fork oil
fork oil
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
According to the shop manual you need the proper gauge to set the level.
They are on ebay for about $30, I am gonna buy one when I change the oil at the next big service.
You need the shop manual, it describes how to set the level correctly.
They are on ebay for about $30, I am gonna buy one when I change the oil at the next big service.
You need the shop manual, it describes how to set the level correctly.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Use the search mode, type in fork oil, and about a gazillion matches will appear and the answer will also.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 599
Likes: 3
From: In a van, down by the river.
If you are changing internals of a fork, there should be no oil left in there when you put them back together. My 08 sg manual says 10.8 ounces. There should be no need to check the level if you are starting from empty?
I put the SE heavy in mine when I did chrome lowers. A good bit stiffer, but it handles so much better now, especially in the corners and under braking.
I put the SE heavy in mine when I did chrome lowers. A good bit stiffer, but it handles so much better now, especially in the corners and under braking.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 599
Likes: 3
From: In a van, down by the river.
Since I changed my forks in late fall, I wanted to give myself some more miles on it before I decided if I would change back or not. We will see.
But to honestly answer your question, Are the forks ALOT stiffer with SE heavy? Yes.
It is surprising that one step up on thickness was that drastic. I would think you would have to ask for something to make it that stiff. Again, the handling is so much better in the corners and braking, it is going to be a tough decision for me.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 12
From: Nor Cal
Is the SE heavy only one step heavier than stock? The heavy seems to be alot harder riding than the stock fluid. Does anyone know what weight oil the heavy is, I'm thinking of going one or two grades lower or something in between the two oils.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 599
Likes: 3
From: In a van, down by the river.
The last time I happen to be looking at non HD fork oil from another name brand, there were bottles that were 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15 weight. I don't know if that is the ranges out there for forks or what.
I just checked my SE Heavy bottle, and as Im sure you know, the weight is not listed.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 27
From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
If I'm not mistaken...there are 4 different wts that H-D offers...5,10,15,20 wt.
My understanding is 5wt comes in them from showa
The SE is a 15wt. and the SE racing is the 20wt.
I would speculate that the Road kings without all the additional weight on the forks might be happier with the 10wt better over the 15wt.
The fairing models might prefer the 15 wt. or the belray 20 wt. which some of the members have worked with...
if the front end still feels firm then you might have to much fluid in them...remove all the fluid and measure it and look at your manual and pour the correct amount in...
My understanding is 5wt comes in them from showa
The SE is a 15wt. and the SE racing is the 20wt.
I would speculate that the Road kings without all the additional weight on the forks might be happier with the 10wt better over the 15wt.
The fairing models might prefer the 15 wt. or the belray 20 wt. which some of the members have worked with...
if the front end still feels firm then you might have to much fluid in them...remove all the fluid and measure it and look at your manual and pour the correct amount in...
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