Quick Question about Oil Change

[Enemy Zero]

I searched around and got different answers from the site, watching Dave's videos and looking through the service manual. I get the main change and that's easy enough but my question is about the primary. I saw he drained and refilled the primary in the video. Now in the manual it says I have to use some kind of Harley primary chain lubricant. In the video it seems like he just poured the same oil as in the swingarm.

My question is, do you just use the same 20w50 oil in the primary as you do in the swingarm or do I need to go buy some fancy HD brand named lubricant for this?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Beau]

I only had my XB for one oil change, but yes, I put the same Mobil 1 V-twin oil in the swing arm and primary. Ran fine.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Only if the oil says it is safe for use in primary drives and wet clutches.

 

[Enemy Zero]

Only if the oil says it is safe for use in primary drives and wet clutches.

It's Amsoil 20w50

 

[user_deleted]

enemy: i've tried perhaps 8 different types of primary lube in Buells/Sportsters thru the years and have found that 20-50 Amsoil, as you mentioned, probably works the best. longevity....super smooth shifting...nice clutch action.

 

[JustinMT]

Royal Purple 20W - 50 both holes!

 

[Got jack 7]

[up] that's what she said

 

[go cytocis]

As lunatic suggests, the primary isn't particularly fussy about what you put in it, although you will be able to fine tune shifting and clutch action to your tastes depending on what you put in.

HD Formula+ is just good old gear oil. I use gear oil because I like its durability, it's cheap, and frankly, I like the smell! Others use motor oil in a variety of weights with 20-50w being the most popular & recommended. Others even use ATF for a more positive, but harsh, clutch engagement.

The primary isn't water tight so I like to use a less-expensive oil, but change it frequently to ensure any water that gets in isn't in there for long...

 

[user_deleted]

The primary isn't water tight so I like to use a less-expensive oil, but change it frequently to ensure any water that gets in isn't in there for long...

well said go. dear Lord....i love lubricant discussions.