Gearbox oil

gripper · May 19, 2016

A couple of years ago I bought some gearbox oil for my Norton Rotary that I never used and the bike is now sold. I'm thinking of using it in my Commando. Its Red Line V-twin transmission oil (synthetic with shockproof) It seems quite thin when comparing it with EP90. Has anybody got an opinion on the suitability of this oil for a Commando? Thanks.

Fast Eddie · May 19, 2016

gripper said:
A couple of years ago I bought some gearbox oil for my Norton Rotary that I never used and the bike is now sold. I'm thinking of using it in my Commando. Its Red Line V-twin transmission oil (synthetic with shockproof) It seems quite thin when comparing it with EP90. Has anybody got an opinion on the suitability of this oil for a Commando? Thanks.

It is fantastic oil. Very popular on the classic racing scene where they use "super light shock proof" which has the consistency of ATF when cold!

I use "lightweight shockproof" in my Commando and have used it in all my old bikes for 10 years or more now.

Danno · May 19, 2016

So this lightweight/shockproof gear oil makes up for lack of viscosity with additives or?

Mike B · May 19, 2016

I've been using Redline gear oils (MTL & MT90) for 25 years, and about 145,000 miles in my Commando. The bushings seem to last much longer. I've not used the shockproof gear oil , but it is supposed to be the best of the best. So long as it is a GL4 specification, you are good to go.
Mike B.

batrider · May 19, 2016

Just remember to shake it up before using. I was surprised that the stuff I have - the lightweight shockproof version - separated out into a blue oil-like part and a green grease-like part after sitting a while. It sticks to everything so I like to use it as an assembly lube for shop equipment too. Wonderful stuff.

Fast Eddie · May 19, 2016

Danno said:
So this lightweight/shockproof gear oil makes up for lack of viscosity with additives or?

I think the answer is yes, but I'm no chemist.

In my own experience, I saw reduced wear on gearboxes (racing) and I like how the stuff sticks to every single surface in the box, no matter how long its stood for. It seems to have tremendous adherence.

The racers use the thinnest stuff in pursuit of fractions of HP. I use the thicker stuff for added piece of mind, even though, when I discussed the application with Red Line, they said it was unnecessary and the Super Lightweight would be more than man enough.

Here's the relevant page on their site: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=42&pcid=8

pete.v · May 19, 2016

I have tried them all and the smoothest operation comes from regular dumb ol' Lucas 80/90.

Danno · May 19, 2016

Fast Eddie said:
Danno said:

So this lightweight/shockproof gear oil makes up for lack of viscosity with additives or?

Click to expand...

I think the answer is yes, but I'm no chemist.

In my own experience, I saw reduced wear on gearboxes (racing) and I like how the stuff sticks to every single surface in the box, no matter how long its stood for. It seems to have tremendous adherence.

The racers use the thinnest stuff in pursuit of fractions of HP. I use the thicker stuff for added piece of mind, even though, when I discussed the application with Red Line, they said it was unnecessary and the Super Lightweight would be more than man enough.

Here's the relevant page on their site: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=42&pcid=8

About twice the price of Mobil 1 synthetic 80. Must have some of the same sticky stuff as Amsoil. Guy I know who drags a ZRX used Mobil 1 4T, but his buddy uses Amsoil. When he did a rebuild on the Amsoil motor, he said he couldn't hold on to a part, it would slip right out of his fingers. I ran a case of it through my old ZZR 1200 and it made it shift stiffer, slightly harder to start and cut mileage a smidge. It's got something gooey/sticky in it most oils don't have.

pete.v · May 19, 2016

Sorry for the oxymoron, but sometime it costs a lot of money to find out that you don't have to spend a hole lot of money.

gripper · May 20, 2016

Thanks for your input Gents, I'll drop it in when I return from the NOC rally in Italy

Fast Eddie · May 20, 2016

gripper said:
Thanks for your input Gents, I'll drop it in when I return from the NOC rally in Italy

Opie Oil sell Redline products via mail order in UK.

toppy · Jun 4, 2016

Fast Eddie said:
In my own experience, I saw reduced wear on gearboxes (racing) and I like how the stuff sticks to every single surface in the box, no matter how long its stood for. It seems to have tremendous adherence.

The racers use the thinnest stuff in pursuit of fractions of HP. I use the thicker stuff for added piece of mind, even though, when I discussed the application with Red Line, they said it was unnecessary and the Super Lightweight would be more than man enough.

Just wondering Eddie which grade of oil you use in your gearbox? As the three different grades for oil are all about the same price (around £22 a US quart on eBay) i would be normally inclined to put the heavy weight type in myself. But would this maybe be to thick and spoil the feel or quality of the gear selection when shifting.

Fast Eddie · Jun 4, 2016

toppy said:
Fast Eddie said:

In my own experience, I saw reduced wear on gearboxes (racing) and I like how the stuff sticks to every single surface in the box, no matter how long its stood for. It seems to have tremendous adherence.

The racers use the thinnest stuff in pursuit of fractions of HP. I use the thicker stuff for added piece of mind, even though, when I discussed the application with Red Line, they said it was unnecessary and the Super Lightweight would be more than man enough.

Click to expand...

Just wondering Eddie which grade of oil you use in your gearbox? As the three different grades for oil are all about the same price (around £22 a US quart on eBay) i would be normally inclined to put the heavy weight type in myself. But would this maybe be to thick and spoil the feel or quality of the gear selection when shifting.

I use the 'Lightweight' which is the middle one. I have used the 'Super Lightweight' on racers with no I'll effect too. I have never tried the heaviest one. I was tempted, but the Redline specialist said it was for huge nitro burning dragster gearboxes and totally OTT for old motorbike use.

Brooking 850 · Jun 8, 2016

I also use the Redline Shock proof oil in my AMC 4 x speed , blue oil , sticks and stays everywhere it needs to be!!
Regards Mike

Gearbox oil

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