My thoughts on HD brand oil is their Syn 3 is not good choice when there are so much better oils available. It is a group 3 oil when most of the others are at least a group 4 or better meaning it is not a full synthetic but a blend of oils.
Their HD 360 non synthetic is a good oil however.

The HD oil filters are specked for the Harley engines and using another brand is a chance to take after considering the filter media size in microns and bypass spring pressure. If it opens too low, your engine will run on unfiltered oil.

Also never confuse a Twin cam oil filter and an EVO oil filter or you will have big problems. Basically the EVO oil filter is 30 microns in filter media and the Twin cam is now 5 micron. The oil jets that cool the bottom of the pistons in a twin cam engine need the 5 micron rating otherwise they will not be able to function once they get clogged and the pistons will heat up more than they should.

Amsoil products are not a bad oil but availability is the problem there. If you need oil on the road, It will be difficult to find and just dealing with the jobbers and dealers with their sales pitch will keep me from using it.

I like Mobil 1 V Twin 20/50 for the engine, some people use the regular Mobil 1 car oil but it lacks the necessary additive packages (one being moly that is an anti wear agent) to stand up to the heat of the Harley air cooled engine which runs much hotter than the car counterpart because of the water cooling.

For the sportster primary case/trans which share oils , this is a good choice.
Spectro Oils of America - Transmission Gear Oils (http://www.spectro-oils.com/products/transmission/hdchaincase.asp)


http://www.spectro-oils.com/images/products/medium/transmission/hdchaincase.jpg Heavy Duty Primary Chain case Oil
This sheer stable petroleum is designed to withstand the punishment of high loads, and contains special polymers to provide exceptional clutch engagement and temperature stability. Meets full OEM requirements, and should be used according to manufacturer’s instructions. Formulated specifically for Harley® Sportster and Big Twin applications. Low drag, low friction loss SAE 85w viscosity eliminates clutch “drag” and slipping. 85w R.GAPCL 12/1 qt bottles/case 85w X.GAPCL 16 gal drum

Redline shockproof heavy for the trans (it's a gear oil) or Mobil 1 gear oil 75/90 or 75/140 will do nice.

I just tried a "new for me" product by Spectro oils on the advice of a friend. I have used their oil in the past and liked the results. I installed this oil yesterday 10/13/07 and I am impressed with it over the Mobil 1 75/90 and 75/140 synthetics that I have tried and used since the bike was new.

It's Spectro Heavy Duty Platinum 75/140 for helical and straight cut gears, made especially for 6 speed transmissions. It has a rating of GL5 and I think I have found a new oil for my transmission. The shifting is better , smoother and also quieter. Cost is about $16 a quart but well worth it IMO. I thought the Mobil 1 and redline shock proof heavy worked well until I tried this oil.

Here's a dealer locater on the left of the page.

Spectro Oils of America (http://www.spectro-oils.com/)

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s45/bills985/HDPlatinum6Speed75W140.jpg
Heavy Duty Platinum 6-speed Transmission Oil
Designed by Spectro in response to complaints from Harley owners about the great but noisy new 6-speed transmission, this full synthetic provides ultimate lubrication protection. Formulated to significantly reduce gear noise and provide easier, smoother shifting, this SAE 75w140 formulation eases shifting even when cold. High loads and extreme heat do not affect the oil, so it performs well when pushed hard and long. A.P.I. GL-5 rated


Royal purple oils , Lucas oils and Golden Spectro are an excellent choice also.

In the primary pretty much any 10/30 - 10/40 without friction modifiers in it will do the job.The HD Formula+ from the dealer will work well here too.

You can use the formula + in the primary but I would not use it in the trans because it falls short there in the severe service category.

Changing from one brand to another brand will cause no problems at all or from dino oil to synthetic oil will mix also with no problems.

NO one oil will work best in the trans and the primary both and do the job properly in both. There is the shear factor that is caused by the gears in the transmission meshing that shears the molecules in the oil and that needs a gear oil to deal with that problem.

Many dealers use the syn 3 in all 3 holes but this is not a good choice. There have been many transmission problems associated with the use of syn 3 in the transmission.

