Shift Feel when it's Cold Outside

[Guest Thundering Subash]

Just got back from a ride in this brisk Minnesota weather (it's currently 42 degrees Fahrenheit) and I have to say that I LOVE the way the tranny shifts when it's cold outside. I've read some criticizms of the V11 6 speed tranny that it's almost too refined, which I tend to agree with. I like a bit of a "cachunk" when I shift from neutral to first gear when waiting at a traffic light. In warmer weather, the shifter feels a bit vague and I occasionally get false neutrals between 2nd and 3rd gear if I'm in crusing mode. When I'm running it hard at higher revs the shifting is much more precise.

 

On a scale of "cachunk" to "snick", "schlak" being in the middle, I would put my Lemans on the lighter side of "snick" in warm weather, and on the heavier side of "snick" in cold weather.

 

By the way, I run Valvoline SAE 80W-90 gear oil in my tranny.

 

Any thoughts or recommendations out there on what oil to use in the transmisssion to get a more solid feel year round while still providing good protection???

 

-Chris

 

 

Reference Key

 

cachunk=Harley

 

schlak=older Japanese bikes, newer Japanese Harley knock-offs

 

snick=newer Japanese sport oriented bikes

 

Disclaimer

 

This is not an exact science, only my personal experience with bikes. Please don't be offended if your particular bike is not referenced in the cachunk, schlak, snick scale. Perhaps some day I'll do a more comprehensive study on the topic and publish my findings.

[Janusz]

One try of Redline Shockproof Heavy gear oil will make you a believer, I'm sure.

 

You wil lprobably invent one more word also.

 

Maybe "schlick"?

[Gio]

I agree - shifts are much smoother since switching to Red Line MT-90 (75w90, no moly) and also keeping the shifter linkage lubed.

 

Gio

 

('00 V11S)

[al_roethlisberger]

So for those using the Redline and similar...no leakage/seep problems with the switch to synthetic?

 

Just checking as some people have cautioned against it in the past on that assumption

 

al

[Guest Brian Robson]

Castrol Syntec since new, no leaks and shifts fine at 22F.

[Guest John T]

So for those using the Redline and similar...no leakage/seep problems with the switch to synthetic?

All modern synthetic gear and engine oils have the required "seal swellers" that prevent leaks just like dino oil.

 

I use redline 75w90 synthetic gear oil. Shifts fine.

This oil is also rated GL-5 instead of the GL-4 of the MT90 Redline. It has more friction modifiers (more slippery) and has added EP (extreme pressure) additives.

 

If it leaks on synthetic, you have leaky gaskets!

[Janusz]

Redline 75-90 - good. maybe even very good.

 

Redline Shockproof Heavy (red color like blood) - seventh heaven.

 

Leaks after switching to synthetic - old wife's tale.

 

If your gaskets leak that means you have bad gaskets.

 

All V11S family bikes are full of synthetic oils from factory.