Front fork oil change

[wolfmil042370]

OK how often and what procedure do you use? I read one procedure on gadgets web page about sucking the oil out using a syringe, then other said to remove forks and turn upside down which do you recommend. I bought my 1999 used and as far as I can tell the fork oil has never been changed the bike only has 10000 miles on it.

[skiman]

I would take it apart and flush them out and refill them and also check the stem bearing while it apart after all it's going on 13 years old

[Farmer522]

Turn them upside down to drain old oil out, I let mine hang upside down about 30 min, then moved the ram in and out about 12 time and let hang again, when you fill them up is when you use the syringe to set the proper amount of oil in each fork. Yes also check your stem bearings and grease and re torque your bearings, it makes a big difference in the handling of the bike. I used 15wt oil in mine because I have the fairing coming in a few days.

[usranger74]

What type of oil do you put back in them?

[skiman]

Fork oil most guys are going 20wt since the nomad tends to be soft up front

[jandreu]

I used 20Wt fork oil. Took mine apart and drained.

10K on a 12 year old bike...dammm what a shame!

[wolfmil042370]

I agree the previous owner didn't have much time to ride. I bought 15w oil to put back in I didn't think I needed to go to 20w since I dont have a fairing.

[skiman]

Even without a fairing i think you'll like 20wt better

[mrghost]

I used a syringe, measured it & refilled with a tad bit more on each side. everythings good. been about a yr or so.. probaly need to do it again. i used 15w & no problems with having a fairing.

[ringadingh]

I remove the forks, take them apart, clean and refill with 15 or 20 weight oil.

[wolfmil042370]

Thanks everyone for the input. My 10yr old son and I tackled this job tonight, I went with the 15w since i had it on hand, but i will put 20w in it next year when i change it out again since it gives me and my son something to do together, He is such a great helper, so in return for helping he get to ride the bike with me all the time. Job went very smoothly I hung the fork upside down while we did a few other things came back and added oil let sit then checked level everthing went well.

But I do have a question after taking the front tire off there is a bolt in the bottom of each fork where the shaft slides thru, why couldn't I take that bolt out and drian and refill with the rcommended amount of oil.

[ringadingh]

I noticed that as well, that bolt holds the cartridge in the bottom fork leg. I doubt it would drain properly by that method. if it did drain I bet it would take a long time.
Also I had some grey sludge in the bottom and in the cartridge that I cleaned off before reassembling.
Next time I will also change the two fork bushings in each fork, they keep the forks sliding straight, and do wear over time. mine showed a little wear and are very slightly loose, but they are working well with no leaks so far.

[usranger74]

do they make a specific oil for "forks"?

And, what is the performance difference between 15 wt and 20 wt oil?

Txs

[coacha]

Fork oil is specifically for the forks. The heavier weight oil acts to dampen the bumps with the springs.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by usranger74

do they make a specific oil for "forks"?

And, what is the performance difference between 15 wt and 20 wt oil?

Txs

Yes they do, although a lot of bikes just used motor oil in the past.
15 wt oil is a little lighter than 20 wt and will have a softer dampening effect.
Our bikes come with 10 wt oil which seems to be a little too soft and mushy. Thats why the front end will dive so easy during braking, and wallow through the corners.