ATF as Gear Lube

[hughes]

Always use use atf type f but I have used d3 with no issues. Type f just doesn't have all those additives.

[Ahole500]

i may be a jackass but i've run automotive WYNNS 75-90 syn gear oil in mine for 1 yr now w/ no problem.i'm a GM tech and have a couple cases and some told me they run gear oil and never had any trouble so i did and i like it.but after all this ATF talk i dont know what i should put in it never oil change 

[SlideWays]

I made the switch to ATF type F a few months ago in my 98 KX 250, I had been running Royal Purple synthetic prior to switching. My clutch would stutter when cold at the beginning of the ride, since changing to ATF have not had the problem. Royal Purple cost $15.00 a quart vesus $1.98 for the ATF, I change mine at 10 hor intervals.

My 2000 KX 250 is starting to stutter now, so will make the change in it as well.

Slideways

[KXcam22]

I finally tried ATF type F in my red 450.  Gave me a huge improvement in clutch feel and slipping modulation, which lead to far less stalling in the ugly stuff.  Trans shifted quite a bit better and my occasional missed shifts went away.  Prior oil used was regular 10W40 motorcycle oil. Great results overall. Cam.

[KXcam22]

How is this for a suprise.  I switched to Shell Rotella T 15W40 and got a slight but definite improvement over the ATF.  Both shifting and clutch action were again improved. Rode a whole day without a missed shift - first time ever. Cam.

[jfabmotorsports.com]

I finally tried ATF type F in my red 450.  Gave me a huge improvement in clutch feel and slipping modulation, which lead to far less stalling in the ugly stuff.  Trans shifted quite a bit better and my occasional missed shifts went away.  Prior oil used was regular 10W40 motorcycle oil. Great results overall. Cam.

KXcam,  You had better clear up how it is even posible that you can use ATF in a Honda 450 before someone tries it in a Kawasaki 450f. Way different deal!!!!

[KXcam22]

Yes good point - I don't want to mislead anyone.  ATF CAN NOT be used as an engine oil or in a bike where the trans and engine oil are shared!! The CRF450 has separate engine and trans oil so I can run different oils for each if I choose. In my KX500 the ATF was the best trans oil I tried.  I was just trying to point out that I got improved shifting and clutch action ABOVE what the ATF did for me, using the Rotella T (using the honda as a test bench). I would be nice for someone to do back to back rides with ATF and then Rotella T with a KX500 to test if the improvements I noticed are universal, or specific to the bike model I have. Cam.

[bob larry]

Been using it for two summers now.  Motomaster ATF f
Works great for $4.  I change it every weekend

[weymouth399]

I have alway used atf dex2 changed every 5 gals or so (two rides top) never thought about any other, it always worked realy good
years ago i used gearsaver (when i worked at a dealership) too pricey plus didn't clean like atf till you open your clutch and replace them aluminum plates most oil will turn to sluge if not changed daily
  bob

[ThrottleJunky]

Yep, I've been using  ATF in 2 stroke trannys since '00.   I was a straight 30 wt. guy.  Didn't want to change until one day at the track, I had no choice.   Worked just fine.    Got to where I don't even look to see which type it is.   Important part is to change it often. It's cheap!

[wickedwon]

I have been using ATF for year. read about it in one of ERIC GORR's books. Works fine. Only problem I hade was in a older 125, it started showing main seal leak. I keep reading the work "cheap", don"t use cheap fuilds! I use the B&M trick. which you can buy just about everywere.    good luck

[tschisi]

It seems that i´m the only one with major ATF-Problems.
I put it in my k5, in my CRF450, and in the 125 ktm of a friend of mine.
The k5 is the only one that runs good with it.
In my CRF the gear-shift mechanism quit it´s work and in the ktm the spring that puts the shift lever back to the center position broke, both immediately after the oil change.
I could fix both but that was just annoying...
arrgh! 

[stewart]

i talked with the oil reps and atf is not right for these dirt bike transmissions

[ToomanyKaws]

Rode four rides with ATF and changed it every two.  I just went back to Belray Gearsaver.  I didn't like the looks of the ATF when it came out of the 500 trannys.   See more super fine metal in the ATF where on any of my KX, KDX bikes I don't see hardly any with the Belray.
Same thing with two stroke oil.   People constantly switching brands.   Like the Redline two stroke oil by the gallon.    Haven't done any top ends in a long time.

[blueoval]

 talked with the oil reps and atf is not right for these dirt bike transmissions

Stewart, I am very curious about this.  Will you give more details?   thx