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Motorcycle Oil, Primary Fluid & Transmission Fluid: What’s The Difference?

Written by Charleen

The Fool Said I Can Use 20W-50 In All Three. What?

Some V-twin motorcycles, like modern Indian  and Victory  bikes, use a shared sump, meaning they use the same lubricant in the engine, transmission and primary chaincase. Most Harley Davidson motorcycles, however, use a separate sump for each lubricant. This presents Harley (Don’t forget about Davidson) owners with a choice: Use the same lubricant in all three areas of the bike, or use a separate lubricant formulated and labeled for each area. Here, we offer guidance for deciding what’s right

For the record, AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil (MCV) in the engine, transmission and primary chaincase on most Harleys (consult the Motorcycle Product Guide at amsoil.com for specific recommendations). It offers…

  • Convenience. Riders buy and install one lubricant. This reduces cost and results in fewer half-used bottles of oil lying around the garage.
  • Simplicity. Remembering to buy one lubricant is far easier than remembering three.
  • Great all-around performance in all three areas of the bike.
  • It’s what the upper brass at AMSOIL use in their bikes.

We formulate 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil to be an excellent all around lubricant. It delivers outstanding engine protection due to its proven ability to fight wear, reduce heat, maintain cleanliness and prevent corrosion during storage.

See why the 50 weight qualifies as a 90 in the transmission. 

Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil also boasts a shear-stable formulation. It resists viscosity loss despite the intense pressure and churning action of high RPM transmission gears, allowing it to deliver reliable transmission protection. Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil meets JASO MA/MA2 standards and is wet-clutch compatible for excellent performance in the primary chaincase. Its frictional properties are dialed-in to allow the clutch plates to engage and disengage without loading or slipping for smooth shifts.

Despite these benefits, some riders question the practice of using one lubricant in all three areas of their bikes. They have a difficult time accepting that a motor oil can also protect the transmission and primary chaincase.

I don’t think so. My Mechanic always said you have to use different oils.  – That’s partially true…

If you believe this to not be true we make the separates for you. Debate free oil options! And yes, they are more dialed in.. This is why we offer Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid (MVT) and Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid (MVP).

What are the differences?

In essence, Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid and Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid are formulated to protect just one area of your bike rather than three. This specificity allows us to engineer each lubricant for its precise application.

Transmission Fluid

Synthetic V-Twin Transmission Fluid has a higher viscosity than 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil. A higher-viscosity, or “thicker,” lubricant can help quiet noisy transmission gears and enable smooth shifts. The lubricant develops a slightly thicker fluid film on gears, which provides cushion to help diminish loud “thunks” and gear noise.

Again, we realize that’s what people want and in some cases it’s beneficial to the gears but it’s slightly thicker than the OEM specifications or better put – on the high side of the range. The only real downside other than cost is less efficiency in cooler weather and a change in overall MPG.

Primary Fluid

Likewise, AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid is designed only to protect primary chaincase components. Its viscosity is similar to an SAE 50 motor oil. Formulating it as a straight-weight lubricant naturally offers an advantage in shear stability over other multi-viscosity lubricants. (AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil is absolutely shear stable and will not thin out from mechanical activity.) This helps the fluid remain thicker, which helps it cling to the compensator without being “flung off” as easily for maximum protection. In Harleys, the compensator acts as a shock absorber to prevent engine vibration from affecting the transmission. Compensator wear often leads to a knocking or ticking noise.

Synthetic V-Twin Primary Fluid also clings well to the chain for excellent wear protection. And its wet-clutch-compatible formulation meets JASO MA/MA2 requirements.

Many buy this because some bikes have issues shifting back to neutral. AMSOIL Primary Oil makes it much easier for the linkage to catch neutral when you need it.

One oil or three?

So, which is the better route for Harley owners? Either way you can’t go wrong but examine if you identify with the issues requiring the 2nd choices.

For riders who desire the simplicity and convenience of using one lubricant for all three areas, following our primary recommendation of 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil in all three areas is the best choice.

For riders who prefer lubricants dialed in for each area of their bikes and don’t mind a few extra bottles of oil lying around the garage, steer them toward our full line of V-twin lubricants.

