Fork Oil Question
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 29
From: Baytown Tx.
Fork Oil Question
I'm going to be changing the oil in my forks soon, and had a couple questions. I have a 95 FXDWG. I thought I would ask it here, since the newer bikes have different forks. I'm not changing the fork oil because of any problems, it's just been 10,000 miles since the last time it was changed. The forks feel good right now, not too spongy or anything like that.
A local Indy shop told me they use 20w fork oil in all the bikes they service. So l bought a quart of Drag Specialties 20w Heavy fork oil. I figured since the forks have 70,000 miles on them the thicker fork oil would probably be best. After buying it though I remembered reading some posts in the Dyna forum saying using too heavy of a fork oil can make the front end overly stiff. I like the way the forks feel now, but I have no idea what weight oil is in them.
So my questions are, what do you guys think about using 20w, and what do you guys use in your bikes? Also, reading the manual changing the fork oil seems like a straight forward drain and fill procedure. Is that all there is to it, or am I missing something.
A local Indy shop told me they use 20w fork oil in all the bikes they service. So l bought a quart of Drag Specialties 20w Heavy fork oil. I figured since the forks have 70,000 miles on them the thicker fork oil would probably be best. After buying it though I remembered reading some posts in the Dyna forum saying using too heavy of a fork oil can make the front end overly stiff. I like the way the forks feel now, but I have no idea what weight oil is in them.
So my questions are, what do you guys think about using 20w, and what do you guys use in your bikes? Also, reading the manual changing the fork oil seems like a straight forward drain and fill procedure. Is that all there is to it, or am I missing something.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Yep, drain and fill. You might like 20w but I've found it's too thick for a smooth ride in street bikes. All this "high performance" fork oil is for motocross racing where the forks never stop taking a beating. Use OEM HD fork oil or ATF.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 375
Likes: 4
From: St. Peters, Missouri
It's just that simple.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
Using 20wt Belray after my new front end installation. I did install the Racetech Gold Valve Emulators in the lower legs along with Progressives 1" lowering kit. The bike handles like it's on rails and there is a real improvement in the rebound. Just my experience to pass along.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: California
If the seals don't leak, your cool. I would use 20w in your forks. "20w Heavy," What is that company saying. 20.5w. Weight is weight to me. In my sled I use 30w fork oil in the forks. ATF?, with fluid cheap enough, why do that to your bike. I do enough moutain riding that its a lot more comfortable with 30w. I like a stiffer suspension on a heavier bike in the turns.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: Ottawa, ON
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 20
From: Driftless Area
Just try different weights till you find what you like, that's what I did. Oil is fairly cheap. Some make a big deal out of changing fork oil. To me like changing underwear. Twice a year whether I need it or not!
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