Look at it this way, the syn 3 will work OK for some time but by the time that the real damage happens, your warranty will probably be long gone.

Here's some input on the rating of the various lubes. It's not a recent posting but may give you a better understanding.

GL gear_lube_designations (http://www.box.net/shared/k5dl7xcgdo)

To sum it all up, I like Mobil1 V Twin in the engine, formula + in the primary and Golden spectro platinum in the 6 speed transmission. It seems to be a good combination and the different oils were intended for the specific applications.

Thanks again Glider , BB156

BB

Let us know what your final choice is as far as oils.

glider ,i noticed the heavy-duty platinum gear oil carries a gl5 rating & gl1 is the specified level.mike baldwin on the spectro oils letters forum states that they recommend a gl1,but all the while their bottle says gl5.confused?yes i am.

regards from sunny Queensland

Spectro also sells a GL 1 oil for use in the HD trans also.
API service classifications range from GL-1 through GL-5, with the number indicating level of service severity. GL-1 is the least severe, and its requirements are normally satisfied with motor oil. GL-2 requirements are met with rust and oxidation inhibited oils. GL-3 through GL-5 require the addition of extreme pressure (EP) additives, with higher GL numbers indicating a higher level of EP additive. The MT-1 classification requires good performance in high-temperature applications.

I've never read Mikes comments but this particular oil is sold as "6 speed oil" so there's a bit of contradiction there. It would be interesting to direct this same question to Mike to see what he comments about it.

Here's some input on the rating of the various lubes. It's not a recent posting but may give you a better understanding.

http://www.box.net/shared/k5dl7xcgdo (http://www.box.net/shared/k5dl7xcgdo)



API Service Classifications

GL-1
Truck manual transmissions (engine oil)
GL-2
Worm gear drive, industrial gear oils*
GL-3
Manual transmissions and spiral bevel final drives*
GL-4
Manual transmissions, spiral bevel and hypoid gears in moderate service. 50% additive treat level of GL-5
GL-5
Moderate and severe service on hypoid and other types of gears. May also be used in manual transmissions
GL-6
Meant for severe service involving high-offset hypoid gears*
MT-1
Nonsynchronized manual transmissions in heavy-duty service

Latest update direct from Spectro oils themselves.

As per Ken Ciocci

The 6 Speed oil (heavy duty platinum) is a GL 5 and is made for use in the 6 speed because of the helical cut and straight cut gears. The helical gears being the difference here.
There is more of the anti wear additive (twice the amount) in the GL 5 as there is in the GL 1. The anti wear compounds are zinc and phosphorus.

This is the GL 1 Spectro for 5 speeds.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s45/bills985/Spectro75_140GL1.jpg

Here's a FAQ on the spectro site.

http://www.spectro-oils.com/oilcomparison1.htm

I was told by Ken Ciocci from Spectro oils that the GL 1 would be a better choice for the 5 speeds in that the extra additive package is not needed in the 5 speed primarily because of the straight cut gears. The GL 1 is GREEN in color as compared to the RED color of the GL 5. It also does not have such a strong odor as the GL 5 does because of the lesser amounts of zinc and phosphorus.
He went on to say that you can use the GL 1 in a six speed but not the GL 5 in a 5 speed. Let's not get confused here though, better to stick with the recommended applications.

Ken recommended the 75/140 weight in both 5 and 6 speeds.

Had a great conversation with him and was offered a tour of the facility with advanced notice.

Any questions about the Spectro line that also offers engine oils, fork oil and primary oil for Harley's can be referred to Ken as per his recommendation at 1-800-243-8645 and if he doesn't answer, to leave a message and he will get back to you.

They have a great site with just about any info that you need.

http://www.spectro-oils.com/

Sharky1948 here on HDT checked with Ken about the best choice for sportsters and was told for his '07 XL1200C he recommended the GL1 75W140 over the 6 speed oil with the extra additives because they would not agree with the clutches being the trans and primary share the same oil. He also said " that while the GL1 wouldn't do any damage, the GPCL was formulated for the purpose and that is what they recommend. "
The GPCL is listed on their web site as "Heavy Duty Gold Primary Chaincase Lube/Transmission Lubricant and is the ideal choice for all Big Twin and Sportster chaincases "

This was posted by Sharky1948 concerning the sportster transmission/primary case lubricant update...


