FORK OIL ?

[FLIGHTY]

HI, NEW TO THIS SITE, FROM UK. I,M CHANGING MY FORK SEALS, BUT NOT GOT ANY INFO ABOUT WHAT GRADE OF FORK OIL TO USE. HAD MY BIKE FOR 6 MONTHS, JUST BEEN RIDING IT, IT,S SO MUCH FUN.

[Rusty]

Use 15 wt. fork oil. This helps with the dampening. Measure the oil level with the springs OUT, and fork compressed. You want about 85mm as measured from the top of the fork tube down to the oil level. The manual has the level at 95mm. By going to 85mm this helps stiffen the spring in the last part of it's travel. The fork tube holds just over one liter. So you will need 3 liters. You will have one bottle almost full when finished. have fun!

[FLIGHTY]

thanks for all your help, will sort forks out over christmas holidays, 

[Rusty]

To do the forks right, they should have new springs put in to suit your weight. the stock springs are a bit soft. I am using Race tech springs with gold valves. I'm building the bike for track days.

[mrbones]

I found the stock springs to be too soft and dive when braking. I put in a set of progressive springs and it handling a lot better. Here's a link to their site:

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

[psubrock]

They sell the progressive springs on bikebandit also for $80.
Racetech's site has them for your weight for $110.
Here is the question, are you still using 15w with the P springs bones?
Also, they mention shortening the stock spacer with them, did you have to do that or did everything drop in and bolt up?

[mrbones]

I used the 15w oil and noticed no difference between that an ATF (automatic transmission fluid). I'm not a racer, just a street rider. I'd buy the ATF since it's so much cheaper.

Yes, I had to cut the spacers. It's just PVC pipe and cuts real quick with a hacksaw.

[psubrock]

Good to know, I'm looking forward to messing around with the bike this winter now that school is over. I'm leaning towards the progressive springs, mostly on cost since this is a street bike, even though it will look like a race bike once I get my F3 header bent to fit and some frame sliders on. 

[psubrock]

HEY, if you guys want the progressive springs get over to bikebandit.com they are on sale for $67
I just got a set.