Primary Fill Level

Energy One

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
I recently moved to Georgia and put my 2006 K9 into a local shop for a number of simple repairs. While it was there I asked them to change all the Fluids. It was a disaster, everything they touched was screwed up. I did test drive the bike when I picked it up, but only a brief 5 minute ride because they were closing. Seemed ok...but later on I took the bike for a longer ride. After about 15 minutes I noticed the shifter getting increasingly hard to change gears. After 25 minutes I couldn't shift at all. However, if I shut the motor off I could shift just fine. I suspected the heim joints so I ordered a new set. Also ordered a rebuild kit for the Forward assembly. Same thing...wouldn't shift After heating up. Called Baker, they said it sounded like a clutch issue...I agreed. The bike was fine before it went into the shop so I suspected they may have used a Synthetic for the primary fluid. Today I drained the primary and opened the inspection cover. I've read several posts, watched videos, and read my manual...ALL clearly say the fill capacity is 1 Qt, 32 Oz. However, where it's engraved on the primary, mine says 1.5 Qt. What's up???
 

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
I thought the TRANSMISSION was 20-22 Oz, and the Primary was 32Oz. I've seen multiple pictures of the Primary Inspection Cover where it's engraved "Fill 1 Qt." What I'm confused about is that my K9 is engraved "Fill 1.5 Qt."
 

Mikeinjersey

Well-Known Member
I thought the TRANSMISSION was 20-22 Oz, and the Primary was 32Oz. I've seen multiple pictures of the Primary Inspection Cover where it's engraved "Fill 1 Qt." What I'm confused about is that my K9 is engraved "Fill 1.5 Qt."
I've never heard of the 1.5 qt recommendation but the 20 oz for the primary is a current recommendation to mitigate possible migration of fluid to the starter. 20 oz is the required amount for the transmission as well.
Contact WSW (https://www.wildsteedworx.com/) for clarity and also fluid recommendations.
Sorry to hear about the bad service. Look for a mechanic that has Big Dog experience.
 

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
Perfect!!! 20 Oz. Did the trick. I really do appreciate all your help. Now I can start on the other problems. Thanks guys.
 

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
I really want to thank you guys again for your invaluable help. Because of my recent move to Georgia I had no idea who to turn to to diagnose this problem. Fortunately, with you guys I found the best resource possible. My only regret is that I haven't been able to give back anything to others on the forum. That may take a while, so I do apologize for being 'All TAKE and No Give'..
I mentioned in my earlier post that I had a bad experience with a local shop...what a disaster. I finally called them yesterday and basically told the shop manager that they not only screwed up everything they were supposed to fix, but also managed to screw up several other things in the process.
For example, it appears someone rode the bike after changing the Fluids. Because they used a synthetic in the primary, it heated up and wouldn't shift. They assumed the clutch needed an adjustment. They somehow crossthreaded the cable tension adjustment, and left 4 or 5 real nasty scratches on my downtube from the wrench. I didn't notice them when I picked up the bike because the rubber boot mostly hides them. Next, they removed the primary cover and iit now leaks so bad that it blows primary oil all over the back wheel. Next, I had an electrical problem they were supposed to diagnose and repair. They replaced the regulator. However, I had already replaced the regulator... that wasn't the problem. My regulator cost $65, they charged me $300! What's worse, they simply wire-tied the regulator wire to various places on the frame instead of taking the time to install it correctly in the protective covering with the other wires. When it wouldnt shift properly I checked the transmission fluid, I couldnt believe it...almost half the 20 oz. was missing...Oh my God...this transmission was rebuilt and only has 5,000 miles on it! What really gets me is that I provided everything they needed, all Fluids, filters, plugs,. and primary gaskets. That's why it didn't occur to me that the wrong primary fluid was used. And finally, I provided them with a new set of hand Grips to install. They even screwed this up. The Hand Grip pattern on one is rolled forward, the other is rolled backwards. Both hand control assemblies were rolled so far backwards that you couldn't see anything out of the mirrors unless the rider was about 4 feet tall. The Set-Screw on the bottom is also screwed up. It is either cross-threaded, or there is trash inside the assembly that prevents it from being screwed in properly.
When I talked with the Shop Manager he said "If you'll bring it back I promise you we'll make it right". I laughed at him! I'd have to be crazy to give this shop an opportunity to screw up my bike even more!
Well guys, I didn't mean to write a book, but I just kept remembering more things they screwed up. It sounds unbelievable, I wish it was. I don't have a shop here but I'm going to do these repairs myself.
 

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Supporting Member
I don't have a shop here but I'm going to do these repairs myself.


A really smart guy once said "Why pay someone else to screw up your bike when YOU can do that shit for free?" Wrenching ur own is always a smart idea! Come hang out with us in Arkansas next month.
 
Last edited:

