250r trans lube

[jonny23]

changing trans oil on 85r, can i use 85wt oil? i have some laying on the shelf just seeing if its ok to use?

[fabiodriven]

85wt as in 85 weight gear oil? Straight 85wt? I don't think that would be too good to use, unless it's an 85wt oil designed for use with motorcycles and ATV's. If you're talking about regular gear oil for a rear end or something I wouldn't recommend it. Even an 85wt motorcycle oil designed just for two stroke trannies wouldn't be great unless it were over 75 degrees.

[jonny23]

its maxima 85wt transmission oil for atv, motorcycles

if not good then whats recommended?

[fabiodriven]

Maxima. That's a bike oil. You should be OK to use it but I'd change it out for something thinner as it gets colder out.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

^^^AGREE!^^^

In the Honda service manual, they call for 10w-40 in the transmission.. Just keep that in mind. Your 85w will probably be fine for hot summertime riding, but I wouldn't run it in cold temps.... That stuff will be thick as honey down below 30 or 40 degrees.... Gonna take a long time to get it warmed up and thinned down a bit.

[jonny23]

ok thanks for the input guys, ive never really looked into trans lube..what kind of 10w-40 should i use? isnt that just regular car oil?

[RIDE-RED 250r]

You will get many diverse opinions on that question.

What I run is Valvoline ATV 10w-40. States that it is "designed for use with wet clutches" on the back of the bottle. Any other 10w-40 labeled for use in motorcycles will be fine. I hear-tell that modern conventional motor oils have different friction reducing additives that can cause premature wear on clutches.

Yes, the motorcycle safe oils are more expensive, but it's not a big deal to me since my R tranny only takes a little over half a qt.

Again, alot of varying points of view. In fact, I know there are some here that run plain ol' automotive oil and have had no issues. Not trying to start another oil thread here, just offering up what I use (with zero issues) and my reasoning behind it.

I would run ATF with no qualms before using standard automotive oil...

[jonny23]

thank you!

[ceaserthethird]

I only use ( Honda HP Trans Oil 80w/85w aka Red Bottle ) on all my 250R's - Warm or Cold temp's no problems !

Yes your Maxima oil 85w will work just fine. always double check make sure it's wet clutch safe!

[jonny23]

i only really ride in cold temps (ice riding)