Final Drive Gear oil

[D-Max2012]

I was going to pick up some final drive gear oil today.
I have no leaks. The manual states to "add if needed". I checked it last season and the level looked fine.
Went to pick up a quart today to have if needed.

The manual says, DOT3 SAE 80W hypoid oil.

Went to the local bike store today:
4 different manufacturers, none of them state DOT3 or any DOT number..
(looks like only Brake Fluids has this rating).
2 of 4 states as being Hypoid Oil.
2 of 4 states, "Not for use in a Wet Clutch system".
(I thought the engine oil was lubing the clutch) I use Mobil 1 4T Racing Oil for the engine and so far, its been great. 4 years now and running fine, no shift issues.


Question:
What Final Drive Oil are you guys using?
And, any issues with shifting?
I figured, I'd ask the forum before I go and screw something up. :biglaugh:

 

[MaxMidnight]

In my owners handbook it specifies SAE80 API "GL-4" Hypoid gear oil which is what I use.

Any of the gear oils here would be suitable.

The 'not for wet clutch system' could be relevant where the engine and gearbox oils are separate, not applicable to the Max.

Mine shifts OK without issues.

 

[1FK00]

The final drive uses 80W-90 gear lube. It has nothing to do with shifting.

The clutch is lubricated with engine oil, in your case 10W-40 synthetic. The choice of engine oil can affect shifting and potential clutch slipping.

 

[D-Max2012]

The 'not for wet clutch system' could be relevant where the engine and gearbox oils are separate, not applicable to the Max.

(Did you mean Engine and Gearbox oils are shared??)

When I read this, I wondered the same thing.
My Clymer manual has two different oil types for the engine and final dive.
So I guess there are shaft driven bikes that share Engine and Drive oil.
Maybe that's why they had it posted on the bottle.

The final drive uses 80W-90 gear lube. It has nothing to do with shifting.

The clutch is lubricated with engine oil, in your case 10W-40 synthetic. The choice of engine oil can affect shifting and potential clutch slipping.

This was my thoughts also.. like I stated above, maybe there are bikes that share the oil between the engine and final drive.
I figured I'd ask the group before I messed anything up.

Thanks

 

[DMAN999]

I used Lucas 80W90 Hypoid gear oil when I changed mine.
http://lucasoil.com/products/gear-oil/gear-oil/heavy-duty-80w-90-gear-oil
From the Owners Manual:

 

[MaxMidnight]

(Did you mean Engine and Gearbox oils are shared??)

No. The Max uses engine oil for both the motor and transmission (gearbox).

Some four strokes and all two strokes will have the gearbox oil separated from the motor.
Where they have a wet clutch then oils with friction modifiers should not be used as this will cause the clutch to slip.

The same applies where engine and gearbox oils are shared i.e. oils with friction modifiers should not be used where there is a wet clutch

 

[D-Max2012]

No. The Max uses engine oil for both the motor and transmission (gearbox).

Oh.. OK I see..
I was more concerned about the Engine Oil and the Final Drive oil.
Since I noticed that some manufactures mentioned,, "This Final Drive Oil is NOT recommended for Wet Clutch Systems".

This got me thinking that some bikes share the engine and final drive oil.

 

[1FK00]

(Did you mean Engine and Gearbox oils are shared??)

When I read this, I wondered the same thing.
My Clymer manual has two different oil types for the engine and final dive.
So I guess there are shaft driven bikes that share Engine and Drive oil.
Maybe that's why they had it posted on the bottle.



This was my thoughts also.. like I stated above, maybe there are bikes that share the oil between the engine and final drive.
I figured I'd ask the group before I messed anything up.

Thanks

Yes, the engine and gearbox (and clutch) share the "engine" oil.

The final drive oil is completely separate.

 

[sdt354]

The final drive is one place synthetic oil can be used, Darren. It's a little better lubricant imo. And long lasting.

 

[02GF74]

To resurrect an old topic, as part of the recommissioning I'll be replacing the final drive oil and am torn between: Semi Synthetic 75W80 GL4 1 Litre Gear Oil 1L and mineral SAE80 GL4 - £ 1 difference in price. I read of the benefits of synthetic/semi-synthetic plus the thicker oil give better for the gears. Ok, so my annual mileage will be quite low and I won't be riding in sub-zero temperatures so no need for the 75W.

Anyone have experience of the two oils? I'll probably get the 80 to be on the safe side although I doubt there is noticeable difference between the two.