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[HOGMIKE]

There has been some discussion here about using Redline oil in the trans of our bikes. This subject came up today while talking to the local wrench who does all my motor work (along with trans work!).
He has stopped using Redline heavy duty shockproof (the RED stuff) in the late model transmissions. Seems he has had a couple of trans issues that he believes were caused by a "lazy shift drum". Theory has it that MAYBE the heavy weight oil, on cold days, not allowing the bike to warm up properly, is causing the shift drum to lag a little on quick shifts. Remember, MOCO uses Syn3 in their trans.

Again, this is just a theory, but, he has switched to a lighter oil (Blue) for the late model bikes.
I believe that some customers are not letting their bikes come up to temp, finding a "false neutral", then dropping the hammer! We have seem some broken gear teeth with the bigger motors (last victim was a 124 S&S). Food for thought, huh?

The older bikes, and the Baker gearsets still get the red (heavy duty), but, the new bikes will now get the lighter oils.
Please be aware, I'm not bashing Redline. I use the Red in my Baker gearsets, also in my old 4-speed, but, I will switch to Blue in the '09.
I find the '09 does not shift as easy as the older bikes, but, that may be due to only 8000 miles on the bike, OR due to using Red in the winter.
If there is anyone else that has experience with trans oils, it would be nice to hear from you all.
I guess the debate about who's oil is best will never die!!!

[sadunbar]

I'll stick with Redline...   

[Fired00d]

I'll stick with Redline...   

Me makes 2.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Unless there's something going on that I'm not immediately thinking of will have to admit to not getting the reasoning on this one.  The "speed" of the shift drum is (basically) relative to the speed of your foot.  It's hard linkage connection from pedal all the say to shift drum.  Barring picking up so much hydraulic resistance that you can't push through it this one escapes me.  My bikes aren't new enough to be cited in the example above.  But it'd be me three (and four) for transmissions still with Redline.

[Talon]

I'll stick with Redline too, nice smooooooth shifts!! 

Just picked some up today.

Craig

[04se103]

Staying with Red Line here also that be number 5

[grc]

"Speed" of the shift drum has more to do with mass and inertia, along with friction of course at the bearings and the shift forks.  Lubricant viscosity can affect it to some extent, but I think there is a misconception here about "Shockproof Heavy".  This is not a high viscosity fluid, it's rated at 75w90 which on the gear oil scale is similar to a 50 weight motor oil.

Jerry

[AXIL]

  hogmike, I resectfuly dissagree with your friends theory, I use belray 85/140 fluid in my bike and all customers bikes and never had an oil related problem. just my two cents.    axil

[Sklywag]

Interesting

I think I have posted to the effect before but here goes again.  I knew one of the original engineers of Red Like, back in the late 70's when it was called ALL Proof.  The oil & gear lube was all in development, I was totally sponsored by All Proof in the 4 Wheel Drive Shop I owned.  I raced NASCA 1/4 mile dirt also at that time.  I became a true beliver in Synthetic at that time.

Over the years I had stayed in touch with this origninal engineer until he retired & am still in touch with a couple people at Red Line.

I recently had my 03 Sportster in to HD for an extended warranty stator replacement.  I got a similiar response from a HD Mechanic of many years.  Tried to tell me that the RL Gear Oil I was using was too heavy for the Sportster Primary/transmission.  I asked what I should use and his response was either HD gear oil or Syn 3. 

Well, I asked him to explain if the RL was too heavy & the HD gear lube was the same rating how could that be, and Syn 3 was a total differnt rating and designed as a motor oil.  He stammered & studdered for a while and gave up since he couldn't answer the questions I kept asking.

I have to believe it is just another push on the part of HD for us to buy & run their product, lesser quality & create maintenance issues that they can achieve revenue on.

This is not meant to bash the mechanic or the dealer in any way.  We have a great dealer here in Reno & Carson City.  I cannot really blame anyone for trying to increase revenue in this economy, it jsut isn't going to be at my expense.

I will continue to run RL in everything.  I am getting ready to inspect the cam chain tensioners now in my SE at 30k miles.  That will be an interesting test of RL against poor design.  I will get pictures & will post the results when I do it.

[Mr D]

I'll stick with Redline...   

[REGGAB]

Been using Bel Ray 85W140 in my five speed transmissions since 2004, and now use it in my Baker OD6 on the green bike.  Purple bike has the stock five speed.  In both transmissions, shifting is as slick as snot on a doorknob.  Never have tried Redline, but since Bel Ray has always worked well for me, I see no reason to change.  JMHO.  Thanks.

[Talon]

Been using Bel Ray 85W140 in my five speed transmissions since 2004, and now use it in my Baker OD6 on the green bike.  Purple bike has the stock five speed.  In both transmissions, shifting is as slick as snot on a doorknob.  Never have tried Redline, but since Bel Ray has always worked well for me, I see no reason to change.  JMHO.  Thanks.

Nope, if your happy with what you user stick with it, a few of my friends use Bel Ray, they like it too. I'll just stick the the Redline, I really like it and have a local shop that carries their products.
Craig

[HOGMIKE]

Nope, if your happy with what you user stick with it, a few of my friends use Bel Ray, they like it too. I'll just stick the the Redline, I really like it and have a local shop that carries their products.
Craig

I made the rounds of another indy shop I frequent (to buy a case of Amsoil! HA!) and asked the owner there what they use in their bikes: Redline.
I asked what he though about Bel Ray, and he said ok stuff, but, he won't use it in customer's bikes. On the way out the door, I noticed he sells it, had it sitting on the shelf!!
I guess, like the controversy about engine oils, what ever works for you, use it! I will continue to use Redline in my bikes, Amsoil in the engines, HD primary oil. This setup has worked for me over the years, and after teardowns, I can actually SEE the condition of my gears, cylinders, valves, etc, etc.
I have been happy with the combo so far, and I know that not everyone shares my views. That's what's great, this forum has been a wealth of knowledge for most of us, and because of it I have been in contact with some very knowledgeable people in the industry, beyone my little corner of the country!
I have made decisions on the direction to go with my '09 based on feedback from some of YOU on here. Taken in all the information I have gathered and proceed on MY path! My '09 is in for some serious miles this year, and I know my bike will be in the best condition possible with the homework I have done. My combination will suit the type of riding we planed for: pulling a trailer and doing the 4 corners.
Sorry, long post, and my coffee is cold!
Thanks for all the feedback,
Mike

[mr_magoo]

Been using Amsoil 75w140 severe gear in the 08 bike since day one with no issues, bike shifts good even on morning like today when it was 24 degrees.

[TimBone]

I, like Mr Magoo, use the AMSOIL SevereGear 75w140 in the 07 SEUC and the 06 Street Bob.
No problems and see no need to change as well.