Just read in the Rider's Handbook and Haynes' that the forks are designed to use SAE 3 fork oil. I just had some SAE10 from Motor Works. It must be OK, surely?
Fork oil
- Thread starter John Roberts
- Start date
Ok! I'm attempting a mind meld....nope! Not receiving anything..
Is this for your rs John?
The viscosity of the fork oils vary massively. So 5w is the norm for 81 - 84 forks. 7.5w for heavier damping. I think you may have issues with 10w oil but that depends on the oil manufacturer.
There was a chart on line that showed just how much the viscosity from various brands varied. It was a considerable amount especially once the oil warmed up.
Is this for your rs John?
The viscosity of the fork oils vary massively. So 5w is the norm for 81 - 84 forks. 7.5w for heavier damping. I think you may have issues with 10w oil but that depends on the oil manufacturer.
There was a chart on line that showed just how much the viscosity from various brands varied. It was a considerable amount especially once the oil warmed up.
Thanks, Rob. After reading your post I gave MWorks another call, they did say that it would produce stiffer damping but that it would be acceptable and that many preferred them like that. When I first ordered the oil I was thinking that the standard grade was 10, which in the past I used to mix 50:50 with 15. When I read that the original spec was for SAE3 then I threw a wobbly, hence my post. Filling the forks on the RS is another awkward job in true Airhead style, you have to take the handlebars off, a job that I don't like as it's a bugger to get the bars back in the correct position which doesn't crunch your thumbs against the fuel tank on full lock and without fouling the fairing on the other. (And yes, I have marked the bars to aid repositioning, but there's very little leeway on mine.)
Found that article if your interested
http://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/index.php?title=Suspension_Fluid
http://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/index.php?title=Suspension_Fluid
I`d be vary of using the 10 grade oil , it`s likely to give a very hard ride on our magnificent pot holed roads . I tried it in my R100S & had to change it for a lighter grade .
Cheers
Harry
Cheers
Harry
I think I blended mine to replicate a 7.5W
50 % 5W and 10W mix
50 % 5W and 10W mix
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2002
- Messages
- 12,651
- Reaction score
- 1,239
As above...go for 7.5 or a 5 grade fork oil. 
Similar threads
