So, I'm changing the oils this weekend and have been searching the forums trying to decide what to use.
I think I decided to use the Lucas oil synthetic (brother uses it in his sporty) 20w50 for engine and primary, but saw that some people like the Red Line shockproof in the transmission.

My question is, what Red Line shockproof are they using? On the Red Line website there is:

Superlight ShockProof
Lightweight ShockProof
Heavy ShockProof
V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof

Which one are people using?

Also, I'm not near my user manual and wanted to get the oil on the way home.

How many quarts of engine oil?
How many quarts of primary oil?
How many quarts of transmission oil?

 

2.5 qts engine
1 qt primary and transmission

 

Heavy shockproof or the V-twin for gear oil.

 

So, when getting an oil filter at the harley shop and O rings, why is the dude trying to sell me a derby cover gasket?

 

For the extra $$$. Be careful with it,clean the oil off and re-use it.

 

I mean, do you change the primary oil by removing the derby cover? This is the first oil change I've done myself, and I don't have my service manual here. I'm at work, thinking about the fun things I'll do when I get home.

 

Yes, I believe you pull the primary drain bolt to drain it, and open the derby cover and then refill with the bike vertical (NOT on the jiffy stand) until fluid is at the level of the lower edge of the teeth on the main gear that engages the primary chain, then replace the derby cover.

Someone can confirm this (I'm still waiting on my service manual to arrive) for sure.

The gasket is something that you can clean and re-use, but personally I always replace gaskets like that. I'd rather pay the $10 for the gasket than have a leak later on and end up paying for the gasket, and new fluid.

Technically I guess you could just drain it, and fill via the smaller primary fill cover opening (above and to the front of the derby cover), but pulling the derby cover will allow you to see when the fluid is at the correct level.

While you are there, check the tension on the primary chain. I'm sure someone here can tell you what the deflection spec is, its probably something like 1/4 - 3/8" (For a sportster, probably more if you have a bigger model), but get a service manual, or confirmation of the spec before you try to adjust it.

 

Good info... I think I'll go get a derby gasket too.

Thanks!

 

The reason for the derby cover coming off is you have to adjust your chain and adjust your clutch.

 

I've re used the same derby gasket for over five years, never has leaked. Also have re used the primary cover gasket twice with no leaks but thats kind of a gamble.