However current generation oils will be far better than what was originally specified for older applications. Owners who change to synthetic oils in older motorcycles often find they leak more.īut be aware that older bikes specify the type of oil that was available at the time they were built and those oils may not be available anymore. Mineral oils are also more suitable for older motorcycles because they are heavier or thicker and don’t leak. Synthetic oils can create a film around the bore so it doesn’t seal properly, leading to slippage and higher oil use later in the engine’s lifespan. Mineral oil actually helps the rings and pistons bed in properly during the crucial run-in stage. That’s not necessarily a cost-saving measure.
Many new motorcycles are delivered with mineral oil in them. The main advantage of mineral oils is that they are cheaper, sometimes about a quarter of the price of synthetics. Besides, some synthetic oils actually use mineral oils as part of their formula. Any contaminants will be miniscule and unlikely to do damage. The mineral oil refining process is very thorough. Synthetic oils are manmade, consistent and devoid of contaminants, while mineral oils come from the ground and, although being refined, can contain some contaminants.īut does that mean you should only use synthetic oils? Not really.
#WHAT OIL TO USE IN HARLEY TRANSMISSION MANUAL#
But usually the manual only provides specifications of viscosity/weight and service classifications, not the origin or the manufacturer. It is prudent to adhere strictly to what is suggested. Some even suggest one type of oil for the run-in stage and another for ongoing use. However, your motorcycle manual will specify a particular oil. Importantly, you should make sure that there's no leakage from either the fill or drain hole, and remember to check again once you've been for a ride, to ensure that your transmission maintains the right level of oil at all times.This age-old question about oils doesn’t have an easy answer. Once that's done, simply replace the filler cap using your torque wrench, wipe away any excess oil that may have splashed or spilled, and you're ready to ride again. You're now ready to add the transmission oil specified by the OEM, by slowly and carefully adding it through the funnel. The setting for this is usually about 15-17 pounds, but always check with your motorcycle's manual to make sure you get this right. Once the old oil has drained away, smear a little oil on the 'O' ring, replace the drain plug, and tighten with a torque wrench.
You should also check the 'O' ring on the drain plug, and replace it if it shows any signs of wear or cracking. While the oil runs into the drain tray, it's a good idea to wipe off the drain plug with a rag before putting it somewhere safe as the built-in magnet most probably has a small amount of metal filings attached, and you don't want to re-introduce these to your transmission. Now you're ready to remove the drain plug, using an Allen key. Next, remove the fill plug at the top of the gearbox with a wrench and place this somewhere safe. Then locate the oil drain plug, which is underneath the bike and between the shock absorbers, then place your oil drain tray underneath. Once you've done that, park your motorcycle on level ground, using its centerstand or a paddock stand. It's good to have warmed the bike up a little before you start the oil change, as warm oil will drain out of the transmission more effectively.
#WHAT OIL TO USE IN HARLEY TRANSMISSION SKIN#
We also recommend that you wear disposable latex gloves to protect your skin from the irritation that oil can sometimes cause. Once you've bought the appropriate transmission oil, you'll need an oil drain tray, a long-necked funnel, a set of Allen keys and a torque wrench. Your manual will tell you if this is the case, and you can also use Castrol's quick and easy Oil Selector tool to find out if you need separate gearbox oil, and if so, which specification you need. These bikes are most commonly of a 'pre-unit' construction, meaning that their transmissions also need regular oil changes. So the good news is that for most motorcyclists, once you've changed your engine oil, you've changed your transmission oil too.Įxceptions to this rule most often come in the shape of classic motorcycles from brands like Triumph, Harley-Davidson and Buell.
New riders are often surprised that the transmission generally uses the same oil as the engine. If you read motorcycle maintenance forums, this is a subject that causes a lot of controversy. How to change gear oil in your motorcycle
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