V85TT Gearbox and Final Drive Lube Level

[Amstaff]

Someone’s probably already done this due the reports of inadequate gear lube volume from the factory…..

Had an uphill start requiring somewhat of a clutch strain. Didn't seem severe, but late on this short ride, I was smelling a burning odor, not quite the clutch/brake odor but similar enough that it seemed the only thing it could be. Forgot about it and rode the next day didn’t notice it, but I started thinking about it later. Most of the unhappy V85 experiences seem to be thusly related and more toward incidence of lubrication absent from gearbox.

So, I stuck a wire in the fill tube of the final drive and all seemed well. Did the same with the transmission. A wire with a bend facing out at the bottom is needed to clear the internals and reach the oil level.

[Cam3512]

So change the oils, measure and put in the PROPER quantities.  Remember, NO more than 160 ml in the rear drive.  Issues have been too much oil in the rear drive creating leaks. Not anything with the transmission.

That wire tells you nothing.

[Trialsman]

Even if you have a new '21 version, check the rear drive level.  The level can STILL be wrong!  After seeing a little oil splatter on my rear wheel at 50mi I drained it and measured 175ml.  I subtracted the proper amount and put it back in - no problems since.  This is two years after they found they were overfilling them and it caused problems.  It doesn't take long to check it.

[Amstaff]

My “Service Station Manual” dated 2019 says check the final drive level relative to the fill hole. It says fill to the fill hole. The volume contained seems consistent. The tranny has at least 2” sloshing around. This seems to rule out the factory mistakes with minuscule lube and the horror stories of catastrophic failure. Meant to be a cursory check and avoid wasting oil.

Plenty of experienced folks here,so tell me if I’m missing something.

[Vagrant]

Amstaff, go back and read cams post. He is right according to the tech buliten.

[Amstaff]

I did read it, and I don't have the bulletins that you refer to, and weren't mentioned in that post. The link below that post is not relevant….

Has the manual been superseded?

Thanks

[Cam3512]

I did read it, and I don't have the bulletins that you refer to, and weren't mentioned in that post. The link below that post is not relevant….

Has the manual been superseded?

Thanks

There was a bulletin distributed to dealers, and an official recall to inspect the rear drive.  Initially it was 160-180 ml of oil in the rear.  Anything over 160 was too much and created too much internal pressure causing the seals to leak. 

Jim Hamlin changes all the oils every engine oil change.  I agree, it’s cheap insurance.

[Amstaff]

Good to know Hamlin’s does the fluid changes earlier than the recommended interval which is excessive for the GB and FD lubes. How important is it for the dealer to do the 900 mile service? Four hour plus round trip times two.

[Cam3512]

I’ve always done my own  service on previous new bikes.  It doesn’t void the warranty if you use the correct oils and quantities.  My V85 is the first bike I’ve purchased from Hamlin’s.  I’m letting him service it as well to support his dealership.  There are so few reputable ones left, I want to do my small part.  It’s a crappy 3 hour ride each way for me, but worth it.  Others drive much further.   I trust him.

Your signature line says you’re in Albany County, NY.  That’s a 2:15 ride to his place in Bethel, CT.  You’re closer to his place than I am.  I don’t understand your 4+ hours round trip times two for the first service?  If you feel better taking it to a dealership, you don’t have to take it to the one where you bought the bike. 

Cam

[Amstaff]

I bought it at Hamlin’s. I’m just assuming you drop it off and pick it up another day-like most bike shops. He has made a comment before that he does schedule while-you-wait, or at least same day appointments, but wasn’t assuming.

I agree with supporting good businesses, and one trip down is feasible. Typically never take cars or bikes to a dealer since I don't trust them, but this is the exception.

[Cam3512]

You can call and make an appointment for a specific day.  Get there when they open and wait.  There’s a great Italian restaurant and Diner two blocks away in either direction, and he has couches upstairs.  Better to truck or trailer it down so your engine is cold for valve adjustments.  If you ride, your wait will be longer while he lets it sit and cools it with a fan.  Either way, it’s a full day hanging around a cool motorcycle shop.  Beats a day at the office!

[malik]

Is MINERAL oil specified for the V85's final drive, as it is for the V7? I found using synthetic 140 weights in there seemed to cause oil leaks. Reversion to mineral based oil solved the problem. Just something to keep an eye out for.

[Cam3512]

Is MINERAL oil specified for the V85's final drive, as it is for the V7? I found using synthetic 140 weights in there seemed to cause oil leaks. Reversion to mineral based oil solved the problem. Just something to keep an eye out for.

No.