Gear Oil preference transmission and final drive

[Angry_Bill]

Sorry gents for this vanilla topic but I did search the site  and didn't find any info.   Also, the Wikka page seemed empty of content (any content).  I'm putting the transmission back in the bike after being repaired at the dealer 2 years ago (moved 1500 miles, lots of other projects).  

I know BMW makes their 80W 90 GL-5, but I'd prefer not to overpay for lubricants.  What is everybody using, standard 80/90wt, synthetic, different weights, etc?  

Same question for transmission and final drive.  I google searched the internet but found a surprising lack of content.  Perhaps it was my keywords but any help now is appreciated

[Justin B.]

I personally use 80w140 synthetic.  I have found (in my bikes) that the transmission shifts better when up to temp with the thicker stuff.  I use 75w90 semi-synthetic in the final drive and driveshaft tube.

I think that the majority of opinions lean toward synthetic being the way to go for at least the transmission.

The Wiki will not be populated until some of you start putting in stuff!

[Bob_Roller]

I've been using the BMW branded standard gear oil, for about 15 years, before that I was using Castrol 80/90 gear oil.

I think if you use a quality brand oil, and change it regularly, I don't think you will have any issues later on.

One item that can cause you a little problem, if you don't already know it , is the rubber boot that covers the speedometer drive cable at the transmission.

It looses it's grip on thr drive cable, and allows water to enter the transmission.

Clasisc clue to this is a coffee with milk look , of the transmission oil when you drain it out .

[nhmaf]

I use the 80W 90 GL5 stuff from Castrol or sometimes Valvoline.   I haven't made the switch to synthetic stuff as I figure that I change the oil in the motorcycles frequently enough - whereas synthetic in the gearboxes of our cars is something I am willing to spend the extra $$ on.

I've tried the higher viscosity oils but where I live the temps are generally in the 40s - 50s the first month and last 2 months of the riding season, and the thicker stuff doesn't seem to warm up enough to shift as nicely for me during these months.

[Angry_Bill]

Thanks guys. I'll head off to wally world tomorrow and maybe autozone if wally world doesn't stock enough variety.  

I'll post some of this in the Wiki but I'm no silver tongue.!!

[montmil]

Bill... You live in Austin and you're angry?  

[Angry_Bill]

Well, it's a nick name given to me by others.    It's a transposition of my actual name. :-?  Yes, Austin is pleasant and rather difficult to live up to my nick name.

[Darwin_R65]

The Wiki will not be populated until some of you start putting in stuff!

Just a subtle hint  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Bill... You live in Austin and you're angry?  

N.S.  That is what I was wondering.  In all of Texas, Austin is a breath of fresh air.

[Justin B.]

That's a matter of opinion.    No offense to Bill since he obviously has his head at least mostly screwed on right!  [smiley=beatnik.gif]

[Angry_Bill]

I haven't drunk the kool-aid, I hear there's a heck of a hang over.