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CVO Technical => Drive Train => Topic started by: J.D. on December 24, 2017, 03:11:18 PM

Title: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: J.D. on December 24, 2017, 03:11:18 PM
Has anyone tried the Red Line 75w-140 NS in their transmission?  Website claims it is basically their GL-5 LS oil without the LS additive, designed for older synchro transmissions, so possibly this could work well in Harley transmissions.

I tried the Red Line Heavy Shockproof and don't like it.  Currently using Royal Purple 75W-140 and feels good, but I can get the R.L. 75w-140 NS about $7/quart cheaper.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: rayson56 on December 24, 2017, 03:34:35 PM
What didn't you like about the Red Line Heavy Shockproof? I used it for 45,000 miles in my last bike and it still shifts like butter so I plan on using it again in my new bike as soon as I perform it's 1st service.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: J.D. on December 24, 2017, 03:54:17 PM
It weeped out the mainshaft seal just a tiny bit after a day of interstate highway riding.  Bright red, not pink.  Almost like the thin base oil separated from whatever cloudy substance is "suspended" within the base oil.  Switched back to RP 75w-140 and no problems whatsoever since.

Might be a moot point as I just found a good online deal on a case of 6 of the RP 75w-140, only about $2/qt more than the RL 75w-140 NS.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: CVODON on December 24, 2017, 10:28:56 PM
I will keep on using the Redline Trans grade in my primary and the Primary fluid in my primary. If you really had a breakdown of the trans fluid send a sample to Redline, sure they would love to now about it.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: J.D. on December 24, 2017, 10:35:43 PM
It's long ago, and I have no interest in collecting and mailing oil samples regardless.  I know alot of guys love this stuff and I respect that but I haven't completely bought into the idea of cloudy gear oil with vague specs.  There are too many alternates available and I'm very happy with the performance of the RP, it's just gotten really expensive.  Don't want to start a Shockproof gear oil debate, just wondering if anyone has run the RL 75w-140 NS in their transmission.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: dayne66 on December 24, 2017, 11:02:09 PM
Redline Shockproof is the most expensive stuff I've ever purchases by the liter. Switched to Amsoil's recommended fluid for the trans and finding neutral is a bit easier and the N-1 clunk is a little less prevalent......and at less than 1/2 the price of the Redline.
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: grc on December 25, 2017, 07:51:47 AM

There are plenty of good choices for gear lube, and I've seen absolutely zero scientific data from independent testing stating one is significantly better than another.  I used RL Shockproof for many years, and kind of like the fact it has red dye in it because it makes leaks easy to identify, but in actual use it didn't work any better than Spectro or any other 75w90 or 75w140 I've used over the years.  They were all better than the factory fill though.

JMHO - Jerry
Title: Re: Red Line 75w-140 NS in Transmission?
Post by: J.D. on December 25, 2017, 09:27:07 AM
+1 on the dye.  Used to run the Mobil-1 when it was available without the LS additive and it worked well (meaning gears shifted nicely, no leaks, and no visible metal on the drain plug magnet).  The RP has that dark dye that makes even the smallest leak visible, and the gears do change very smoothly on this stuff.  I ended up buying that case of 6 online at about $15/bottle which will be good for 8 changes ($11/change).  I change all 3 driveline oils every change interval - a bit overkill but cheap insurance.