Fork Oil

wheel spinner · 09-01-2018, 07:59 PM

I have been noticing that my front forks really hit hard on the bumps and holes.... meaning that I see the shocks going up and down like there is no oil in them... so I am going to drain the oil and replace new oil... I have heard of people using ATF dexron lll in their forks which is suppose to be equal to a 15 w fork oil.. dexron ll equal to a 10 w fork oil... so tell me... what do you guys use?? fork oil or Dexron ll or lll ?? and how much oil in each fork?? I can't find anything far as an amount... I have read some people use 15 ounces in each fork... is there a tool to dispense the amount???

Sochin · 09-01-2018, 08:39 PM

I got some Yamaha 15w that worked good with longer spacer on top of the spring. 230-240ml oil in each fork.

pete · 09-01-2018, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheel spinner

I have been noticing that my front forks really hit hard on the bumps and holes.... meaning that I see the shocks going up and down like there is no oil in them... so I am going to drain the oil and replace new oil... I have heard of people using ATF dexron lll in their forks which is suppose to be equal to a 15 w fork oil.. dexron ll equal to a 10 w fork oil... so tell me... what do you guys use?? fork oil or Dexron ll or lll ?? and how much oil in each fork?? I can't find anything far as an amount... I have read some people use 15 ounces in each fork... is there a tool to dispense the amount???

Weight is a SAE scale for lubecation...
forks work by flow....is the CST rating at any given temp..
A SAE rating can have a very wide CST flow rate depending on who makes the oil...
IE... a 10 weight oil from one manifacturer can be the same as a 15 weight from another
on the CST scale...
oil for lube air rates easy then holds the air..where fork oil is made to release air quickly
if it dose air rate.. air bubble in the oil don't damp very well going though the valves..

timcosby · 09-01-2018, 10:40 PM

200ml in each side is the amount i think. measure what comes out maybe

ChrisWNY · 09-01-2018, 10:45 PM

I used 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in my Hawk front forks. Seems to work well, shocks don't bottom out and are definitely stiffer than they were stock with whatever junk was in there (looked like used motor oil when I detached the forks and tipped them over to drain them). I remember about 150mL of oil in each fork.

Red Hawk · 09-01-2018, 11:19 PM

1 + on 20w Maxima fork oil. I tried ATF and it was not much better then the China stuff. 250ML works well for running the trails.

pete · 09-02-2018, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisWNY

I used 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in my Hawk front forks. Seems to work well, shocks don't bottom out and are definitely stiffer than they were stock with whatever junk was in there (looked like used motor oil when I detached the forks and tipped them over to drain them). I remember about 150mL of oil in each fork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Hawk

1 + on 20w Maxima fork oil. I tried ATF and it was not much better then the China stuff. 250ML works well for running the trails.

20w Maxima has about a 15 / 16 CST...
will work fine if the front end is not taking quick sharp hits
tree roots , rocks etc...

The heavyer 20w + oil dose work better on the road by slowing the
suspension & removeing some of the wollowing in corners..

Another point is the thinner the oil the less chance of blowing fork seals
the oil travels faster though the valves/damping rods & not build as much
pressure behind the seals on that big hit as easly..

..

wheel spinner · 09-02-2018, 09:44 AM

Mainly what I use my 200cc for is riding on my 20 acres of land... 99% is going through the woods... going over holes... bumps.. ditches... tree limbs.. Tree roots... you get the picture... and when applying my front brake the fork takes a dump forward.. so I guess I'll need to get a Harder fork... but smooth... I've been thinking of using Dexron lll because people that use it say the inside of their forks stay clean vs. using fork oil.. I really don't want to empty the forks 4 or 5 times just to find the best ride.,.. but I realize that is what I am going to need to do...

Chris said:
I used 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in my Hawk front forks. Seems to work well, shocks don't bottom out and are definitely stiffer than they were stock with whatever junk was in there (looked like used motor oil when I detached the forks and tipped them over to drain them). I remember about 150mL of oil in each fork.

My question is how much do you know to pour in each fork?? ok... I drain the forks through the drain plug at the bottom.... at the top I remove the nut underneath the handlebar.. ok.. the oil has completely drained... how can I tell if I add enough or too much.. or not enough.. I have seen that there is a tool that applies the oil to the exact measurement... but you need to know how much... LOL

Any ideas Chris or anyone???

