Changing fork oil

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

Hey all. Just wondering if I can take the two screws out of the side of the forks and drain the oil out that way, or do I need to take them off, and turn them upside down? Seals aren't leaking, just need to put some heavier oil in to carry my heavy ass around, and slow the front end dive down.

jayel · Posted: August 18, 2007, 8:00 am Post subject: Re: Changing fork oil

yes they will drain thru those screws, might want to put refill with some ATF and ride it a bit to wash all the crud loose then refill again with want you want to use

5twins · Full Member Joined: Aug 05, 2006 Posts: 1616

If you have a later bike with the 35mm forks, use more oil, too. Put about 7 oz. in each leg instead of the speced just under 6. They work better with a bit more oil.

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

Changed the oil with 20w50 per TT's suggestion, and it is definetly better. Would like to know if anyone is running the progressive springs from Mikes, and if they are worth the money. I need a stop gap till I can get some heavier duty forks on the bike.

xsjohn · Posted: August 18, 2007, 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Changing fork oil

A one inch or more spacer will stiffen the springs...

John

xs1961 · Posted: August 18, 2007, 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Changing fork oil

Ive tried prog' springs a few times on different bikes...cant say Ive noticed any difference...Oil seems to be the major factor in fork feedback I reckon...ecpect someone will soon say otherwise... Rolling Eyes

5twins · Full Member Joined: Aug 05, 2006 Posts: 1616

I've got Mike's springs and I think they work pretty good, much better than the sagged out originals. The bike nose dived badly when braking with the originals, even with the pre-load caps at max. I did add that extra oz. of oil, though, when I put Mike's springs in, so it could be helping too. I'm running the standard speced fork oil for my '78, 10wt. I think.

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

I weigh over 200lbs, so that is probably contributing to the nose dive. I think it is way better, but with the preload all the way, and 7oz of the 20w50, I still get between 3-4" of "dive" under hard braking. It does seem to hold the corners better though.

xsjohn · Posted: August 18, 2007, 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: Changing fork oil

Sure would try spacers before I spent 50 bucks on springs......

John

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