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What fork oil.

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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 02:03 PM
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Default What fork oil.

For all you guys with lowered bikes, what fork oil are you running? I have developed a clunk in the front end. I thought it was the neck bearing, had the dealership address that issue. They also replaced my fork oil with type e during that service. my clunk has gotten more frequent when hitting bumps. Only thing I can figure is the weaker fork oil is not heavy enough. I ran the SE heavy fork oil in the scoot when I first lowered it and didn't notice the clunk. What do you all think?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 02:22 PM
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i still use the Type E in mine with RaceTech Gold Valves and 1" spacers to bring the front end down a bit, haven't had any issues.. but it's pretty cheap to change the fluids, so if you think it'll help, do it up.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 03:17 PM
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I finally gave up and got away from springs and oil. Gas monotubes, 1 of the best things I did for the bike. I no longer deal with "wandering", brake dive and I get a more firm handling front end. I also notice that when I put a passenger on the back I get no variation in how the bike handles and rides. With the Shotgun I don't think you can beat that combination, IMHO.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgt_Jim
i still use the Type E in mine with RaceTech Gold Valves and 1" spacers to bring the front end down a bit, haven't had any issues.. but it's pretty cheap to change the fluids, so if you think it'll help, do it up.

If you don't have the dampening valves, like the Sgt_Jim has, the heavier oil will dull down the clunks.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by tbonetony06
I finally gave up and got away from springs and oil. Gas monotubes, 1 of the best things I did for the bike. I no longer deal with "wandering", brake dive and I get a more firm handling front end. I also notice that when I put a passenger on the back I get no variation in how the bike handles and rides. With the Shotgun I don't think you can beat that combination, IMHO.

I thought you still needed oil for monotubes?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 06:55 PM
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Ohppps, my bad Dude. Yes, 5 ounces of oil in each fork with the montubes.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 07:03 PM
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Lol man. I got my monotubes w/o the top springs so progressive is sending them been waiting on it. Great C/S but ya they told me fork oil so i didn't wanna feel dumb and put oil if it wasn't needed.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 07:07 PM
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If I lowered my front end, I would definitely bump it back up the the S/E Heavy fork oil. We did that to my buddy's lowered '09 Fat Boy and he had no issues at all with the clunk. I road the bike and was pretty impressed with the ride, especially given the ease in which you could spray floorboard sparks on a lowered motorcycle.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by toprat
For all you guys with lowered bikes, what fork oil are you running? I have developed a clunk in the front end. I thought it was the neck bearing, had the dealership address that issue. They also replaced my fork oil with type e during that service. my clunk has gotten more frequent when hitting bumps. Only thing I can figure is the weaker fork oil is not heavy enough. I ran the SE heavy fork oil in the scoot when I first lowered it and didn't notice the clunk. What do you all think?
Don't trust the dealer to address the front end. Had the clunk on mine, one dealer set it 3 times and it never went away. Another dealer tightened it a bit past spec and all was good. Do your own adjustment to the steering head, and tighten it a bit past where it should be. If the clunk goes away, you found your problem. Also, if you have the crappy thin washer under the head nut that gets bent to lock in place, then there is a bulletin to replace it with a heavier washer.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 07:31 PM
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I also use the Race Tech springs and Gold Valves in my lowered front end. I added PJ 15 wt ForkTuner oil. Works very well, no clunks. I think the rebound could be a bit slower, so I may try the 20 wt.
 
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