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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: 1990dtgl98 on April 12, 2014, 01:16:42 PM

Title: Topping off fork oil?
Post by: 1990dtgl98 on April 12, 2014, 01:16:42 PM
Quick question guys...

I pulled the bars off and opened the forks up to top the one side that was leaking off.

Now I set the bike down (had it on the center stand) and the forks seem ultra tight. I'm talking went from almost bottoming out with me on the (260lbs) to barely moving an inch when I lay over the front.

Did I do anything wrong?  Can I just remove the  top bolt and add too it or did I get air or something in?

Thanks guys.... Want to figure this out before the wife takes it out if it's unsafe.
Title: Re: Topping off fork oil?
Post by: jdoorn14 on April 12, 2014, 01:23:09 PM
There is a proper amount of fluid that goes into the forks. That level does not reach the top of the forks when fully extended. Also, much more accurate if measured with the forks removed from the bike and completely vertical.

Check out the wiki for the fork spring and/or fork oil change threads.

Do you have a Haynes or Clymer manual?


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Title: Re: Topping off fork oil?
Post by: rexpepper651 on April 12, 2014, 02:00:32 PM
instead of pouring more oil in you should prob get the fork seals replaced or do it yourself. mine leak a bit and i get black rings of dirt. this will happen when i get my new springs in a few weeks. like said before it has to be a certain amount inside the forks so you cant just add more oil like when your car is low.
Title: Re: Topping off fork oil?
Post by: 1990dtgl98 on April 12, 2014, 02:40:41 PM
Well I replaced the seals last year after they were rotted out from the previous owner. I replaced with the proper level and increased the weight a bit for her.

But i ddon't think I tightened the bolts properly aand the one side leaked a little after last year. I pulled both fork tops off and made the left the same level as the right.

Now it's hard as hell. And I pulled the tops off again and the left is now about 3 inches from the top. I only added a bit to make it the same fill level as the right. Now I'm really confused!

How does adding about 2 Oz to an already lower fork level change to being about 3 inches off the top?!?! 
Title: Re: Topping off fork oil?
Post by: dinkydonuts on April 13, 2014, 08:35:47 AM
3" down is going to be very harsh. With my upgraded springs I'm at 6" down.

It doesn't take much oil to fill those tubes.