hey guys, long story short I didn't realise oil would piss out of the primary when taking off the derby cover (on the jiffy stand)..

Anyway, I've dumped a fair bit of it on the garage floor and need to top it up (probably about 500ml, maybe a bit less). The closest bike shop to me at work is MCAS in the CBD and it looks like they only stock Bel-Ray, Motul, Motorex and Silkolene.... but no HD oils, specifically not the Formula Plus the manual calls for anyway.

What's the best alternative for Formula Plus that I can use to top it up with that won't cause clutch slippage? I'm guessing HD Formula Plus is a mineral oil without any friction modifiers. You think a 50W mineral oil without friction modifiers from any of the above brands will do the trick?

 

Edit: Found this, hopefully that does the trick

"Harley riders can rejoice! Bel-Ray has included oils and lubricants for the Primary Chaincase, Big Twin and Sportster® Transmissions. Primary Chaincase Lubricant is specially formulated for optimum performance in primary chains and wet clutches, allowing for smooth and quiet operation. Reduced clutch slipping allows for consistent engagement every time."

You can use engine oil also. I use either Mobil 1 vtwin or screaming eagle oil. Others have used mineral oils and even trans oil. For the way I ride (hard launching) the Mobil oil gives me perfect amount if clutch slip to get off the line real fast. If your fussy stay with the hd stuff but if you can get your hands on the hd stuff basically anything will do.

T1

I dont want to start another oil thread,  but if your concerned about mixing oils ,  and you cant get the Formula one Harley oil you have been using, I would dump whats left  in the tranny and replace with the Belray oil that is close by.   The oil is a red colour,  is a good oil,  I have used it , no problems !!     After you change to a different oil, you can come back to us and give your opinion  (you'll be an expert now),    on a different tranny oil !!!!    Only Joking !!!!!     Good Luck   .

haha thanks fellas. Last thing I want to do is start an oil opinion thread (ain't nobody got time fo' dat!)

Yeah I think I'll dump the rest of the oil out tonight and fill it up with the Bel-Ray Primary oil. Nearest HD dealer is over an hour away and the Bel-Ray stockist is only a 15min walk.

Bel Ray will be fine mate...You may need to tweak the cltch depending upon how it takes to the new oil, but 99% of the time your fine.

Not sure what bike you have but every V-twin I have ever had never leaked out primary oil with the derby cover off on the side stand. 500ml is a lot of oil to loose in my books. My Fatbob uses a quart on a change and my Road King used about a litre on a change.

Just wondering if yours was overfilled?

I've had a few leak on the side stands, usually when the suspension has been raised and the bike leans over more than standard.

T1

I can't advise you on oil, but just another time this forum has helped someone. When I wanted to change the cover, I read here that you need to stand the bike up straight, so had the missus sit on the bike and hold it up-right. I was worried that she was going to drop it! No leak. Thanks HDforumAU.

Could be? at least I didn't loose any oil. Maybe Busted should have read the same advice that I did.