Transmission oil change

[zamunda]

Just got a used KDX 200 and naturally want to change all the fluids. A previous thread had even suggested ATF fluid.

Wondering just what is the hot ticket for these tranmissions - should I replace with a synthetic oil, or should types only be changed when you're changing out the whole clutch? The manual recommends 10W-40. Is this a standard car crankcase oil or something different?

thanks

 

[Faded]

This has been a topic of much debate as far as what to use, but everyone agrees on one thing: CHANGE IT OFTEN!

Like every two rides. ATF is good to use (Type F), the only Syn. Motor Oil that everyone seems to recommend is Mobil 1 15-50 (red cap). I've ran both with good results. If you ride in the sand a lot, or other extremely high heat/high load conditions, then motorcycle specific 85 or 90W gear oil would be a better choice. Again, change it often. ;)

 

[Faded]

Also, you might want to check out the KDX forum, it's the spot for guys with bikes like yours.

 

[kev_rm]

A common observation is that if you change it often, synthetic anything is overkill and probably completely unneccessary, especially in a 2-stroke where transmission oil isn't really exposed to most of the heat of combustion. $0.02

 

[Faded]

IMO, motorcycle trans get hot enough to warranty synthetic oils. Nesassary, maybe not, recommended? That's for you to decide.

 

[zamunda]

OK, thanks for the replies. Found some other threads here that address this issue. Candidates look like a cast of thousands, I'll pick my preference and go. Most importantly, I will change often!

 

[Chili]

It comes down to bike performance and personal preference.  We run ATF type F in my son's 99 KX80 and change it every ride.  In my old 86 RM125 I run cheap 10-40 Castrol or whatever 10-40 I can find cheap.  I tired the 10-40 in the KX but it seemed to like the ATF better.  As Faded suggested no matter what you use change it often.  Noticed this was your first post, welcome aboard :thumb:

 

[zamunda]

Chili,
Yup, 51 yrs young, just getting going at this - although not going much until the weather warms up here in Colorado.

Thanks for the welcome.

John

 

[flynbryan]

Good luck and have some "warmer" fun Zamunda :thumb: Feel free to ask questions here. There is a wealth of experience at your finger tips. As well as the possibility to meet many friends. Its the best money I've ever paid for anything in dollar/profit margin. You will find riders of all ages here. :)