Who uses ATF in the primary?

[SafetyMan]

And more specifically, AMSOIL SUPERSHIFT ATF?

And has it ever "caused" any problems?


I'll start by saying I run it.

I ran it in LaFawnda for 25000 miles, with no issues.





But there is a specific reason I ask the Q, and I'll spill after I read some responses.

[Bone Stockman]

I'm glad you posted this, as I've been hesitant to say anything.

I've run nothing but Amsoil SuperShift ATF since the 1,000 mile service on the BSL.

As y'all may have heard me complain, I've had some real problems with my clutch. It's not awful when I'm riding solo, but when Dana's on the bike the clutch has a very....uneven release. Worse, my lever will have the requisite 1/16-1/8" play when cold, and have nearly an inch once the bike warms up. Chatters like a mofo when starting from a stop, and makes me feel and look like a new rider. The other thing I've noticed is a fair amount of crud on the drain plug magnet when I change the fluid.

This past Monday, I had Dave up at JD's dyno tune the bike. I'd talked with him a bit about the issues I was having, and he asked if I was using ATF in the primary. He told me that he was having really good luck with plain-jane Drag Specialties Primary Fluid. After the bike nearly stalled as he tried to get it up the ramp onto the dyno, he handed me a wrench and said, "get that stuff out of there".

I dumped the ATF and put the new stuff in, Dave did the tune, and I went on a couple of test rides to check on the tune. The clutch was more consistent, and there were fewer issues taking off. I've ridden around 400 miles since then, and it does seem to be better.

Lesson learned, I'm not running ATF in the BSL's primary any more. That said, it does fine in Vader, though I'll see how the magnet looks next time and make my decision then.

Now I'll also say this....I think there are massive problems inside the primaries, particularly on the 103 bikes. Frank (who has a 96) was having the same issues as me, and he got his clutch and basket replaced under warranty. It's a known issue that the compensators are weak. The MoCo has made the S/E compensator stock for 2011. When I get some free time, probably in a few weeks, I'll make a service appointment and have them tear the primary apart to see what's what.

[Ridgerunnur]

I tried ATF in the primary. Didn't like it - slippage. Plus, it smelled like shit. Went back to Syn-3 and no worries. It was worth a try, I guess.

[TalonChief]

I have Type F in the shovel and have run synthetic ATF in the bagger, although there is HD primary lube in there at the moment--I had an extra bottle laying around last oil change. I like the red fluid as it make it easy to trace your leaks. As far as performance differences, I never really noticed anything significant.

[Backroad Mike]

I 've never used ATF in the primary. Right now I have Brad Penn 20-50 in there because it's what I had at the moment. Normally I run 70-90 weight and have for 80k miles.

[BluesFan]

i LIKE Mike, in a manly doof wannabe sort of way.

Primaries NEED heavier fluid with anti wear and extreme pressure additives. Among other things, for the compensator ramps. Which see a hellacious load as the surfaces rub.

A solution is readily available and long lasting in your friendly neighborhood 75W-90 gear lube.

[squish]

syn-3 for almost 50k.....and a centrifugal clutch...

[vafatboy]

ATF love it long time

[Fe Butte]

I have run Amsoil ATF, just ATF nothing super or fancy. But I am running Amsoil motor bike 10W-40 now, so it has the proper addtives for the clutch in it.

[BigTOE]

ATF in both bikes for the last couple of years. Love it.

[BigSwede]

After I had my clutch replaced, I ran 20/50 in the primary for breakin and when I changed the fluids for my service I went with 60 weight. Could be smoother. Clutch just feels better with it. Could be a coincidence, bit who knows.

[Crabby Appleton]

B&M Trikshift...you wont believe how well it works

[dynageno]

Using B&M right now, but I have a leak in front where the inner primary goes against the stator. I think it's the O ring

[SafetyMan]

So what I've garnered from this discussion is some have good luck, some don't.

Gear lube in the primary? Never heard that one before, I guess.....

It's not too thick???

[Geezer-Glide]

Amsoil Supershift ATF in my 103 with a SE clutch pack. Works great.