Fork Oil...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,007
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From: Poolville
Fork Oil...
I know fork oil comes in different viscosity's 5,10,20 weight ect. and all straight weights... Now, I prefer the firmer feel of the 20 weights but has any one ever tried a multi viscosity oil in their forks? I live in the north so for the colder days why wouldn't I want to use say a 0w-20 synthetic? Think about it, when they rate the oil's ability to flow to a specific weight it's at a specific temp. So if it gets colder it changes the ability of the oil to flow.. Most likely it would flow slower because the colder temps will make the oil thicker which will produce a decrease in dampening the front suspension. In other words stiffen up the ride.. So why wouldn't I want the flow rate on colder days to be similar to the warmer days, hence a multi viscosity oil?
Apologies, I posted in the wrong topic..
Apologies, I posted in the wrong topic..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Mar 18, 2021 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Posted in wrong topic..
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,007
Likes: 7,541
From: Poolville
correct.. it's not the hot months i'm concerned with its the cooler months with 35-45*riding.. wouldn't that make the 20 weight heavier increasing the firmness of the front suspension? I like a firm suspension but in the cooler temps it's a little rigid... So wouldn't the 0-20w improve the ride in the colder temps?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
Fork oil easy ,try it if it don't work good for u just change it. Myself I'm happy with red line 10 weight with a extra ounce in my 99. My 02 has the one fork cartridge thing so I'm going to be changing that to suspension technology cartridge's this year ,they are on order.
Last edited by xcbullet; Mar 18, 2021 at 03:53 PM.
First regarding multi-weight oil. The additive package makes it act different at a higher temp than would ever develop in a fork.
Also, fork oil has anti-foaming additives. You'd be better off with an ATF before you tried using engine oil.
Also, if you try this, don't add any "High Mileage" oils because they have additives to swell rubber slightly. I do not think your forks would take too kindly to that.
I would not recommend it and would recommend the appropriate fluid which is fork oil.
Also, fork oil has anti-foaming additives. You'd be better off with an ATF before you tried using engine oil.
Also, if you try this, don't add any "High Mileage" oils because they have additives to swell rubber slightly. I do not think your forks would take too kindly to that.
I would not recommend it and would recommend the appropriate fluid which is fork oil.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 447
Likes: 427
From: Midwest
Cavitation is the issue, which is basically frothing from repeated motions. With open chamber old fashioned designs it negates the effectiveness of the valving thus decreasing compression and rebound resistance. Thicker fork oils are more resistant. That is why 20wt is so popular. That said, a closed cartridge, modern inverted fork is vastly superior, but as open forks go, the new HD setup is actually one of the best. It feels significantly better than the new 2918 Honda Goldwing linkage design. The newest HD shock also beats the new Goldwing in comfort and compliance. The Challenger suspension is fantastic but is attached to a flimsy plastic low quality machine.
Last edited by Sol-Invictus; Mar 18, 2021 at 04:37 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Poolville
I never thought of the foaming but do understand what it l will do to the dampening... thanks.. Ed..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Mar 18, 2021 at 07:23 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,007
Likes: 7,541
From: Poolville
I do like the heavier Weight oil in the front end.. it gives that nice firm feel... I'll just stick with the 20 weight..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Mar 18, 2021 at 09:39 PM.