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I managed to get past my fork oil disaster. However I am aware that eventually need to be done again in the future. While I'm able to find equivalent filters and fluids at a auto parts store,I am not sure what to use for fork oil the next time. I had some type E when I when to the dealership the last time. I'm just aware I can't always go to the dealer as it is 60 mi from here and a bit out of my way unless I need a part I have to have soon. Fork oil is not something commonly carried by the auto parts stores in my area. So is there anything else I can use as an equivalent?
Harley Type E is 10 weight fork oil. The least expensive way is to purchase online.
Any good quality fork oil will do. I change mine in my Electra Glide from 10 weight to 15 weight to help reduce the front end diving during hard braking. Just make sure you put in the right amount, mine take 10.7 oz. in each tube. Try measuring .7 of an oz.
Last edited by jamesroadking; Jan 15, 2017 at 01:30 AM.
Since fork oil is not something you go through quickly like gasoline, you could order some of this stuff. Also, some independent shops keep this or similar product in stock. You could also go to the Harley dealer. My dealer is only 4 mikes from my house.
My Ricor Intiminators came with the 5W amsoil shock oil in the box. Amsoil sells other weights.
What you don't want to do is use something that is prone to foaming. In other words, use the right product for the right application. I always scratch my head when I hear somebody using something strange because it is cheaper or whatever and the cost savings is only a couple of bucks while risking damage due to introducing an unknown into the equation.
I thought you chaps had a Harley dealer on every street corner! Harley parts over here are darned expensive and I order most of mine from an off-shore dealer. You have plenty of on-line discount dealers who can supply most of what you are likely to need.
As for alternative fork oils, there is a long thread somewhere around HDF. IIRC they vary greatly in measured SAE from what the brands sell them as, so it isn't easy to confidently find a direct replacement, without experimenting.
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