Which type of oil for the tranny on KDX220

[XRDadKDXBeni]

In SE Louisiana, its hot, very hot. Many folks here run an 80-85 weight gear oil in the trans, although the manual specifies 10w** choices depending upon temperature. Any experiences out there as to use of gear oil vs motorcycle multi-viscosity transmission oils? XRDad

 

[CMcCarthy]

I live in Alabama, and I run Castrol 10W-30. I change it after every ride. If you buy it by the 5 quart jug, it works out to about $0.80 per ride. Cheap insurance.

 

[XRDadKDXBeni]

CM: are you using an automotive oil or motorcycle grade? If automotive, any problems with clutch sticking, as in, engine not running, but hard to push bike when in gear and clutch disengaged?

 

[Matt90GT]

we have been using the Honda HP fluid. works great. It looks to be the same as the redline ATF product.

 

[CMcCarthy]

Plain ol' automotive 10W-30. No sticking problems.

 

[davidg]

I use the Bel Ray 80 wt atf with out any problems. It is a good idea to change often, I go about 6-8 gallons between changes.

 

[wts]

CMcCarthy - I am buying a KDX200 and live in Madison, AL. Where do you guys ride? I'm new to the area.

 

[XRDadKDXBeni]

CM: in Louisiana we are fortunate to be able to ride in just about every national forest in the state. Additionally, in Mississippi, there are several riding areas in national forests just above biloxi and if you go to Centerville, MS, you can ride at the Flying W trails (operated by Kevin Windham of motocross fame) for a small daily fee, or you can by a season pass. Get on the internet and search ATV riding in National forests in LA and MS, you should find plenty of info. XRDad

 

[CMcCarthy]

wts, check your PM inbox, I sent you a message.

 

[wts]

CMcCarthy - I sent one back.

 

[fuzzy]

I run the recommended 10w30, but use AMSOIL. I use it in my car too.

 

[gooby]

not that we can compare weather here in upstate ny with where u live but....very hot this summer.i rode a couple days 95 deg with ungodly humidity(i had to stop one ride and sit under a tree to recover).i use quaker state atf type f ,i saw no ill effects from the hot using atf ?i change mine every 2-3 rides

 

[munich]

I use Red Line Light Weight Shock Proof gear oil. Red Line claims viscosity of 30wt and protection of 75w140. i've used it for 2 rides, shifting is goog and clutch operates good. I bought a case of it and plan on changing it when ever I start to see discoloration (it's blue in color).
I'll post if it ever creates a problem, but so far so good.

FOG

 

[miro47]

I live in Edmonton Canada,and I run Amsoil 10w30 in my KDX220
and 10w40 (Hi.perf.)in my XR650L. No problems at all.

 

[Lew]

ATF from Napa Auto parts. I am the oddball here and use Dexron III, and I throw in the whole quart.
Lew

 

[XRDadKDXBeni]

Interesting stuff; as I understand it, some people are using gear oil, some motor oil, and some ATF fluid?...are we talking ATF fluid as used in automatic automotive transmissions?...and this is not a problem? XRDad

 

[tclark2020]

I have been using automatic tranny fluid now for several months in both of my bikes and it is working great!!

 

[Lew]

Yes, atf automotive brand. Most will recommend type f, but that gave me very notchy shifting and was hard to find neutral. I use dexron III and have had no problems with either of my KDX's and the shifting is smooth. I was talking with a repair shop mechanic about a year ago who told me the only oil related tranny failures he had seen in his days were due to low or no oil, or never changing it. He told me to change it often and don't worry. I change every 2 - 3 rides. :thumb:
Lew

 

[Bill Hibbs]

This is what I'm using and I've been very happy. Consistant clutch, hot or cold and noticeable smoother shifting. This is coming from using ATF and Honda HP4. Kind of pricey but you really don't have to change it as often. http://www.hgnr.com/Products/Dumonde/DT_tech_info.htm#LWHS_Trans

 

[2stroke will]

I run the recommended 10w30, but use AMSOIL. I use it in my car too.

I also use AMSOIL but they have a dirt bike transmission fluid specially formulated for two stroke