lunge forward which she did when I left for the ride.