Do motorcycles have transmission fluid?
Motorcycle Transmission Oil
Any motorcycle with a separate transmission and engine uses transmission fluid. Most notable are the products from Harley Davidson. Most motorcycles have the transmission integrated with the engine. These require specially formulated engine oils. The oils need to cope with the rotational and sliding needs of the engine as well as the shearing action in the gear train of the transmission. Plus the fact these engines are equipped with a wet clutch. Adds a new dimension of lubricating requirements for the motor oil.
It depends on the motorcycle itself. If it is a four stroke motorcycle, most of the Japanese made bikes use the oil from the engine to also lubricate the transmission. When you fill up on engine oil, you are actually filling both engine and transmission (gearbox). Two stroke motorcycles, however, usually require oil separately from the motor to lubricate the gear box, as two stroke engine operate differently from four stroke engines. There are exceptions depending on the make and model of bike you have. Some Harley Davidsons, for example, have a separate lubrication system for the transmission from the engine, and they are a four stroke. Find out what year/make/model of the bike you are inquiring about a contact the service department of your local dealer. They can help you out. And so you know, I have ridden, worked, and raced motorcycles of all types for the past 20 years and I cuurently am employed with American Suzuki.