More Info on Spectro Oil for Sportster Chaincase

I was at an aftermarket HD parts/repair shop this afternoon to pick up some of the GL1 for my Sportster chaincase. The owner (I think) said that he didn't believe that the GL1 was the best choice for the Sportster transmission and that they always used the GPCL (Heavy Duty Gold Primary Chaincase Lube/Transmission Lubricant). He called John Dunn at Spectro to confirm. (John has been at Spectro for over 25 years.) John said that while the GL1 wouldn't do any damage, the GPCL was formulated for the purpose and that is what they recommend. I checked the website and the description for the GPCL says "Heavy Duty Gold Primary Chaincase Lube/Transmission Lubricant is the ideal choice for all Big Twin and Sportster chaincases. It is also made especially to provide smooth shifting in Sportster and all Big Twin transmissions."

Still trying to find my way around this site. It only took 5 days to find my post.
Very interesting info about not using GL-5 in a 5 speed. I dont understand , but will check the Spectro site for answeres

Thanks

Basically the GL 5 is needed for helical cut gears because of the wear additive and the friction of the helical cut gears on each other and the 5 speed has straight cut gears so it's overkill so to speak for the 5 speed.

If you can't locate your posts, go into your profile by clicking on your screen name at the bottom of the home page and choose "find all posts by dangerdan".

It will bring up all your replies.

Glider
Re - Can 6 speed gear oil with a GL-5 rating be used in a 5 speed. The answere is YES.

See the response from Ken


From: Dangerdan
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 9:50 PM
To: kciocci@spectro-oils.com
Subject: Harley transmission Oil question. OIL rating GL-1 or GL-5



Why is a Harley 6 speed transmission oil (SPECTRO) with a rating of GL-5 not suitable for a Harley 5 speed. Is the extra zinc and phosphorus not compatible with the straight cut gears in the 5 speed or is it simply a matter of not utilizing the extra benifits provided by the GL-5.

There was a discussion on the web about this.



Here's a FAQ on the spectro site.

http://www.spectro-oils.com/oilcomparison1.htm

I was told by Ken Ciocci from Spectro oils that the GL 1 would be a better choice for the 5 speeds in that the extra additive package is not needed in the 5 speed primarily because of the straight cut gears. The GL 1 is GREEN in color as compared to the RED color of the GL 5. It also does not have such a strong odor as the GL 5 does because of the lesser amounts of zinc and phosphorus.
He went on to say that you can use the GL 1 in a six speed but not the GL 5 in a 5 speed.

WHY CANT GL-5 BE USED IN A HARLEY 5 SPEED.

Thanks

Dangerdan


This was the response from Ken

Oh boy, confusion and misinterpretation is running amuck.
Let’s make it right.
You and use either oil in either tranny, but the 6 speed oil (red) will work better in the 6 speed because of the additive package. The GL-1 will also work in the 6 speed but the GL-5 will work better. The additive in the GL-5 is just not necessary in the 5 speed, (no helical cut gear.)

The odor in the 6 speed oil is because of the Extreme Pressure additive package which contains sulfur and chlorine, as well as a trace of zinc and phosphorus. The GL-1 oils contain no sulfur and chlorine, this product uses zinc and phosphorus for its anti-wear chemistry.

I hope this helps to clarify the muddy waters.

Ken

dangerdan

After reading your post and the one I posted above it, it looks like about the same thing is being said in both. The GL1 CAN be used in the 6 speed, never meant to imply that it couldn't ( and the 5 speed has straight cut gears so it's overkill so to speak for the 5 speed.),it's just not the best choice for it. Maybe I should have typed that instead of leaving it to interpretation.

My bad!:s

I believe I had the additives mixed up in the two oils.

Thanks for the clarification.

