Chemicals

Fluids are the cheapest way to keep an air-cooled V-twin alive, and this page covers the full set. It lists engine oil, primary and transmission fluids, cleaners and lubricants, along with fuel system and storage products.

Oils and fluids

Engine oils come from Maxima, Bel-Ray, Motul, Red Line and Harddrive, in viscosities from 20W-50 mineral blends to Motul 300V 15W-50 competition synthetic and Bel-Ray EXS full synthetic ester 10W-50. Red Line Primary Case Oil is listed for Evolution and Twin Cam wet clutch systems, and Harddrive sells 80W-90 transmission oil. Red Line pre-mixed coolant covers liquid-cooled Harley and Indian engines.

Cleaners, lube and storage

Care products include Lucas parts cleaner and degreaser, S100 total cycle cleaner, Spectro synthetic chain lube, Wizards leather care and Kreem tank liner. Permatex covers sealants and thread locker, and PJ1 offers chain and detailing sprays.

What to check

Follow your owner's manual for oil grade and capacity. Primary and transmission fluids are separate from engine oil on many Harley models, and wet-clutch bikes should not get friction-modifier oils unless the maker says so. Match coolant to liquid-cooled engines only. Keep oil-change supplies together: oil filters are on their own page. Write the date and mileage of each change on a tag or in a log, since regular fluid changes are the cheapest insurance an air-cooled engine has, and a bike that sits for months still needs fresh fluid before its first ride of the season.