ChrisWNY · 09-02-2018, 10:32 AM

I put 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in each fork (the 150mL referred to the amount of stock garbage oil that was in the forks from China...it might've been even less than that). Measured using a plastic metric measuring cup and just poured it in each fork. It's much easier (and more thorough) if you loosen up the tri-clamps and take the forks off entirely, then tip the forks upside-down and pump the fork to drain all the oil out. You have to use a little caution when removing the cap at the top so that the spring and spacer don't come flying out of there. The cap at the top must be cracked open while the forks are clamped on the bike. Once you crack the top cap loose, go ahead and remove the front fork...you'll be able to unscrew the cap the rest of the way by hand or using a wrench/ratchet.

Megadan's youtube video is very informative for changing fork oil...it's pretty easy, will probably take you about 30 minutes. Dan makes a good point about loosening that bottom bolt...if you over-tighten or somehow mess up while reinstalling your bolt, you are likely to have oil leaks and other issues creep up with your fork valves. I've read several posts on here regarding forks leaking...those were most likely instances of people removing the bottom bolt to change the fork oil, where they later encountered issues. Once you change your fork oil and replace it with a high quality oil, you probably won't need to change the fork oil again for quite awhile unless you ride real hard.

Skip to about 8:00 in this video...

wheel spinner · 09-02-2018, 11:05 AM

Thanks Chris for the video... I did learn not to take the screw out the bottom of the fork because of the damper... and that is what I was going to do...

so now I'll just remove the forks and drain them and replace the oil... I'll use about 200 - 220 ml and see how that does at 15w...

Weldangrind · 09-02-2018, 02:41 PM

SpudRider did exhaustive research on this topic, and he heartily recommended Valvoline MaxLife Dex Merc ATF. It has a viscosity of 28.2 cSt @ 40C and is very economical. I use it in all of my bikes.

wheel spinner · 09-03-2018, 08:17 AM

Weld... So you like the ride with ATF better than with fork oil?? I am really leaning into using ATF oil... Valvoline MaxLife Dex Merc ATF... is it a good ride or what?? soft... bumpy... remember I ride in the woods all the time... over tree stumps.. limbs and etc...

also.. just curious... I am going to change out the fork oil soon... but has anyone ever drained the fork oil from the small screw at the bottom of the fork and did you have any problems with it??

I ordered a lot of parts here and going to put them on soon...

humanbeing · 09-03-2018, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheel spinner

...drained the fork oil from the small screw at the bottom of the fork...

Prepare a broomstick http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=249937

Kivi · 09-03-2018, 09:37 AM

I used Motul 5W fork oil for my USD forks. Arround 250-300ml per fork, I don't remember.

wheel spinner · 09-03-2018, 11:17 AM

using more oil in the forks, does it stiffin the ride more???

09-01-2018, 07:59 PM	#1
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	Fork Oil I have been noticing that my front forks really hit hard on the bumps and holes.... meaning that I see the shocks going up and down like there is no oil in them... so I am going to drain the oil and replace new oil... I have heard of people using ATF dexron lll in their forks which is suppose to be equal to a 15 w fork oil.. dexron ll equal to a 10 w fork oil... so tell me... what do you guys use?? fork oil or Dexron ll or lll ?? and how much oil in each fork?? I can't find anything far as an amount... I have read some people use 15 ounces in each fork... is there a tool to dispense the amount??? __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
	1