I can tell a good difference with the Spectro 6 speed GL-5 in my 6 speed trany's. Switching from Mobil 1 75w-90 & 75w-140 which I had no problems with, the Trans are quieter and shift better with the Spectro!

did some checking on where to get the SPECTRO lubes here in E. Mo. and I called Randy atTRI-R Distr. in Unv. Park,ILL. (suburb of Chic.) and he said that Doc's HD in Kirkwood, Gail's HD in K.C.area,I believe it was called Worth's HD, and a couple of scooter repair shops in Rollaand a few others here in Missouri stock Spectro products. He also said if they do not have a authorized dealer close they would ship it directly to your house with no frght. charge. So I can either run down to Rolla or call Randy and have it shipped!!

Don't know if you missed this or not but here's the dealer locater for Spectro oils.

http://www.spectro-oils.com/
(http://www.hdtalking.com/ext.php?ref=http://www.spectro-oils.com/Dealerfind.htm)

Don't know if you missed this or not but here's the dealer locater for Spectro oils.

http://www.spectro-oils.com/Dealerfind.htm
(http://www.hdtalking.com/ext.php?ref=http://www.spectro-oils.com/Dealerfind.htm)

Glider --- Your web site is where I went to and it does not list any dealers for Missouri,Kansas but states to call Randy at TRI-R Distrb. to find out who is. Ken Ciocci,Spectro, told me to do the same thing (to call Randy). Thanks for the info. for this oil,Randy was very helpful. He said that he did not care if I bought Spectrofrom him or not-- just get that SYN 3 out of the tranny!!!:panic

Can 6 speed gear with a GL-5 rating be used in a 5 speed .
What lube do you recomend for 5 speed. HD has been putting their product in sence it was new. I want my 96 (45,00 mile)Fatboy to last forever :). I just like that bike.
I am researching the Spectro for use in my 07 RG. other than here and a few BMW sites seems hard to find info on it.

Can 6 speed gear with a GL-5 rating be used in a 5 speed .
What lube do you recomend for 5 speed. HD has been putting their product in sence it was new. I want my 96 (45,00 mile)Fatboy to last forever :). I just like that bike.
I am researching the Spectro for use in my 07 RG. other than here and a few BMW sites seems hard to find info on it.

Yes it can, however the additive packages are overkill for the 5 speed with just the straight cut gears, that's where the GL 1 comes into play. It can however be used with no problems at all in the 5 speeds and works best in the 6 speeds with the helical cut gears.

I think you will notice a difference.

Well, After reading up on all the trans oil related topics, I have decided it was time to give it a try. I had contacted Spectro, Very nice people! And found out the only dealer in my area was a Honda dealer! I gave them a call and they had ordered a full case of it for me! I told them i only need 1 quart, They said no problem. Plus i think i have a few freinds that want to try it as well.
So, I am heading out the door this am to pick it up and plan on dropping it in this week after adding a few other things, pipes, tuner, Air filter! :D
Will give my feed backon all of this when completed next week.
Again, Thanks Glider on all of you hard work on this site!:s

Glad I can help.

I think you'll find the addition of the Spectro to the trans a very worthwhile addition.

For my Ontario brothers I found Spectro oils at Sturgess Cycle in Hamilton

Hi, I think I am getting this straight...Due to the Sportster models having only 2 seperate oil supplies.

1) Engine oil tank (Sportster uses "dry sump" meaning no oil storage in the pan) so "dino oil" or HD Syn3 Blend is used initially for breakin to allow parts to wear-in and seat, and after couple of oil changes...then you recommend switch to a full synthetic 20-50W Mobil 1 V-Twin for the engine oil only.

2) 5 Speed Transmission Gear & Clutch use same oil, which poses a problem in that gear oil needs to be heavier (75W-140) to lube the gears, but the 100% synthetic may be too slippery for the clutch...hence the recommended GL-1 which is available in synthetic & "dino" blends. I do not know about GLC, but it implies that it is additionally suitable for chains, which I do not know is applicable here, as I have no service manual yet...

Can you clarify this? I would like to change my primary case tranny/clutch fluid, but would like to know the benefit for GLC verses GL1. Oh what a tangled web this Oil thread thing has woven!

You can change to synthetic at any time, no need to wait. Break in will be just fine with synthetic also.

For the sportster chain/trans, this is a good choice.

