This is a 2008 example but despite having done only 9200 miles, there is no sign of a change in the service history. The correct method suggests 100mm air gap with spring removed and fork compressed using 7.5w oil. Does this apply equally for lowered forks?
Fork oil fair gap or lowered suspension. F650GS twin.
- Thread starter Tacho D
- Start date
There is no mention of lowered forks on Real OEM, does this mean front forks are the same therefore same air gap?
Not sure of the answer
BMW state correct oil is type 2, that's what I used when I changed mine.
Not sure of the answer
BMW state correct oil is type 2, that's what I used when I changed mine.
RadioFlyer
Registered user
The forks on the standard height F650GS twin and the lowered are exactly identical. You can verify this by comparing the individual component part numbers for each and you will find that they are all the same. Note that the factory manual states that the air gap is measured with the spacers (but not the springs) inserted. This is crazy but that's what it says. This leaves you with the problem of how to remove the spacers once you have the level correct since the springs go in first. I used a wire clothes hanger bent to form a hairpin spring inside the spacer to lower it into the tube. I can send you a photo if you PM me an email address.
I seem to remember that the air gap is larger for the 'lowered' bike. My wife had one and that's what we figured out.
RadioFlyer
Registered user
We put 300,000 combined kms on our F650GSs. Mine was standard height and my wife's lowered. The air gap is the same.
You can of course find a way of removing a good amount of the old oil by pumping / sucking out, but it will leave any residue from the slider bearings resting at the bottom of the fork leg in a sludgy mess.
Me, when doing a fork oil change, I give the removed fork leg a good few up & down rotations before dis-assembly, to help bring all the residue into suspension in the oil.
Then, once dismantled and all the old oil has drained, I squirt a small amaount of parrafin into the fork, give it a good sluice about, then let it drain out into another container. You'd be supprised at how dirty/discoloured the parrafin is when it comes out.
Thats just me & my way of doing stuff
SteveT
Me, when doing a fork oil change, I give the removed fork leg a good few up & down rotations before dis-assembly, to help bring all the residue into suspension in the oil.
Then, once dismantled and all the old oil has drained, I squirt a small amaount of parrafin into the fork, give it a good sluice about, then let it drain out into another container. You'd be supprised at how dirty/discoloured the parrafin is when it comes out.
Thats just me & my way of doing stuff
SteveT
