Fork Oil

LDO

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
My manual states 15W, I've read the How-to's and seen anywhere from 20W -30W. Is there an advantage (ride quality) one over the other? Is there a different fluid weight requirement (chopper style/loger tubes over prostreet) depending on the bikes?

Not hoping to create the typical shit-storm that other oil threads start. Just need the info.:D
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
I know when I did mine I used 20W. I know some suggested 30W so I just met in the middle. Didn't realize any major ride change.

I have switched oils before in forks on rockets and noticed an instant change.
 
REMorris

REMorris

OK Rider Shakey
Logic would tell you that the thicker the oil, the stiffer the ride.

15 weight is thin, The only thing thinner would be maybe ATF or sewing machine oil. Of course, my saying ATF will probably cause a shitstorm of comments.

Richard
 
LDO

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
REMorris said:
Logic would tell you that the thicker the oil, the stiffer the ride.

15 weight is thin, The only thing thinner would be maybe ATF or sewing machine oil. Of course, my saying ATF will probably cause a shitstorm of comments.

Richard
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I figured as much but since there have been so many 'fork' threads lately, I figured someone may have changed from one weight to the other and could offer up some comparison ride quality information.
 
CCRainman

CCRainman

Well-Known Member
LDO said:
I figured as much but since there have been so many 'fork' threads lately, I figured someone may have changed from one weight to the other and could offer up some comparison ride quality information.
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LDO, I did my forks over last year and I used 20w. The manual called for 15W, I might have made a mistake because my forks are pretty stiff with the 20W. I'll be changing back to 15W soon.. I hope this helps you.
 
slowrower

slowrower

2007 Mastiff
I went with 30 weight as its warm here in Florida ... for u fellas in the colder climates thinner would be better. If you have leaks are their old again all the more reason for a bit heaver oil. The difference in oil weight or viscosity from 15-30 could possibly felt when cold but as soon as it warms up I bet one would be hard pressed to fell the difference.

I changed mine at 6,000 miles and it was a black mess, also helped SuperFly change his with 10,000 miles which was more like black sludge.

You can feel the difference with the new oil as it flows better allowing the shock action to work better so I am changing mine every 6,000 or so.

Cheers
 
alhall88

alhall88

UAW
I would say its a weight/rider preference in the prostreet models but in a chopper at my weight I would not run over a 15 weight because I want the forks to compress to eliminate some of the flex. American suspension use to recommend a 5 weight on anything thats 12 over.
 
V

Vegas

Well-Known Member
If you liked the ride before. I would hope that the front end manufacturer and big dog tried some different combinations for comfort and safety. Wouldn't count on it though.:roll:
 
LDO

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
I guess I can give it a shot with new 15W and if I don't like it, I can kick it up to 20W. Hell, after seeing how nasty my fork oil looked, I plan on lowering the replacement interval anyways....

BTW,
Gas's How-to is GREAT! But it should have a note that says...

"DO NOT let your forks sit dry over night before cleaning them or the sludge will dry up and you'll use up several cans of break cleaner trying to get that junk out!!!:lol: :lol:

Actually, it wasn't very funny....:rant:
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
LDO said:
I guess I can give it a shot with new 15W and if I don't like it, I can kick it up to 20W. Hell, after seeing how nasty my fork oil looked, I plan on lowering the replacement interval anyways....

BTW,
Gas's How-to is GREAT! But it should have a note that says...

"DO NOT let your forks sit dry over night before cleaning them or the sludge will dry up and you'll use up several cans of break cleaner trying to get that junk out!!!:lol: :lol:

Actually, it wasn't very funny....:rant:
Click to expand...
Well what dumbass would do that? :lol:
 
LDO

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
Gas Man said:
Well what dumbass would do that? :lol:
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That would be me!:D

Well when my 8yr old comes in the garage and says "dad, are you gonna be in here all day? I wanna shoot my airsoft gun!"

I gotta do the right thing!:D
 
TCALZ06

TCALZ06

Well-Known Member
LDO said:
I guess I can give it a shot with new 15W and if I don't like it, I can kick it up to 20W. Hell, after seeing how nasty my fork oil looked, I plan on lowering the replacement interval anyways....

BTW,
Gas's How-to is GREAT! But it should have a note that says...


What tool did you use to remove the plug at the bottom?
There was some talk about needing a butterfly speed wrench
Click to expand...
 
P8RIOT

P8RIOT

Well-Known Member
Calendar Participant
LDO said:
Well when my 8yr old comes in the garage and says "dad, are you gonna be in here all day? I wanna shoot my airsoft gun!"

I gotta do the right thing!:D
Click to expand...
Yeah, we get it, LDO! :eek: Give a Marine a chance to SHOOT something, and it resets all the priorities. :roll: :roll: :roll:
 
LDO

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
TCALZ06 said:
What tool did you use to remove the plug at the bottom? There was some talk about needing a butterfly speed wrench
Click to expand...
Nothing special really, i just used an allen T-Handle to remove the plug at the bottom. I would imagine that if you remove this plug while everything inside is still under pressure from the springs and all, you wouldn't have any problems...I didn't.
 
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