Spectro Oils of America - Transmission Gear Oils (http://www.spectro-oils.com/products/transmission/hdchaincase.asp)

Hi, I could not get back to the link regarding Oil Filter selection that got me to Mark Lawrence who had a wealth of tech info on oil filters. He responded to my inquiry about the HD Premium 5 Micron...He said " -- The new Harley filter is excellent, or Pure One or Supertech." :bigsmiley11:

As for the K&N Filter - the one with the nut on the end? " --K&N motorcycle filters are made by Hi-Flo, a Chinese company. :s [I am ABC (American Born Chinese) not FOB (Fresh Off Boat) & took no offense]:p I know of four cases where K&N or Hi-Flo filters have collapsed inside, cutting off all oil flow." :small3d031:

What about the standard HD Oil Filter? " -- The standard Harley filter is just normal jxxx, I neither know nor care who makes it, it's only redeeming quality is that you can get it in chrome." :newsmile055:

I guess we have a clear winner here, but as the saying goes..."Let the buyer beware" (I did not brush up on my Latin). :D

Hi, I could not get back to the link regarding Oil Filter selection that linked me to Mark Lawrence who had a wealth of tech info on oil filters. He responded to my inquiry about the HD Premium 5 Micron...He said " -- The new Harley filter is excellent, or Pure One or Supertech." :bigsmiley11:

As for the K&N Filter - the one with the nut on the end? " --K&N motorcycle filters are made by Hi-Flo, a Chinese company ( :s I am Chinese ABC (American Born Chinese) not FOB (Fresh Off Boat) and take no offense). I know of four cases where K&N or Hi-flo filters have collapsed inside, cutting off all oil flow." :small3d031:

What about the standard HD Oil Filter? " -- The standard Harley filter is just normal jxxx, I neither know nor care who makes it, it's only redeeming quality is that you can get it in chrome." :newsmile055:


I guess we have a clear winner here, but as the saying goes..."Let the buyer beware" (I did not brush up on my Latin). :D


I have to disagree with this one.
"What about the standard HD Oil Filter? " -- The standard Harley filter is just normal jxxx, I neither know nor care who makes it, it's only redeeming quality is that you can get it in chrome."

HD filters are by far rhe best for your HD. They are the only ones you can be 100% have the correct bypass and filtering elements.
There are some after market filters that claim to filter out smaller particlas.
Well that is not what you engine calls for and it will cause flow problems.
Other will fit aftermarkets fails to meet the standard.
When it comes to the micron size a filter removes, it is very important to put only what your engine calls for on it this subject has been covered very well here and afew other threads
Oil Filter Poll - Harley Davidson Community (http://www.hdtalking.com/oil/1759-oil_filter_poll.html)

The new premium HD 5 micron oil filter is the good one as stated in the very beginning by him (Mark) in Sacramento. He is only down on the older standard HD oil filters! I seem to recall in one of the earlier threads that they were Champion or something...anyway, I am going with the fine filter, especially if we all change them more often than Harley' 5,000 miles cycle, very little chance of clogging if not left in too long. :coffee

The answer from the local Harley parts guy here in SoCal made me question his reasoning: "--Use the older HD Filter, the new Harley Premium 5 filter would clog up and go into bypass mode in your Sportster." This is what started me on the oil filter quest in the first place. This is a shocking thing to say by an HD employee, they would be briefed by Harley about new product introductions and all the technical details why the new product would be better than the old. Also, given the fact that Harley would probably not put their badge on a new top of the line, fine filtration, premium 5 micron oil filter, without doing long term endurance engine/oil testing, and lab analysis of engines & oils run, so that we as end users who do not have the lab equipment, bucks, engines or time to burn and find out ourselves... :skipping

Besides, that is why I quoted jxxx, my feeling is no Harley bashing allowed (it is only personal opinion), any filter is better than no filter, as long as it does not collapse or leave nasty bits causing hidden damage, in your oil between changes...NOW THAT WOULD BE BAD!!! :newsmile071:

Thank you Slider, Smitty and Hobbit for your helpful and insightful comments this Harley hardware is much more fun than putting together my DSL & Router...yeah I finally upgraded out of dial-up. The electronics world I have pretty much figured out after years of dealing with it than to sort out all this behind the scenes V-twin stuff; I feel like a contestant on the Price is Right, but I don't have to dress like a chicken to be picked on (Slider thanks for the Jay Leno tip)...! :newsmile108:

Anyone know where you can buy Spectro oils in Canada?

