Stiffen up forks?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I used standard height Progressive springs and 20 wt fork oil.
Rides much nicer now and no it is not too stiff.
Front wheel needs to be up in the air so no pressure on the forks.
Watch that fork cap when you take it off!
Rides much nicer now and no it is not too stiff.
Front wheel needs to be up in the air so no pressure on the forks.
Watch that fork cap when you take it off!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities
Ok, so i ordered up the progressive springs. They say i'll have them tomorrow.
What's the difference in the oil weight? 20wt is thicker than 10wt, therefore 20wt is stiffer?
I'm pushin 3 bones, so i probably want they heavier oil. Or would it make sence to use a medium oil and then just use a longer spacer on top of the spring?
So, if i have the tire up off the ground, how would you compress the fork when measuring the amount of oil going in? I have a friends floor jack in my garage, might as well use it before i have to give it back.
Thanks for everyones input.
What's the difference in the oil weight? 20wt is thicker than 10wt, therefore 20wt is stiffer?
I'm pushin 3 bones, so i probably want they heavier oil. Or would it make sence to use a medium oil and then just use a longer spacer on top of the spring?
So, if i have the tire up off the ground, how would you compress the fork when measuring the amount of oil going in? I have a friends floor jack in my garage, might as well use it before i have to give it back.
Thanks for everyones input.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities
Looks like a 35mm socket is the ticket. I got a couple bottles of SE performace fork oil. I'll pickup the socket and give it a whirl. Hopefully that top cap doesn't shoot my eye out. 
i just use a socket with a rag over it to remove that top cap... cover the tank of course just in case... if you are aound 200 LBS, do a blend of 20W and 15w... with your progressives... i am 220 and with my girl on the bike we are around 320.... she thinks that the handling feels better now with the 15W and 10W blend (same as i did in her bike) that is honestly what i would do if i was you as well if not a full 15W... i think the strait 20W is way to stiff for a daily rider that you are not pushing to KILL the twisties
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities
Is the SE performance 15 or 20? They also make a SE racing blend. And what's the deal with the 35mm socket? Can't find one.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 379
Likes: 2
I used a 1 3/8" six-point socket for the fork caps - it's just a touch too big but works fine. You can get them at NAPA but they are big bucks.
I weigh 3 bills and went from stock fork oil to SE Heavy. it stiffened up the forks a bit but I probably should have also switched over to Progressive springs.
The hardest part for me (working alone) was re-installing the fork caps. You gotta squeeze the springs down and thread the fork cap on at the same time. I tried a couple times with my rachet but gave up and used a nut driver instead.
BigLow
I weigh 3 bills and went from stock fork oil to SE Heavy. it stiffened up the forks a bit but I probably should have also switched over to Progressive springs.
The hardest part for me (working alone) was re-installing the fork caps. You gotta squeeze the springs down and thread the fork cap on at the same time. I tried a couple times with my rachet but gave up and used a nut driver instead.
BigLow
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I used PJ1 20 wt fork oil which is what the local Indy carries. He also let me use his socket made for removing the fork caps, it is notched and allows you to remove the cap without taking the handle bars off. I already had them off when I went there so that part didn't matter to me.
On another note, I thought the 2006 and newer dynas already come with a progressive type fork spring from the factory. If so, the only reason to replace these springs would be if you are lowering it, correct?
