6th Gen Fork Oil

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by pilotct, Feb 28, 2017.

  1. pilotct

    pilotct New Member

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    Time to change fork oil and need opinions. I had the front forks rebuilt a few years back with Penske internals, 1.0 kg springs and Silkolene 2.5W oil. The front end is not as smooth as I'd like - I'm 250 lbs with gear. Thoughts on moving to 5W oil?
     
  2. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    I'm surprised you had 2.5W in the fork, 5W would normally be the go to point for modified forks. Changing to 5 from 2.5 is going to double the oil viscosity and lead to firmer damping on both compression and rebound.

    Maybe a better route would be to alter the shim stacks in the fork? What part of the fork action don't you like? It is a (relatively) easy matter to add or subtract shims in either the compression or rebound stack to alter the response to bumps.
     
  3. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    From Jamie, he recommends Honda Pro Oils 5w, Klotz 5w, Spectro 85/150, and Motul Factory Line 5w. any of these would serve you well.
     
  4. pilotct

    pilotct New Member

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    Thanks Terry. It's not terrible, just a little too reactive to every bump in the road. Thinking a 5W might smooth it out a bit.
     
  5. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    When you say reactive, do you mean you get a jolt up through the forks when you hit the bump? In my experience that is too much high speed compression damping, a function of too many face shims in the stack.


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