What to use for fork oil?
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
I put Bel Ray 10w fork oil in my 02 FXD. I only need one qt. Pick up a couple qts at a local bike store or Indy. Granted the original oil in the forks was HD's type "E" which equals a 5w fork oil. The FXD is used primarily for 2 up riding so that 10w really helped out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
I agree with Rich. I think ATF would work too. Looks and smells the same to me.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
E= 5W. Oils are different with HD. If you have a =< 2006 SG than you can put in the amount your manual says. I did help with AdrianVail's bike but forget the measurements. Look and see what it says, but it is somewhere between 110mm ~ 130 mm. I do not own a 49mm new style Dyna so I do not remember. Use one of these PRO OIL LEVEL TOOL if you measure
Go to a race bike shop near you and purchase some good oil around the E style original HD 5W. The heavier the oil the more stiction (parasitic drag) and also the harsher the bike rides. You change the valving and not the weight of the oil if you wish to change the ride characteristics. The oil you put in the forks must lubricate the bushings as well as acting as a hydraulic pump. I do not recommend any oil other than fork oil but than again, it is your bike. Do not mixed the new and the old oils.
I also beg to differ with you as to whose fault the oil shortage is. You are the mechanic and not the parts guy. You should have had your install mapped out prior to starting.
Go to a race bike shop near you and purchase some good oil around the E style original HD 5W. The heavier the oil the more stiction (parasitic drag) and also the harsher the bike rides. You change the valving and not the weight of the oil if you wish to change the ride characteristics. The oil you put in the forks must lubricate the bushings as well as acting as a hydraulic pump. I do not recommend any oil other than fork oil but than again, it is your bike. Do not mixed the new and the old oils.
I also beg to differ with you as to whose fault the oil shortage is. You are the mechanic and not the parts guy. You should have had your install mapped out prior to starting.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Hey while your at it, give him a good shot in nuts.. I don't think he feels bad enough about the situation.
We're just giving ideas to get him through tomorrow, or maybe till next weekend. Bad part, yes... repeat of draining and refilling the forks.
We're just giving ideas to get him through tomorrow, or maybe till next weekend. Bad part, yes... repeat of draining and refilling the forks.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Just outside of New Orleans, La.
I recently changed mine out and used the HD SE fork oil, mine calls for 10.6 ounces per fork so that's what I put in. My buddy works at the local HD and he said that this oil is better than the type E because of the road conditions here in New Orleans.
Jay
Jay
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 4
From: NC
I also beg to differ with you as to whose fault the oil shortage is. You are the mechanic and not the parts guy. You should have had your install mapped out prior to starting.
The printout on the front end on HD computer was WRONG too. The guy comes out with a oil seal that looks like it belongs on 39mm. I told him that is not it, and what does he say? "Hmm, well I dont know what to tell you, this is the part number according to my diagram." - After taking it apart MYSELF - it was a COPPER WASHER on the very bottom of the fork tube. AND.. it is correctly listed in MY repair manual.
This is beyond oil. They SUCK. I have NEVER had a good experience with service at HD.
I mixed 16oz "E" with 10oz 20W motor oil. A lot better. Stiffer too. We'll see how she does this week.
Thanks for all the help gents, much appreciated.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Rocket350, Unfortunately I do not have the manual on your bike. I do have all of the parts so if you need info on purchasing parts from HD I have all of the PN's. I would be glad to help you out with accurate infomation.
Remember that the new HD is not the same as the old ones. In the day before computers and motorcycling was not nearly as popular as it is now as well as the need got greed v/s passion, you went to the parts counterman. The counterman use to know HD motorcycles and could tell you what part could be interchanged with what part. Now the counterman could have just layed off from Circuit City and, like some they have never ridden a HD.
If I can help you in any way you are local & just give a call.
Remember that the new HD is not the same as the old ones. In the day before computers and motorcycling was not nearly as popular as it is now as well as the need got greed v/s passion, you went to the parts counterman. The counterman use to know HD motorcycles and could tell you what part could be interchanged with what part. Now the counterman could have just layed off from Circuit City and, like some they have never ridden a HD.
If I can help you in any way you are local & just give a call.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
I know it's a little after the fact - but I like the Bel Ray 15w Fork Oil I get from the local metric shop. I changed the fork oil at 5K and it was pretty nasty stuff. I swapped out the sliders for chrome this past winter and even after 7k miles on the fork oil - it looked brand new. Very happy with it.