ATF makes more HP , but do we need it ?

[Kaw4me]

This forum like many others is peltered with so many opinions
on tranny oils it's mind boggling.

Just my opinion but here goes ---- ATF helps drastically when
your riding a small displacement bike " 125 or less ? " and you
want maximum HP to the rear wheel.
Thats where it all started , was on the track.
You'll loose 2-3 HP with too heavy an oil.
Racers didn't care really how it shifted , just as long as it did.
The viscosity of ATF vs. 10w40 is huge , ATF is like a 3-4 wt.

For us average trail riders , run what shifts the best and you'll be
fine . More than likely it will be some sort of motor oil.

 

[BSWIFT]

I've been running ATF in my YZ for years, ran it in my KX before that. Zero problems.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

There was a good discussion on this topic a while back that is worth revisiting :

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=5288

 

[BSWIFT]

There was a good discussion on this topic a while back that is worth revisiting :

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=5288

Great thread, lots of names from the past posted in it.

 

[EYY]

I prefer using engine oil over ATF, purely due to the better cushioning provided by the thicker oil. Clutch drag and easy shifting are some of the main reasons Kdx riders change to ATF, although this is often a temporary fix for a notched/worn clutch basket.

 

[Kaw4me]

Just to clearify multi-viscosity oil ratings.
This is how any oil company rates a 10w40 for example.

At zero degree's it has the " properties" of a 10 weight oil
and at 200 degree's it has the " properties" of a 40 wt.

Multi- viscosity oils are all a compromise as a straight 10w
will out flow a 10w40 at cold temps and a straight 40 will
be much heavier at high temps than a 10w40.

Sorry to over think this subject. :bang:
Run what shifts the best !

 

[Kaw4me]

I prefer using engine oil over ATF, purely due to the better cushioning provided by the thicker oil. Clutch drag and easy shifting are some of the main reasons Kdx riders change to ATF, although this is often a temporary fix for a notched/worn clutch basket.

Many may laugh or disagree but I'm running Total /Elf 10w60
moto GP oil in our tranny's. 100% European synthetic and flows good when cold. The company I work for is a distributor so I can get for a great price. :cool: