Introduction
This guide will show you how to change the oil in the transmission of the Evolution motor of the Harley-Davidson Sportster.
The Evolution Sportsters have wet clutch and primary drives. It is recommended to change the oil at 1,000 miles, then every 10,000 miles after that.
The manufacturer recommends using 20w50 oil. Make sure that the oil you use is approved for wet clutches. Many automotive oils are not, so we recommend purchasing an oil that specifically states it's formulated for use in motorcycle transmissions. 75w90 gear oil is often substituted for 20w50 motor oil in this application.
What you need
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For the best access to the transmission drain plug, optimal draining, and accurate re-filling, we recommend working with the bike secured in an upright position.
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Using a 5/32 Hex or Allen screwdriver, unscrew the two screws from the primary chain inspection cover.
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Your inspection cover may not be round, depending on the year. However, it will be in the same location and secured by similar screws.
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Remove the primary chain inspection cover from the transmission housing.
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The transmission drain plug is located on the underside of the transmission on the left side of the bike, near the kickstand bumper.
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Place a drain pan underneath the drain plug.
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Using a wrench, unscrew the transmission drain plug and remove it.
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Allow all the oil to drain out of the transmission. It should take about five minutes.
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Using a T27 screwdriver bit, remove the four screws holding the clutch inspection cover in place.
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Tool used on this step:Heavy-Duty Spudger$4.99
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Insert a heavy duty spudger or similar prying tool into the gap between the clutch inspection cover and the transmission housing near where clutch cable enters the housing.
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Gently pry the clutch inspection cover away from the transmission housing.
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Re-insert the transmission drain plug into the transmission housing and hand tighten.
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Using a 3/4" wrench, tighten down the transmission drain plug.
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Insert the nozzle of a funnel into the primary chain inspection hole.
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Pouring slowly, pour approximately 1 qt of oil into the transmission.
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As you pour, watch the clutch inspection hole. Make sure that the oil level stays below the edge of the clutch inspection hole.
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Using a 5/32" Hex or Allen screw head, re-install the primary chain inspection cover.
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33 Comments
but you CANT use gear oil for cluthc!!!
car motor oil CANT be used for bike cluthc!!! Motorcycle motoroil CAN!
Is synthetic 20w50 ok to use?
Jordan -
What the !&&* is a cluthc?
redin575 -
You can use Amsoil 20w50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil. It is certified for engine, transmission, and primary chaincase lubricant. Manuals will specify gear oil as well (75w90), which is also appropriate to use. Note as Eric Essen wrote that these oils are defined differently. Link to the Amsoil 20w50: https://www.amsoil.com/p/20w-50-syntheti...
Sir_Nerd -
I change my my transmission oil exactly how it showed and yes the spring with the nut on the end came off and I put it right back. Now I have no tension at all in my clutch basically I have no clutch anymore. This is the first time I've taken the inspection plate off during a transmission fluid change. I usually drain it and automatically just put one quart in. What could I have done wrong?