knothead

Second Chance Customs
I really want to thank you guys again for your invaluable help. Because of my recent move to Georgia I had no idea who to turn to to diagnose this problem. Fortunately, with you guys I found the best resource possible. My only regret is that I haven't been able to give back anything to others on the forum. That may take a while, so I do apologize for being 'All TAKE and No Give'..
I mentioned in my earlier post that I had a bad experience with a local shop...what a disaster. I finally called them yesterday and basically told the shop manager that they not only screwed up everything they were supposed to fix, but also managed to screw up several other things in the process.
For example, it appears someone rode the bike after changing the Fluids. Because they used a synthetic in the primary, it heated up and wouldn't shift. They assumed the clutch needed an adjustment. They somehow crossthreaded the cable tension adjustment, and left 4 or 5 real nasty scratches on my downtube from the wrench. I didn't notice them when I picked up the bike because the rubber boot mostly hides them. Next, they removed the primary cover and iit now leaks so bad that it blows primary oil all over the back wheel. Next, I had an electrical problem they were supposed to diagnose and repair. They replaced the regulator. However, I had already replaced the regulator... that wasn't the problem. My regulator cost $65, they charged me $300! What's worse, they simply wire-tied the regulator wire to various places on the frame instead of taking the time to install it correctly in the protective covering with the other wires. When it wouldnt shift properly I checked the transmission fluid, I couldnt believe it...almost half the 20 oz. was missing...Oh my God...this transmission was rebuilt and only has 5,000 miles on it! What really gets me is that I provided everything they needed, all Fluids, filters, plugs,. and primary gaskets. That's why it didn't occur to me that the wrong primary fluid was used. And finally, I provided them with a new set of hand Grips to install. They even screwed this up. The Hand Grip pattern on one is rolled forward, the other is rolled backwards. Both hand control assemblies were rolled so far backwards that you couldn't see anything out of the mirrors unless the rider was about 4 feet tall. The Set-Screw on the bottom is also screwed up. It is either cross-threaded, or there is trash inside the assembly that prevents it from being screwed in properly.
When I talked with the Shop Manager he said "If you'll bring it back I promise you we'll make it right". I laughed at him! I'd have to be crazy to give this shop an opportunity to screw up my bike even more!
Well guys, I didn't mean to write a book, but I just kept remembering more things they screwed up. It sounds unbelievable, I wish it was. I don't have a shop here but I'm going to do these repairs myself.
Wow what a damn mess....sorry you got screwed in every angle you could be screwed...this is why i let no work on my stuff...i will let only 2 people in this world paint for me everything else i do myself....i used to paint and do airbrush work but im burned out on it...people is what burnt me out
 

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
Yeah...but who would ever imagine that a shop that's been in business for several years would screw up a simple service and Hand Grips! It really sounds like I've exaggerated, I wish I was. I'm outside right now getting started on everything. My ordered a clutch cable yesterday, I also got a Rebuild Kit for the clutch and brake Levers. Figured I may as well replace everything while I have it apart. Who knows, they may have lost some of the parts in there. I'm pretty good with electric controls. I only guessed at the regulator because everything else worked. I have since realized there is nothing wrong in the charging system If you put a meter on the battery at full charge with key and engine OFF, it starts off 13.25...then about 90 seconds...13.24...90 seconds...13.23...22...21
The battery continues to bleed off. The battery is new, but I went and had it load tested anyway. It appears I have something hot possibly touching the frame. Maybe a frayed wire. I plan to start isolating different parts until it stops bleeding down.
 

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Supporting Member
Depending on what EHC you have....they will draw some to keep memory alive. With the WP I never had to keep it on a tender, but with others its a must. Just my thoughts. Keep looking for a bare wire tho...
 

SCC007

Active Member
Sorry to hear about the problems. Agree with Hman, it's why I try to do all the work on my own. I have had some pretty crazy stuff happen on bikes. Last one was finding a wrench in the tire (they dropped the wrench in when changing the tire and didnt stop to take it out) and didn't think I would notice...
Hope you can get yours sorted and let us know if there are any questions or areas we can help.

Airborne!
 

knothead

Second Chance Customs
Sorry to hear about the problems. Agree with Hman, it's why I try to do all the work on my own. I have had some pretty crazy stuff happen on bikes. Last one was finding a wrench in the tire (they dropped the wrench in when changing the tire and didnt stop to take it out) and didn't think I would notice...
Hope you can get yours sorted and let us know if there are any questions or areas we can help.

Airborne!
What tha hell a fucking wrench in the tire....my gosh what the hell
 

fecalpeanut

Member
I change my primary drive fluid every 500 miles and it's always gray and full of metal. I use Sprectro Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase Oil. 1 Qt. Is this normal?
 

TreeGuru

Active Member
I change my primary drive fluid every 500 miles and it's always gray and full of metal. I use Sprectro Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase Oil. 1 Qt. Is this normal?
I would pull the primary cover off and do an inspection to see where it's coming from.
 

82ndAirborne

Active Member
Supporting Member
My primary case had 1 qt. stamped on it...THIS IS WRONG! One of the members responded to my post on this subject and recommended using 21 ounces. I followed that advice and haven't had any problems. Also, hitting neutral is a breeze now.

Are you using Non Synthetic Spectro? Curtis (WILDSTEEDWORX.COM) has an excellent video on this subject. If I recall correctly, he explained that BIG Dog has a large bearing and the Synthetic Primary Fluid will sling off and cause the bearing to overheat. You'll experience trouble shifting after 20-30 minutes of riding.

Definitely pull your Primary cover off and look for damage.
 

fecalpeanut

Member
My primary case had 1 qt. stamped on it...THIS IS WRONG! One of the members responded to my post on this subject and recommended using 21 ounces. I followed that advice and haven't had any problems. Also, hitting neutral is a breeze now.

Are you using Non Synthetic Spectro? Curtis (WILDSTEEDWORX.COM) has an excellent video on this subject. If I recall correctly, he explained that BIG Dog has a large bearing and the Synthetic Primary Fluid will sling off and cause the bearing to overheat. You'll experience trouble shifting after 20-30 minutes of riding.

Definitely pull your Primary cover off and look for damage.
It's non-synthetic. Funny thing is last Friday I decided to add another 1/2 qt to my case to match the 1.5 qt capacity stamp. It made things worse. Have to slam into lower gears and much harder to get into neutral. I find this odd. 1 qt seems to work much smoother than 1.5 qts. How would 21 ounces be better? I'd thing less oil would be worse.
 
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