I just started to noticed the last couple days when I was checking the level of the tranny oil in my 2012 SG I have some foam on the dipstick.
I am checking the tranny oil level after the bike sits for a few after riding.
I am using Bel Ray big twin tranny oil.
The reason this seems unusual is that I never noticed this before.
Could this have something to do with the colder weather?
When I look into the tranny fill hole I just see some bubles on the surface of the tranny oil and the oil itself is not all foamed up.
What could cause this?
Should I be concerned?

 

I haven't noticed it on my RG. I would suppose the amount of turbulence going on in there while riding would churn air into the oil a bit. Maybe if you could put some of the same oil into a jar or can then shake it up real good, you might see the same thing.

 

Foaming is caused by mixing the oil with condensation. As the transmission case cools moisture condenses on the inside. If you don't ride long enough to get the gear oil hot enough to evaporate the water it will foam. It won't harm anything, but you should ride long enough to get the oil hot once in a while.

 

Yeah kind of what I thought.
But this oil was changed a couple days ago and the shortest ride i have done since then is 50 miles.
So I think the tranny is getting hot enough to evaporate any moisture.

 

It could be water or low level

 

New tranny oil 2 days old, and the level is halfway between the add and full mark on the dipstick.
Any other ideas?
I am thinking it is more due to the colder weather.
High of 50 here today.

 

Sounds like moisture.
Not a bad idea to change it, allow plenty of time to drain.
Nothing good comes from moisture in there.
Who knows, oil may have been contaminated...
It's just a quart...

 

Yep going to do it tomorrow.

 

Well I'm glad you posted this thread. I now know to never use bel ray fluids.
Even with moisture in the oil,oil shouldn't foam. They add additives to prevent this issue. That junk Lucas oil stabilizer causes oil foaming as well.
Op. If it's foaming I suggest draining it and using red line shockproof. Foamed oil doesn't really protect anything and will accelerate wear.
Amsoil severe gear is also good as well as royal purple. Drain the bel ray. It's your bike,do what you like however oil foaming is a sure fire way to servicing the tranny early.
And the oil foams because of how the gears mesh. Air is squishes in with the oil in between the gears and the oil doesn't effectively do it's job. If it's foaming it's not doing it's job.

 

Some foaming is normal.