New fork oil ride question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 22, 2014 | 06:35 AM

#11

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 24,733

Likes: 9,241

From: Snow Hill, NC

My experience on my 07 with SE heaVy was Very nice, eliminated my brake dive and improved my cornering ability in the mountains.... I was 250 lbs...lot of different factors to weigh in here.

Nov 22, 2014 | 08:11 AM

#12

Talldog

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 2,981

Likes: 48

From: Northern Illinois

2012 Limited with the Premium Hand Adjustable Shocks in the rear. I went with SE Heavy in the Forks, huge improvement!

Ride is a little stiffer, but not much, handling is greatly improved.

Nov 22, 2014 | 10:21 AM

#13

Leftcoaster

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 3,328

Likes: 15

From: Pacific Northwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by josame

So I'm guessing the Bel Ray 15 wt is not as heavy as the SE?

Not exactly. H-D prefers to classify their fork oils in light, medium and heavy. Mostly for those that don't understand numeric sequences.
Their fork oils perform just like any other brand but I've found over the years that numerically classified fork oil is easier to work with because you don't have to also remember the numeric equivalent (and you don't sound like a dolt when discussing them).
And there's this: H-D prefers to cloak their lubricants in a veil of secrecy to keep competitors at bay.
I've used Bel Ray, Maxima and Spectro fork oils with great results. Once you start with a particular brand stay with it. There's no standard viscosity rating for fork oils so if you want consistency use the same brand even when going heavier or lighter.
To get half weights two oils can be mixed together - equal parts of 10wt + equal parts of 15wt will deliver 12.5 wt fork oil).

Nov 22, 2014 | 01:39 PM

#14

TWIN CAM 96

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 2,555

Likes: 6

From: East of the USS Midway

Amsoil shocktherapy #10 works well in both front forks & rear shocks way better than HD oil.

Nov 23, 2014 | 06:35 AM

#15

josame

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 972

Likes: 633

From: Ohio

Thanks for the replies,
I think I will give a 10wt oil a try. The good thing is you can always change it if you need to.

Nov 23, 2014 | 07:29 AM

#16

mikeo33y

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 117

From: Southeast NC

i went with 15 wt oil. tome. its to stiff for me because i probably added a ounce or 2 too much, but what is most important in fork oil changes is the amount you put back in. if you add just an ounce of 2 too much your ride will feel much stiffer and visa versa. its all about the air space in each fork leg so make sure that the amount you put back in is exactly what you took out. most folks dont know this unless you work on suspension all the time. it really is a science. many variations can be had with oil weight and amounts

Nov 23, 2014 | 10:49 AM

#17

acchd

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 3,002

Likes: 86

From: Charlotte Metro

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWIN CAM 96

Amsoil shocktherapy #10 works well in both front forks & rear shocks way better than HD oil.

+1 Amsoil Shock Proof Therapy 10w in front made significant difference.

Nov 23, 2014 | 12:01 PM

#18

toothmansteveb

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 206

Likes: 0

Measure the amount you drain out with a Ratio Rite. My 09 was about 10 oz per leg. Then refill with same amount. I went from stock to SE to a mix of the 2 then tried Bell Ray 15 and will stick with the BR.