Good morning my friends. I just got back the results of the oil analysis on the transmission oil on my 06 XL1200, with 36012 on the clock as of this morning. I've been running Formula+ since I've had the thing, and change it roughly every 10k, but this sample only had 7611 miles on it. This sample is the first I've sent on the transmission lube on this bike, (my bad for not doing it in the past), but here is what Blackstone had to say.


an issue. We'll see what the next sample looks like before calling anything a for-sure problem. Is it shifting well?

my reading averages
Aluminum 96 23
Iron 105 44
Copper 21 6

It does shift well. Any recommendations on another lubricant for this bike? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I took the recommendation of some of the forum and use Mobil 1 75W/90 gear oil.

John

 

Are you running the original clutch pack? Could be indicative that your rivets are about to let go.


What year and model are you running Mobil 1 75W/90 gear oil in?

 

I sent this sample off when I changed out my OEM clutch pack. And the spring plate was in excellent condition.

 

I got nothing....unless there was an issue with chain tension?

I use the Formula+ with no issues.

 

I'm with Kevin. Don't think Formula + would be any cause. Should change the oil at least once a year. Even at 30k you should have done it close to 10 times if done annually. Maybe overkill for some but let your new clutch run a 1k or so. Change oil again and then send it off. See what they say then. I wouldn't worry and wonder why you would even send oil analysis off if no problems to begin with? I would never send one off unless I suspected a problem.

 

That's the whole point behind UOA's, to find problems. My only regret. is not doing it from oil change one, so I could know if this is normal for my bike. My other two bikes all run at, or below averages. So, like I said, I don't know if this is normal, or trending up. But according to Blackstone, my unit is above averages.

 

Engine oil should be changed at least once a year to eliminate the buildup of acid in the oil that is a byproduct of the combustion process. Since there are no combustion byproducts in the gearbox to contaminate the oil, there is no requirement to change the primary/tranny annually unless dictated by mileage or other extenuating circumstances.

You obviously don't understand the benefits of monitoring the power-train's condition with UOA's. There's a reason many large fleet operators do so. The early detection of a problem through UOA often results in less costly repairs and the ability to better plan for it.

If the OP in this case was planning a 5,000 mile cross country trip this Spring, the UOA just might have saved him from an expensive, major breakdown on the road.

Seldom is ignorance bliss.......

 

Your comparing apples and oranges. Never said uoa was pointless. Fleet companies drive hundreds of thousands of miles a year. Not 3 k a year. If you shift hard and or ride the clutch wrong etc where is the disadvantage of changing oil in primary annually a issue. Its not. It may be overkill but to each their own. Oil shears and breaks down period. The time that happens varies by application and usage conditions. Kudos to op for checking it. But as the results said another analisys is needed for more info. Hope next result is better.

 

Just curious, what does it cost to have an oil analysis done?
How long does it take to get the results?