09-01-2018, 08:39 PM	#2
Sochin Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Montucky Posts: 209	I got some Yamaha 15w that worked good with longer spacer on top of the spring. 230-240ml oil in each fork. __________________ 1991 Kawasaki KLR250
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09-01-2018, 10:40 PM	#4
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	200ml in each side is the amount i think. measure what comes out maybe __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
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09-01-2018, 10:45 PM	#5
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	I used 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in my Hawk front forks. Seems to work well, shocks don't bottom out and are definitely stiffer than they were stock with whatever junk was in there (looked like used motor oil when I detached the forks and tipped them over to drain them). I remember about 150mL of oil in each fork. __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks
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09-01-2018, 11:19 PM	#6
Red Hawk Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: NEPA Posts: 273	1 + on 20w Maxima fork oil. I tried ATF and it was not much better then the China stuff. 250ML works well for running the trails. __________________ 2018 Hawk P&P Decked .040 off the head. 17/43 D.I.D. 428, NGK Iridium plug, DeCat, Wrapped pipe, Custom S.S. Muffler core, Nibbi PE30 115/35, L.E.D. Lights, Digital Cluster, USB port, Cutting Bord skid plate, Oil cooler w/ custom CRF oil filter inline, 5Wt fork oil, Rear Shock, CNC Back Rack, 30mm FAT bars, Bark Busters, ProGrips, Adjustable levers, Shinko 700’s lots of Loctite!
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09-02-2018, 09:44 AM	#8
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	Mainly what I use my 200cc for is riding on my 20 acres of land... 99% is going through the woods... going over holes... bumps.. ditches... tree limbs.. Tree roots... you get the picture... and when applying my front brake the fork takes a dump forward.. so I guess I'll need to get a Harder fork... but smooth... I've been thinking of using Dexron lll because people that use it say the inside of their forks stay clean vs. using fork oil.. I really don't want to empty the forks 4 or 5 times just to find the best ride.,.. but I realize that is what I am going to need to do... Chris said: I used 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in my Hawk front forks. Seems to work well, shocks don't bottom out and are definitely stiffer than they were stock with whatever junk was in there (looked like used motor oil when I detached the forks and tipped them over to drain them). I remember about 150mL of oil in each fork. My question is how much do you know to pour in each fork?? ok... I drain the forks through the drain plug at the bottom.... at the top I remove the nut underneath the handlebar.. ok.. the oil has completely drained... how can I tell if I add enough or too much.. or not enough.. I have seen that there is a tool that applies the oil to the exact measurement... but you need to know how much... LOL Any ideas Chris or anyone??? __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
	0

09-02-2018, 10:32 AM	#9
ChrisWNY Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 212	I put 200mL of 20W Maxima fork oil in each fork (the 150mL referred to the amount of stock garbage oil that was in the forks from China...it might've been even less than that). Measured using a plastic metric measuring cup and just poured it in each fork. It's much easier (and more thorough) if you loosen up the tri-clamps and take the forks off entirely, then tip the forks upside-down and pump the fork to drain all the oil out. You have to use a little caution when removing the cap at the top so that the spring and spacer don't come flying out of there. The cap at the top must be cracked open while the forks are clamped on the bike. Once you crack the top cap loose, go ahead and remove the front fork...you'll be able to unscrew the cap the rest of the way by hand or using a wrench/ratchet. Megadan's youtube video is very informative for changing fork oil...it's pretty easy, will probably take you about 30 minutes. Dan makes a good point about loosening that bottom bolt...if you over-tighten or somehow mess up while reinstalling your bolt, you are likely to have oil leaks and other issues creep up with your fork valves. I've read several posts on here regarding forks leaking...those were most likely instances of people removing the bottom bolt to change the fork oil, where they later encountered issues. Once you change your fork oil and replace it with a high quality oil, you probably won't need to change the fork oil again for quite awhile unless you ride real hard. Skip to about 8:00 in this video... __________________ 2018 RPS Hawk 250cc Mods so far: 1. Mikuni VM26 Carburetor w/#115 main jet 2. 17T/45T JT sprockets 3. JT 428 X-ring chain 4. Air box mod 5. Hawk Digital Cluster 6. Aftermarket IMS shift lever 7. Performance Aftermarket Exhaust 8. 295mm Nitrogen Gas Monoshock, 20W oil front forks
	2

09-02-2018, 11:05 AM	#10
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	Thanks Chris for the video... I did learn not to take the screw out the bottom of the fork because of the damper... and that is what I was going to do... so now I'll just remove the forks and drain them and replace the oil... I'll use about 200 - 220 ml and see how that does at 15w... __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
	1

09-02-2018, 02:41 PM	#11
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	SpudRider did exhaustive research on this topic, and he heartily recommended Valvoline MaxLife Dex Merc ATF. It has a viscosity of 28.2 cSt @ 40C and is very economical. I use it in all of my bikes. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	1

09-03-2018, 08:17 AM	#12
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	Weld... So you like the ride with ATF better than with fork oil?? I am really leaning into using ATF oil... Valvoline MaxLife Dex Merc ATF... is it a good ride or what?? soft... bumpy... remember I ride in the woods all the time... over tree stumps.. limbs and etc... also.. just curious... I am going to change out the fork oil soon... but has anyone ever drained the fork oil from the small screw at the bottom of the fork and did you have any problems with it?? I ordered a lot of parts here and going to put them on soon... __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
	0

09-03-2018, 09:37 AM	#14
Kivi Join Date: May 2017 Location: Serbia Posts: 217	I used Motul 5W fork oil for my USD forks. Arround 250-300ml per fork, I don't remember.
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09-03-2018, 11:17 AM	#15
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	using more oil in the forks, does it stiffin the ride more??? __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
	0