Author Topic: fork oil  (Read 2846 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

no bs

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 583
  • Karma: 0
  • if it's got two wheels i'm on it
on: June 19, 2013, 04:41:15 am
any recommendations? i've used atf in honda forks, and how much in each leg?
killing bugs since 1972 2011 g5 deluxe frankenbullet


Arizoni

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,412
  • Karma: 2
  • "But it's a dry heat here in Arizona
Reply #1 on: June 19, 2013, 04:45:21 am
You didn't say which RE you were working on but about 160-180cc should be about right for most of them.

(I'm sure if I'm wrong, someone will jump in and give us their answer. ) :)
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


D the D

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,174
  • Karma: 0
Reply #2 on: June 19, 2013, 05:50:26 am
I find ATF too light and proper fork oil smoother.  I've got Torco 15 weight in mine which might be too light for some folks.  I'm 170lbs in pothole city and started with ATF "F", then 10w Amsoil Medium, and then went up to 15w Torco.  BelRay 20 weight or PJ1 is quite popular.  Any of the major brands are decent oils; Castrol, Motul, or Silkolene for instance.  It's just finding the weight that works for you in the brand you can get and/or prefer.  Honda dealers here carry BelRay and PJ1.  But anything over 10 is hard to find locally these days.
200cc in each of my forks per the manual, but that's an '07 old style.  As Arizoni says, newer bikes are 180cc from what I read.
'07 Iron Barrel Military (Deceased 14 September, 2013)
2014 Yamaha Bolt R Spec V-Twin
1975 XLCH


no bs

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 583
  • Karma: 0
  • if it's got two wheels i'm on it
Reply #3 on: June 19, 2013, 04:36:43 pm
2011 g5. thanks!
killing bugs since 1972 2011 g5 deluxe frankenbullet


barenekd

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 5,516
  • Karma: 0
Reply #4 on: June 19, 2013, 08:33:14 pm
I used Maxima 10W fork oil in my G5, 200 ml. Worked great! I used maxima because that's what the guy that I bought the oil from was selling. I have used most of the other brands, particularly BelRay, and they all work fine. ATF is and old wive's tale from the '50s before they made specific fork oil and everyone was using 30wt engine oil. Forget those days. Real fork oil, oddly enough, works very well in forks! No need to use any other witches' brews!
Bare 
« Last Edit: June 20, 2013, 05:02:52 pm by barenekd »
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer
2011 Black Classic G5 (RIP)
I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
http://www.controllineplans.com


REpozer

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,322
  • Karma: 0
  • Royal Enfield , Let the good times roll.
Reply #5 on: June 19, 2013, 11:24:48 pm
Speaking of witches brew, ..I might mix half ATF-F and 30w oil to try and get a better ride.

Found some fork oil,  7w and cost $18.
2008 ( AVL) Classic Bullet in British Racing Green
REA member # 84  (inactive)


D the D

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,174
  • Karma: 0
Reply #6 on: June 20, 2013, 01:38:52 am
Fork oil + shipping can be ordered online for less than that. And witches brew is usually why witches have warts.
'07 Iron Barrel Military (Deceased 14 September, 2013)
2014 Yamaha Bolt R Spec V-Twin
1975 XLCH


Craig McClure

  • Riding over 50 years
  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,351
  • Karma: 0
  • "No Future In Getting Old"
Reply #7 on: June 20, 2013, 04:20:56 pm
I used some Amsoil synthetic ATF I already had, & am totally satisfied with my forks function.
Best Wishes, Craig McClure


63falconht

  • Scooter
  • **
  • Posts: 3
  • Karma: 0
Reply #8 on: June 21, 2013, 12:49:11 am
30wt oil, rides like completely different bike.


heloego

  • A 2x4. My kingdom for a 2x4!
  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,498
  • Karma: 0
  • USA '12 C5, '06 ElectraX
Reply #9 on: June 21, 2013, 03:15:32 am
My dealer and I went the rounds about fork oil when my bike arrived. I requested the oil be changed and 10W used. He's actually a scooter guy and insisted on at least 15W-50. In the excitement of getting my bike, and not in the mood to start a fight I relented and went with the 15W.
Unless it's gonna have an adverse effect on my fork seals, so far I'm happy with the ride.
'18 Bonneville T-100, Blue/White
'12 C5 Classic
'06 Electra X AVL w/32mm Mikuni and Gold Star system.


REpozer

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,322
  • Karma: 0
  • Royal Enfield , Let the good times roll.
Reply #10 on: June 21, 2013, 04:40:32 am
Its very easy to change ,...at lest on the  Old Classic frame.
2008 ( AVL) Classic Bullet in British Racing Green
REA member # 84  (inactive)


hortoncode3

  • Grease Monkey
  • ****
  • Posts: 310
  • Karma: 0
Reply #11 on: June 25, 2013, 02:40:26 pm
I've been happy with the stock oil, but for my information..when should I change it?


D the D

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,174
  • Karma: 0
Reply #12 on: June 25, 2013, 04:51:24 pm
I've been happy with the stock oil, but for my information..when should I change it?
You won't be happy with it when you see what comes out!
My manual says check at 3k miles and Replace at 6k miles.  I changed at 3k miles and love the improvement over the black and gray factory sludge.
'07 Iron Barrel Military (Deceased 14 September, 2013)
2014 Yamaha Bolt R Spec V-Twin
1975 XLCH


barenekd

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 5,516
  • Karma: 0
Reply #13 on: June 25, 2013, 08:26:43 pm
Quote
I've been happy with the stock oil, but for my information..when should I change it?

Yesterday. This is one of those things that should be done when you bring the bike home!
You'll be a lot happier when you find that the forks actually move!
Bare
2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer
2011 Black Classic G5 (RIP)
I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
http://www.controllineplans.com


heloego

  • A 2x4. My kingdom for a 2x4!
  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,498
  • Karma: 0
  • USA '12 C5, '06 ElectraX
Reply #14 on: June 27, 2013, 03:44:03 pm
+1!   :D
'18 Bonneville T-100, Blue/White
'12 C5 Classic
'06 Electra X AVL w/32mm Mikuni and Gold Star system.