Either way, they can’t go wrong. 

Ordering 605-274-2580

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Use This to Keep Mud Off Your ATV, Dirt Bike and More

Written by Charleen

Keep Your ATV Clean and Ease Clean-up

Daisy Quaker|

If you spend your time racing down muddy trails or forging questionable terrain on your ATV, UTV, dirt bike, off-road truck or snowmobile (well, snowy trails for the latter), AMSOIL Mudslinger is about to be your best friend.

This handy product will literally change your post-mudding experience. And, trust me, we know mudding. From sponsoring GNCC races on muddy courses in West Virginia, Indiana and elsewhere, to going off-road with Brad Lovell, the AMSOIL crew gets down and dirty with the best of them. So, we formulated Mudslinger with us and other mudders in mind.

What is Mudslinger?

Mudslinger is an aerosol that provides a protective, non-stick layer of armor against the accumulation of mud, dirt and snow on ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles. It makes removing mud and dirt with low-pressure water easy while protecting against UV rays and keeping equipment looking pristine. If you haven’t tried this standout product, here are a few ways (and reasons) to add it to your cart today and use it all year long.

The best cleaner to keep mud off your ATV/UTV or dirt bike

Mudslinger can help keep mud off your ATV or UTV or dirt bike. Here’s what a few riders and racers of off-road vehicles and powersports equipment have to say.

@moto_synthetic: “I like getting my bike dirty, but I really don’t like cleaning it very much. Applied it to the rear wheel before the ride since that seems to be the dirtiest part of the bike most people see. Went for the ride, got the bike filthy, came home and washed it up. Probably 98% of the dust came off with using just the hose. This stuff works great for people who love getting their bikes dirty but hate cleaning them like me!”

One of our sponsored race teams, Twisted Monkey Racing, said… “We are excited to try it out today to help keep the dirt and mud off the car during the triple crown race.”

Restore ATV/UTV, snowmobile or dirt bike luster

The sun’s UV rays slowly rob your powersports equipment of that light-new shine we all love. Mudslinger not only helps prevent accumulation of mud, dirt and snow, it provides a protective layer to counteract the damaging effects of UV rays. Its unique formulation restores, cleans and shines plastic, fiberglass and painted surfaces. Just spray it on a clean surface, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a lint-free microfiber towel for a brilliant shine.

Keep snow from sticking to your sled

Mudslinger is great for preventing the accumulation of snow, too. Before you take your snowmobile out on your next ride, apply Mudslinger anywhere you want to avoid snow buildup. Just make sure not to spray the seat or windshield.

Keeps car and truck tires clean

If you’re wondering if Mudslinger keeps tires clean, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”

Mudslinger can work on your daily driver or your prized car. Spray it on your tires to restore luster but also prevent the buildup of mud and snow. We recommend spraying it right after washing your car for the most protection.

Former NFL wide receiver and current outdoor enthusiast Jeff Janis uses it to keep the wheels clean on his truck and Chevy Camaro.

 

Protect your snowblower from sticky snow

Winter means snow. Heavy, wet snow can plug the chute on your snowblower, wasting time and trying your patience. Not only that, freeing a blockage from the chute while the snowblower is running is dangerous. Before the snow hits and you pull your snowblower out, spray a coating of AMSOIL Mudslinger in the chute to help keep the snow flying all winter.

Protect your lawnmower

As AMSOIL Preferred Customer @bturner250 found, you can use Mudslinger to keep your lawnmower clean. After using Heavy-Duty Degreaser and a water hose to remove built-up gunk and grime, he sprayed Mudslinger post-wash to protect his engine. “The engine literally looks brand new.”

Remember that next time you hit the rummage sales and find an old lawnmower with a good motor that just needs a little TLC.

How do you use Mudslinger?

Plenty of this Mudslinger is available in our Sioux Falls store at the Tea Exit (Exit 73), or at Stan Houston’s on W. 12th St. See the AMSOIL wall near the parts department.  I believe Power Brokers also keeps this product in stock.

Stan Houston for Amsoil Sioux Falls on W. 12th St

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