Release #65 - July 2025

Oil: The Unsung Hero in Your Drivetrain

BAKER Drivetrain lays it down plain and simple: oil isn’t just some slippery liquid that keeps things moving—it’s the lifeblood of your engine and drivetrain.

Back in the day, early Evo motors were pushing 69 ft-lbs of torque. Today’s big-inch monsters are easily cranking out 115 ft-lbs and beyond. Through it all, oil has always done more than just lubricate—it cools, cushions, cleans, and protects. And the harder your bike works, the harder your oil has to work too.

As horsepower and torque climb, the demands on your fluids increase. But let’s be honest—oil rarely gets the attention it deserves... until something goes wrong.

That’s why we broke it all down in one of our archived tech articles, “Oil & Spiders.” Bert explains how:

• 🧊 Oil capacity affects cooling—and why that matters more than ever
• 🔥More torque means more heat, and oil is your first line of defense
• 🧠Oil plays a multi-functional role in today’s high-performance V-twins
• ⚠️Running cheap or wrong-spec oil can cost you big

Bottom line: Your drivetrain is only as strong as the oil protecting it. If you’re building power or pushing miles, understanding what’s happening inside that case is key—and skimping on oil quality is asking for trouble.

Now look—we get it. Oil choice is like religion or politics. Everyone’s got their brand, their rituals, their non-negotiables. We’re not here to argue. But we are here to say this: as long as you’re using a high-quality GL-5 rated oil in the correct weight for your setup, your drivetrain will stay happy.