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Jun 19, 2019 | 04:16 PM

splattttttt

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 5,649

Likes: 430

From: MASS_hole

Fork oil...

How often you change it?
Milage or time sensitive?
Slim. Bought new in 2014 and has over 35k mi
according to the manual, I am way over due

Jun 19, 2019 | 04:30 PM

t150vej

HDF Community Team

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 5,375

Likes: 2,572

From: NC USA

Yeah, overdue. Only takes about 15 minutes to change if it's air ride. I change mine once a year whether I get to ride 20k or 20 miles. You won't believe the difference in ride and handling since yours is that long overdue.

For the opinion section of my reply, use genuine HD fork oil for the model specific you have. Just always worked the best for me. Do not use that aftermarket "high performance" stuff - it's for motocross or something. I tried a 20w version once. I took it out same day!

Jun 19, 2019 | 06:03 PM

Beemervet

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,590

Likes: 444

From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by t150vej

. Do not use that aftermarket "high performance" stuff - it's for motocross or something. I tried a 20w version once. I took it out same day!

Probably because 20W is is twice the weight necessary.

Jun 20, 2019 | 01:02 AM

Mountainkowboy

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 4,201

Likes: 1,187

From: Anywhere we stop

Once a year and Bel-Ray 10wt

Jun 20, 2019 | 02:36 AM

splattttttt

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 5,649

Likes: 430

From: MASS_hole

Belray 10w it is

always used it when I competed. Which is why I’m so lax about most scheduled maintenance items these days

Jun 20, 2019 | 08:11 AM

98hotrodfatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 21,007

Likes: 7,541

From: Poolville

It all depends on how you like the feel of your ride... I use 20w.. Less dipping going into the corners and a nice firm feel..

Jun 20, 2019 | 09:02 AM

Stinger1

Road Master

Joined: May 2019

Posts: 953

Likes: 954

From: Daytona Beach

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountainkowboy

Once a year and Bel-Ray 10wt

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Jun 20, 2019 | 09:34 AM

splattttttt

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 5,649

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From: MASS_hole

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98hotrodfatboy

It all depends on how you like the feel of your ride... I use 20w.. Less dipping going into the corners and a nice firm feel..

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... it’s all feel and personal preference.
If I had the time to try the 20 weight and replace it if I didn’t like it, I would. But since I was very happy with the original feel of the fork when new. I’ll just do the 10 weight.
Granted forks are probably a little tired. Maybe a 1/2” spacer would help LOL

Last edited by splattttttt; Jun 20, 2019 at 09:36 AM.