Rod

For my Ontario brothers I found Spectro oils at Sturgess Cycle in Hamilton

Wildman did you buy Spectro at this location or had it ordered.

I dropped by Sturgess Cycle in Hamilton by last friday... They never heard of Spectro Oil.

Glider,
I see this post is rather old... is this still your choice?


"To sum it all up, I like Mobil1 V Twin in the engine, formula + in the primary and Golden spectro platinum in the 6 speed transmission. It seems to be a good combination and the different oils were intended for the specific applications."

My 1000 mile is coming up and I need to direct my choices. I am sure I will have to bring my oils of choice the dealer. Thay are doing my 1000 mile free.

Thanks.

Still good choices out of what's available.

I'm about to do my first oil change. Going with Mobile1 V-twin and HD Formula+ but having no luck finding Spectro Platinum. I've talked to the distributors and nobody carries it here. I don't mind ordering it if it's that much better. Anything else that you would recommend for a 5 speed that is more available?

You can go the redline shock proof heavy also. Another good choice. It's usually available in speed shops.

Even Mobil1 75/90 or 75/140 will be a decent choice over the syn 3 the dealers use.

having no luck finding Spectro Platinum. I've talked to the distributors and nobod y carries it here. I don't mind ordering it if it's that much better. Anything else that you would recommend for a 5 speed that is more available?

I feel your pain. I just checked with all dealer listed in my area and none of them carry the 6 speed lube either. Luckily I have a week or so till my service so I ordered a couple qts online. It should be here within 4 days. Wish it were more available. If it were going in my crank I would not use it since the avaiability is so poor. Should not be a prob since it is going in the tranny.

Try asking dealer to carry it I did and they now stock it

Smitty, I am not taking sides but one thing the three dealers I talked to had in common was they felt Spectro priced themselfs out and were hard to deal with. I really do not know about that...but I do know I paid $19.99 a quart plus shipping so I hope it is as good as I am expecting! LOL!

SPECTRO PLATINUM HEAVY DUTY GL-5 6 SPEED GEAR OIL 75W140 | Spectro | Oils | BobsCycle.com (http://www.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,103200.html)

I had to special order it. There Canadian Distibutor does not sell direct, but you can call them for a local shop to order it in for you:Full-Bore Marketing- Ontario
3225 Lenworth Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2G6
Canada
Phone: 905-624-0222
Fax: 905-624-3509

I hope this helps

$25/quart

14.50 at HD MISHLER'S HD BEAVER DAM WI. SPECTRO PLATIUM

Was reading on the Spectro site that the 6-speed transmission oil should be changed every 5,000 miles.

Was reading on the Spectro site that the 6-speed transmission oil should be changed every 5,000 miles.

Please provide me with a link to that page. Spectro platium sny is changed according to the motocycle makers recomendation ?? I would like to read what you are refering to thanks

I read it yesterday and will look for it tomorrow again and post the link. Although I plan on changing my trans fluid every 5k, I was kind of surprised when I read it.

I read it yesterday and will look for it tomorrow again and post the link. Although I plan on changing my trans fluid every 5k, I was kind of surprised when I read it.

Just depends on the bike no need to change tranmission any more often than recommened by HD unless bike is subject to extreme conditions.
My 07 it's every 20,000. my 96 Fb its every 5,000.
thats why I ask because they maybe referring to a model years like my 96.

Ok I am a newbie to HD's. I have a 2009 Dyna Low Rider and the 1000 mile service will be coming up real soon. I have been reading this forum for hours and have come to this conclusion. Mobil 1 V Twin 20/50 in the engine - Spectro Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase Oil in the Primary - Spectro Heavy Duty Platinum 6 speed Transmission Lubricant in the Transmission. I should change all three of these every 2500 miles. Is this a good choice?
JP

Very good choices.

Thanks glider.....and thanks for all the time you and others here take to help us out. Very much appreciated.
JP