2018 ultra limited.
Took a 500m ride down south and got caught up in a traffic jam for several miles. I probably lane split for an hour.
My clutch started slipping and the lever was pulsing.
I had changed the primary fluid prior to the trip. AMSOIL primary is all that I have used with no issues till now.
The clutch recall fix was completed prior to my trip aswell.
Outside Temps were around 65 deg with a good breeze.
Once home, with exactly 1,085 miles ridden there was no transmission fluid loss.
While lane splitting, I did ride the clutch in the friction zone for a good amount of time. I have done this before and never had an issue until now.
Just couriois if you all believe this is normal or maybe I should upgrade the clutch to something better. I do not ride the bike hard at all but I do use the clutch friction zone in slow speeds to keep upright and straight as possible.
Total miles on bike. 11,675
Thanks for any input you all my have.
Aaron.

 

Had a very interesting conversation with a gentleman from FuelMoto last week. He basically stated that he always used a non synthetic in his primary and tranny and AMSOIL in his engine. He actually recommended Belray gear oil, which I believe Harley is stocking now.

As an aggressive rider, he stated that he switched for a short time to AMSOIL in his primary and not too long after experienced slippage for the first time. He went back to regular Gear Oil and the problem went away.

Now that can absolutely be by chance, but it made me think. I’ve been using AMSOIL (Engine), Formula +(primary) and Belray (transmission) for some time now in my 2014 street Glide. Right after trying AMSOIL Primary, I experienced the same and didn’t think about until after hearing his story. I have a Rekluse clutch on that bike so I was able to adjust it and I was fine after, but prior to the change to Synthetic, I never had to adjust the clutch. The only thing that I can deduce is that the Synthetic is more slick than the conventional thicker gear oil and the extra heat from you being stuck in traffic exacerbated the condition.

Now in my M8, although I’ve addressed the known fluid transfer issue using a fatter clutch rod, I am going to start using Belray Gear oil in both the tranny and primary. This way, if there is ever any transfer, I’m dealing with the same oil with the same viscosity in both compartments.

This is may not be an answer to your concern, but something to think about. Hope it helps.

 

Tranny oil can cause the problems you describe that amsoil stuff is for the birds if you ask me way to over priced just to do what it did to your ride change it it doesn't hold up to heavy riding.

 

My Indy is an Amsoil guy, and uses it in the engine and transmission. However, he only uses Formula + in the primary. Although some may disagree, but I've read elsewhere that synthetic in the primary should be avoided as it's 'too slippery'.

Also,,, although lots of us have spent considerable time in the friction zone without issue, Jerry the Motor Man (Ride Like a Pro) recommends that you give it a break (either stopping or getting up in the gears for a bit) to allow the clutch and brakes to cool down.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Looks like AMSOIL is prob the issue and will change that out. Excellent suggestion keeping the primary and transmission fluid the same due to possible transfer.
Really appreciate your time spent on this.
I’ll be switching to belray

 

Hey S107,
Let us know if the clutch issue was resolved with the Belray oil or whatever you change the primary to. Remember that whatever lube you put in the primary has to be wet clutch compatible, so make sure that the Belray gear lube that you want to install has this designation or you will be worse off. I for one don't think that the Amsoil lube is the issue here. It possibly has something to do with the recent clutch actuator repair that you mentioned. Take it back to the servicing dealer and have the clutch fluid bled or checked for air. "The Amsoil V-Twin Synthetic Primary Fluid is formulated with a balanced additive system that provides consistent clutch performance and feel. It helps riders easily find neutral and promotes smooth acceleration, whether in stop-and-go city conditions or when on the highway. Its superior load-holding capacity helps prevent clutch slip for confident takeoffs." (right from the website) Contact Amsoil with your concerns. They are an American company after all, and not some off-shore business. HD MOCO originally denied the benefits of synthetic lubes and over the past 10 years have slowly introduced their brand of synthetic lubes. HD always has an angle to get their customers to think OEM in order to get every red cent they can from us!! Keep us posted, Dutchy

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll start off with having H-D check the fluid for air and re blead the system and go from there. I’d like to keep using the oil i had started with.
I’ll update soon as I get this figured out, Thanks again!

 

Do u do a lot of city riding or ride where as u called it, clutch friction zone. Riding in that zone is very hard on the clutch discs with heat and wear. It will take away the longevity of your clutch, no matter what oil u are using.

 

Very little city riding. I was in the friction zone for a good period of time lane splitting in los angels traffic. Most all my riding is flat highway and mountains. The clutch slipping and pulsing was very surprising and agree, if always in the friction zone it will wear out a clutch much faster. I would not at all think my riding that way is excessive at all.
Thanks for the comment.

 

Have u been out on your bike since u got back from your trip? I was wondering if it was still slipping and giving u that pulsating feeling, once everything had cooled down. If it is, im not 100 percent sure of this,but u may have warped some discs from the excessive heat, from riding in the friction zone for so long that day.