Hitchcocks Forum

I intend to fit a high output alternator. What lubrication would the noble gentlemen here recommend as a lubricant in the primary?
ATF or light oil? (10w/30?)Or something else entirely? (500 Bullet from 2003).

I have no idea what's in there now.

I have 2002 500 classic and use ATF works for me👍👍

I have a 2005 500 ES Classic and follow the factory recommendation 20/50 engine oil. I have had no problems.

Well, Mr H recommends ATF and I've always used it with no problem. I don't know why it is referred to as a fluid rather than an oil - it is an excellent lubricant and is designed for use in wet clutches (automatic gearboxes in the past were full of what amounts to clutches)

Hi Exile... go for ATF. I have used it for more than 20k km and it works great... Have you decided on whitch high output alternator to get? The reason why I'm asking that I have finally realised that some of my problems with the bike relates to little power produced by the OEM alternator. So I have to install another, but have not yet decided on 120 watt, 200 watt, single phase or 3 phase... regards Jacob

ATF seems to be getting the vote... Thanks lads.

Hi Jacob. Good to hear from you again. I've bought the 120 Watt alternator and rotor from H's. 4 wire, easy to fit to Thumper (I hope). I have the idea that it might just beef up the DC side of things.. Once again, superb delivery by GLS.. 4 working days from H's to my door.

Hi Exile... if you plan to do the alternator swap this riding season, let us hear about it. As I wrote I really need some exstra power too, so I'm curious about the result. Maybe we should go for a ride after the mod, so I can get the story straight from you? regards Jacob

I'd love to have the job done this season, but I don't know how much of it is left..!! I'll keep everyone informed. Right now I need to find ATF and find a day to do the job in.


I like the idea of a ride out though. I have just discovered a neighbour who owns a Norton café racer that doesn't get aired much.. Maybe we could all team up one day..?

ATF – Auto Transmission Fluid – is called ‘fluid’ rather than ‘oil’ I guess because it does much more that lubricate. In an automatic-gearbox it lubricates, cools, transfers energy, friction braking, etc. But in fairness, ‘oil’ does a lot of those things too!

Hi Exile... ATF you will find at Autobremsen on Roskildevej 398, Biltema in Glostrup or thansen + plenty of more places dealing in autoparts. Type F should have the most friction additives, but all types ATF would be fine... Yes, let's do a ride out with the Norton guy. Right now I have a very busy calender but will call you when I find a day off being busy... Jacob