To Oil or Not to Oil?

[akh223]

Ok, so I am waiting on my progressive front springs to arrive in the mail, and was wondering what the opinions were on changing the fork oil while doing this project?  My main questions are how and what oil to use?

I feel confident I could get the fork oil changed using Pablo's easy change meethod of sucking it up and refilling the forks.  Is this an acceptable way to do it, or is it much better to drop the forks out and drain them upside down?

Also, what weight oil seems to be the best with the progressive springs?
I never ride with a passenger, and I only weigh 150lbs fully dressed.

Thanks
Andy

[mwdbruno]

I'm going to tag along on this ride as after I move I'm going to put Progressive springs on mine too.  I have the springs already, but not any oil.
The difference for me is I'm 6'2" and 215...(I also have a 99 Katana rear shock to help out with my tonnage)

[The Buddha]

Taking it apart and cleaning it is really the whole point of doing this. I'd take it apart, or at a a minimum, take them off the bike and put them in a trough of gas and slosh it around.
Cool.
Srinath.

[scratch]

I agree with srinath to take the forks out and drain them upside down to help clean them. Refill with 10w and 15w respectively (respectively to your posts, 10w for akh, and 15w for bruno), but for akh, it depends on if you do a lot of highway; if not, go with 15w.

[Frost]

how difficult is it to take the whole fork out?...
is it REALLY necessary???

and do we really have to change the oil when installing progressive springs?

[mwdbruno]

Thanks Seshadri and Scratch  

[JLKasper]

"how difficult is it to take the whole fork out?...
is it REALLY necessary???"

When you drain the forks and see the condition of the "nasty slurry formerly known as fork oil" that comes out, you'll be happy you went through the trouble.  

[conradvr]

how difficult is it to take the whole fork out?...
is it REALLY necessary???

and do we really have to change the oil when installing progressive springs?

It is really easy to take the forks off and should take at most 15 minutes - just make sure the bike is well supported 1st.  

Why? ----- On my '97 GS the fork oil was as black as the road!!!! - so some fresh oil will help the forks work and last much better.

I do strongly suggest that you have a torque wrench for reassembly to ensure everything is tightened properly.

Cheers
Conradvr

[Frost]

so when i take out forks...
what do I have to pull apart?

does it say in the service manual?

[Bob Broussard]

The first step is getting the bike setup with the front wheel off the ground.
Remove the front wheel and then pull the forks out of the triple trees.
Before you loosen the triple clamps, remove the top cap on the forks.
The just turn the forks upside down and pump them in and out to get as much oil out as possible. I don't think it's necessary to dismantle them unless you're putting seals or emulators in.
I also think 15wt is the thinnest oil I would use.
With the springs out and the fork tubes pushed down all the way, put the proper amount of oil in. Each fork tube takes 382ml. If you have a oil level setting device, the level is 99mm (3 7/8") from the top edge of the forks.
Pump the forks a little to get the oil worked into the forks.
Put them back in the triples, drop in the springs and tighten the caps

[Frost]

how often do i have to change the fork oil?

[scratch]

Every 2 years.

[cozy]

How tight should the caps be when putting all back together? There's no specs in the clymer. I'll be doing this soon as well and appreciate the info- thanks GuyS!

[Bob Broussard]

How tight should the caps be when putting all back together? There's no specs in the clymer. I'll be doing this soon as well and appreciate the info- thanks GuyS!

Just put them on snug. They don't need to be torqued down.
They're under tension from the springs, so they won't come loose.