Fork oil...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
I have the HD stuff in my bikes right now. I think next change I'll try Toyota ATF, as that is exactly what the MoCo stuff looked like. Using the vacuum pump, it is easy to change if I don't like it.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Yeah I always ran Dexron II in the Triumphs and tried it once or twice in the Tour Glide. It was ok but just seemed like genuine Type E held up longer. Could have been a mental thing. Fork oil is definitely the easiest thing (on an air ride) to experiment with.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Air... What a headache that must be! Can never trust a shrader valve or their like.
When it comes to lubes though? And as far as for what it is that it’s designated for, I tend to follow the book. Because the differences can be confusing.
That said, Dexron ll, Toyota ATF and the MoCo’s secrete formula type 3, to me makes no difference, since I don’t know the what each one of them are. Talk about snake oil LOL
For instance. Bel Ray recommends 10W. My current cage uses synthetic 20w.
Is it safe to assume synthetic 20W is twice as heavy/lighter then the Bel Ray 10W? Which by the way, is sold as a hydraulic fluid.
When it comes to lubes though? And as far as for what it is that it’s designated for, I tend to follow the book. Because the differences can be confusing.
That said, Dexron ll, Toyota ATF and the MoCo’s secrete formula type 3, to me makes no difference, since I don’t know the what each one of them are. Talk about snake oil LOL
For instance. Bel Ray recommends 10W. My current cage uses synthetic 20w.
Is it safe to assume synthetic 20W is twice as heavy/lighter then the Bel Ray 10W? Which by the way, is sold as a hydraulic fluid.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,006
Likes: 7,541
From: Poolville
When I road raced back in the eighties. We all experimented a lot with oil weight. Spacers and springs. Even rake angles.
We took many chances. But leaned a lot.
That was a long tome ago and other than valving snd cartridge snd up side down yada yada. Suspension is a very simple application still.
as you say... its all feel and personal preference.
If I had the time to try the 20 weight and replace it if I didnt like it, I would. But since I was very happy with the original feel of the fork when new. Ill just do the 10 weight.
Granted forks are probably a little tired. Maybe a 1/2 spacer would help LOL
We took many chances. But leaned a lot.
That was a long tome ago and other than valving snd cartridge snd up side down yada yada. Suspension is a very simple application still.
as you say... its all feel and personal preference.
If I had the time to try the 20 weight and replace it if I didnt like it, I would. But since I was very happy with the original feel of the fork when new. Ill just do the 10 weight.
Granted forks are probably a little tired. Maybe a 1/2 spacer would help LOL
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 1,187
From: Anywhere we stop
I also had gold emulators, and will buy them again, 20wt and ATF were to harsh with them.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,070
Likes: 2,115
From: Ohio
Had 20w Belray Synthetic and ride was firm, recently removed the stock springs changing to single rate springs with Synthetic ATF for Isuzu trucks that is setting everywhere in the shop and rides better. The Belray removed was in for around 8 years looking like it was new when draining it.