Forks oil x Dakar, advice needed

[dodgydago]

Hi,
I need to repair a leak on one of the front forks (650 Dakar-year2005).
I'm in Asia.
I have no idea what oil I need and wich are good alternatives to the factory one that I may be able to find around here.

Also, I would like to have a higher grade (possbly 15) to increase damping and decrease forks diving.

Any suggestions?
Any experience with different oil brands / viscosity?

Thanks

DD

 

[komatias]

BMW use castrol oils. it is ok to use any make you can but start off with w10 oil just to see if that doesnt hit the spot.

 

[muzvmc]

I've got it written down at home, the quantities and weight thats in mine, I'll post it this eve.

 

[richc]

The Dakar should take 550ml per leg, if you disassemble the fork leg it'll take 560ml. Stock fork oil is 7.5 wt - 10 wt works well for most people. The feel is very subjective, if 10 wt doesn't feel right, try 15. Oh - if you've got one side leaking, replace the seals on both sides.

 

[rc mad]

what richc said


Also while your there condsider throwing a set of progressive springs in, stops the nose dive effect under braking and makes the front end a lot better than stock.

 

[muzvmc]

Hi, I've currently got 540ml of silkolene 10wt in mine.
I am running the touratech springs which take a up bit more volume than std.
I have tried 15 wt but it was too stiff off road. Just rebounded off everthing!
Hope this helps
Ian

 

[dodgydago]

ta

Sure it all helps.
Thanks a lot.
I missed the chance to get the progressive forks. I should have asked before.
As per the oil, I will see what I can find here. Ill keep u posted just in case.
There is still snow and lots of ice around so I'm in no hurry for the momment, but as soon as it clears and the weather forecast looks fine I'll be off.

DD from Almaty, Kaz.

 

[rc mad]

didn't realise you were in almaty, doubt tt would deliver stuff out there

 

[dodgydago]

Thanks RC,
I'm sure they'll be happy to send them, I have lots of Tura stuff and its all great. My worry, should I order progressive forks is how much it will end up costing. The fright is probably a lot more than the cost of the springs. Nevertheless, that's cheaper than a bike badly set up. But what really stops me is having to deal with customs and all. You never know what that's going to end up like and how many officials are going to queue for a cut. I've of sets of tyres for a 1200gs costing $600 and stuff like that... I Pass, really, I don't need the agro. But hey, it's part of the adventure!
DD