Anybody use this? Was recommended by the parts guy at my HD dealer who seems knowledgeable about HD's. They stock it at the dealer. Bel Ray site says it's the same as the 85-140 Hypoid gear lube. It's not synthetic.

 

Don't believe there is a "bad" oil out there. I used Bel Ray products for years. Most that I've spoken with nowadays use something like Mobil 75-90. It's heavier than Syn 3 but not as heavy ( and sluggish when cold,) as a 140.

 

I've been running it for about 5,000 miles now. It was also recommended by my local HD dealer and Indy. I do notice a small sluggishness during a cold start when it's really cold (maybe mid 40s or so) but it does shift nice and the fifth gear wine is less. They also told me that being 'red' in color will make it easier to spot a leak if that should ever happen. I kind of agree that the 20W50 is a little 'thin' for a tranny. I'll keep using it.

 

SAE 20W50 engine oil is about the same viscosity as SAE 75w90 gear oil.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/visc.html

 

I tried it a couple years ago when my Dealer reccommended it. I did not feel any difference over the HD Fluids that I was using at the time. I cahnged to Redline "Shockproof" V Twin and IMO my bike shifts te smoothest it ever has and clutch has a more positive feel.

 

Use it ONE time.. two yrs ago.
My dealer said It helps the 5th gear whine, which wasn't a problem in mine anyway.. But I tired it cause they said it was smoother.

Results;;;
Didn't like the way she shifted when the temp was under 75* at all For the first 10 minutes or so.
It was really stiff. took a lot more foot pressure till she warmed up to shift from 1st to 2nd. If we lived South or West where it gets 100+, Then it'd prob be OK.

Oils I Used in the tranny so far, Formula+ for 1st 15k, then from 15-20k BellRay H 85-140, Then at 20k went with Mobil 1 GL-75-90 in tranny and Mobil 1 V-Twin 20-50 in the motor, prim;

At 25k again with the Mobils 1 and now I will stay with the Mobil oils and gear lube.. IMO its the combo of oils I like the best, She shift smoother than she ever has. still has the HD clunk (sometimes she dont) its just not as hard.

In our climates, IND is not much diff than OHIO. give it a try cause U have to feel it to know how much better is it.

Rode her a couple time this winter and even at40* - 45* she shifted smooth and easy.

I would think any good brand of motorcycle 20-50 SYN oil in motor/prim, with a GL 75-90 in the tranny would give same results. such a Amsoil, redline, Royal P.. prob even Lucas.??

just didn't like the BR HYpoid 85-140 at all

Just saw in here today the AUTO zone has most MC's oil on sale this week Mobil 1 supposed to be $7.95..

 

Tranny oil, or oil in general, is like women. We all have different preferences. I do use Bel Ray 85-140 hypoid gear oil in my '02s Screamin' Eagle Six Speed. I like it. It was recommended by a really knowlegable parts guy. His dad owned a dealership for years and the guy grew up around Harley shops. The tranny shifts quietly and smoothly. Better than Formula plus. I liked the old Harley Semi Synth tranny fluid, it like Bel Ray, smells like sulpher. They don't sell it anymore. However I run Spectro Platinum Six Speed fluid in my Cruise Drive six speed because it has helical gears. Really oils in general have improved greatly in the last several years. They're all good. I just have to have that sulpher stinking up my garage after changing tranny oil!

 

BR 85-140 works great for me. I change it every 10k miles. Its in a non-combustion portion of the drive train, no need to change 5k miles. To each their own though.

 

+1 I like it too.

 

Changed the tranny oil to the Bel Ray today and went for the first ride of the season. Put on an HD oil cooler as well. The seat of the pants evaluation of the Bel Ray is that I like it. Smoother shifting for sure and seems to be a bit quieter too. I think it's a keeper. Temps were in the low 40's. Can't say I noticed any shifting slugishness when first starting out because of the lower temps. May try the Mobil 1 75-w90 next time.