I'm trying to find out if Automatic Transmission Fluid was used as a fork fluid from the factory. I'd apprciate any feedback from someone with a 1998 Sporty who has changed the fork oil.

Had my forks pulled and cleaned at 12,600 miles. Fluid was pinkish and a little milky according to the mechanic. He said it looked like ATF.

He replaced the fluid with 10 weight fork fluid and now the front shocks are too soft.

Do I need to put a different fluid in the forks?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

No they didn't, but you can put heavier oil in. I'm sure someone will chime in with the right weight.

 

I'm getting ready to do the same to my 2000, I'm thinking of flushing them with ATF then going with 15wt fork oil. How is the rrebound on yours? is it fast or sluggish? It should be fast if not maybe he didn't get enough fluid in...

 

My front suspension is all wrong at present. I can bottom out the front forks by going about 15mph and applying the front brakes very hard. I really don't think it was reassembled wrong although that crossed my mind.

I believe I will try the heavier weight oil. I weigh 200lbs. 15 weight is heavier, right?