Getting ready to change the fork oil in my 11 Road King 25000 miles, I have read on here that a lot of people use a heavier weight oil to reduce fork dive while braking. I replaced my rear shocks this past Summer with some Ohlin's from Howard, and are happy with them. The rear is more firm ride now.

Looking for thoughts on how the front and rear shocks work together and if I should go with the heavier oil or stick to what is in it now.

Like I said happy with the rear, just don't want to put a heavy oil in the front and make the ride too stiff. Probably just have to try it and see...

 

Many mix stock oil 50/50 with the se. I'd recommend a fork oil gauge so each tube has the same volume,

 

I went with Belray 15w which is I believe one step up from the 10w my 12 Ultra. came with. I like it, When it comes time to change it again, I'll stay with the 15w.
David

 

+1 on the Bel Ray 15 wt. - great stuff and you get real numbers to work with.

 

My personal experience with my lowered front end is a 50/50 mix of SE and stock oil. Straight SE made my front end ride hard.

 

I agree with these statements. I added the progressive drop in fork kit, and added straight SE Heavy oil. I felt it was a bit on the stiff side. A nice 50/50 blend is much nicer. We did the blend in both my wife's Sporty and my brothers Fat Boy. At least for me, that's the magic elixir.

 

SE worked for me. It did take a couple weeks to get use to the difference.

 

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

 

https://images.search.yahoo.com/sear...mparison+chart

As you can see,you're not always getting the "labeled" viscosity.One can go nuts deciding what works.Some will say one thing,others say different.I read somewhere the factory oil that comes in these bikes is 7.5 wt.Changed mine a few months back at 27,000 miles with 10wt.hydraulic oil I use in eguipment.Could'nt see paying 10-15$ a pint for the same stuff.Plus have plenty for flushing.Less nose diving,rides good.I guess anything heavier than stock will feel better.

 

If you lowered you shouldn't go with much heavier oil. It will make it stiff as hell.