How many folks run atf in there primary with no probs what so ever? I ran atf in my primary in my 13 UC and i loved that the clutch grabbed nice and solid when taking off but was concerned about the compensator. So i went to Maxima 10w40 premium JASO MA oil wet clutch safe. I hate it. Im goin back to Atf unless someone can tell me without a doubt that its terrible for a compensator and i will have issues down the line. Specifically i ran Hondaline 80w85 transmission oil which is red and is identical to Atf. The stuff is really good. Ran in my mx race bikes for years.

 

so what is wrong with the Primary + fluid sold at the dealer? if it is a cost issue, how often do we really change the fluid anyways?
The Primary+ is recommended for Primary Drive and Tranny in many late models, over the syn 3



I see a possible problem with your plan in that the disks absorb fluid- and the clutch assy will typically hold about 7 oz on a wet change.

so you are swapping around fluids and they may not be compatible or "mix".

you can get most of the fluid out by zip tie-ing the lever and letting drain overnight...you can even run the motor to spin the fluid out of the basket, but the fluid absorbed into the disks is gonna stay there


not all your mx experience will translate to this bike.

mike

 

Just my opinion but even the oil web sites say not to use ATF in the Harley primary. I have been into two GM auto transmission. One in a Firebird, old M38 and one in a 4x4 Blazer. There is no roller bearing any where as big as the inner primary bearing. Also the auto has a huge pump that pressurizes the lube. Some swear by the old Ford ATF type F thicker type ATF but it's silly to try to engineer it. I would put the straight wt gear oil Formula + in it and the transmission unless your owners manual says different.

 

I run b&m trick shift in my 12cvo with a Barnett clutch. Barnett recommends ATF for their clutches

I like trick shift as it is blue in color so if it leaks you know what it is and the clutch does not slip behind my 120r

So, it will work. My compensator does not appear any worse for wear.

 

I used ATF in my 08 and 2000 miles later it took out the clutch bearing, had 16,000 total on it at the time. My indy claims ATF was the problem. Use what is recommended!
Harley is roller bearings not ball like an auto.

 

Barnett wants you to use ATF. I tried it Didnt like the feel. Went back to 20w50. Ran great until the throwout bearing tore out the retaining ring slot and the clutch basket exploded taking out the primary cover.

I took everything apart and it's a purple gray mess. Now I am waiting for 600 bucks in parts to show up.

Still not going to use ATF. But going to make damn sure that purple crap is completly out of the primary case

 

As long as my bike is under warranty I'll put what they recommend in the primary case.

I do however, use Red Line H-D Shockproof in my transmission and it seems to shift smoother than with the SYN3...perhaps it's in my head?

I just prefer a heavier oil running between all those gears.

 

Run cheap type F ATF and it's not heavier it just doesn't foam. No problems and shifts great. Change it every time I change oil. It's 3 bucks and I just dump the whole quart in it works with all relays wiring roller bearings clutch material in auto trans with a bunch more heat. If u do change over to it......run a quart through it for 500 miles and do a drain / fill. ATF is a great detergent and cleans up even filthy motors
A good 85-140 works good in trans. Redline is good if you dont have to chase around for it. Shifts are very smooth. Don't use it in my own

 

Yes, What's wrong with HD Formula +???

 

Could also try Spectro SAE 80. Bandit recommends this for their clutches as an alternative to ATF FWIW.