Engine/Primary/Trans OIL Question?

Tom, I did a lot of research when choosing the right oil for my Harley's. I don't think it's a good idea to use 20/50 motor oil in the Transmission. The reason is due to the mesh of the gears. You have to have enough clearance for the gears to expand when heated. You need a good lubricate thats heavy enough to adhere to the gears to prevent wear do to backlash, but still flow like a lighter oil. That's why after reading on this forum from many that uses it. If I'm not mistaken theres a couple of HD wrenches that recommended it also. I've had Independents as well as HD Techs recommend it. I was using Mobil1 75w90 before switching to redline. It's good oil, but I think you need a oil that offers more support for the gears than 75/90 That's where redline V-twin Tranny oil works so well, it has the weight of a 75/250 but flows like 75/90 oil. It made a believer out of me when I started using it. This is the second bike I've used it in. I also have it in my wifes 2010 SG Trike. Here's the oil I use in my Tranny and Primary. I buy it from racerpartswholesale.com Great people to do business with. Good prices and fast shipping. Hope this helps!
 
Thanks guys!!!

This is what I was hoping for. Straight answers/opinions without everyone bashing this brand or that brand.. Plus everyone has been nice. Who would have thought that could happen in a thread about oil.

This is really helping me and would like to hear more.

......vonzoog......
 
I was reading some posts on V-Twin.....and several people mentioned that they were developing galling and rust in the primary (no mention on what parts) due to using ATF.

I can say that when I removed the stock rotor cover during the SE Comp install, they was some surface rust present on the solid front section. No rust or abnormal wear on the comp parts or the clutch basket. Yes, I'm running Dextron III ATF in my primary.

Anybody have any experience with rust & galling due to using ATF in the primary??
 
I used Syn3 (20-50) in all 3 holes for the first 6 & half years. This summer before taking a ride to NC, in very hot weather, I put Mobile 1 V-Twin 20-50 in the engine and primary and used Mobile 1 75-90 in the tranny. Can't say I noticed any difference in the tranny, that I expected, so I'm thinking of using 75-140 in the tranny at the next scheduled change.
 
Interesting question and as stated previously, you'll get many differing opinions. Here are my reasons for not using the same 20/50 Harley oil.
Any oils, as long as they meet the required spec, will lubricate you engine, primary and transmission effectively. The thing is, that many of us want the oil to do more than just lubricate parts. Take the transmission for example. Syn 3 works fine in there, but does nothing to ameliorate the noise made by the poor quality of the transmission. I use Redline Shockproof Heavy in my tranny because it lubricates very well, helps with smoother shifting and eliminates a whole lot of nasty noises.
I use Mobil 1 V Twin in my engine and primary and do so because I have more faith in the engineers at an oil company like Mobil than I do at some no name outfit that was able to bid at a lower cost than anyone else for the packaging deal to produce Syn 3.
Also I'll be damned if I'll pay through the nose for Syn 3 just because it says Harley Davidson on it. Harley builds bikes, but doesn't refine oil.
Last, but not least for me, I refuse to buy a product (Citgo) that I know is owned by Venezuela where the leader of that country does nothing but rubbish America every chance he gets.
These reasons may not make any difference to anyone else, but that just the way I see things.
 
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