changing fork oil

[mech 1 twa]

The best way to ensure proper fork alignment is tighten pinch bolt last.

Put wheels on ground. Hold front brake and bounce it up-down a little.

Axle will center itself, no bind on fork tubes.

Then tighten pinch bolt.

I have yet to do mine, on FJR. Done a few dirt bikes. Same but different.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Is everyone using 10 weight fork oil?....I put new 10W in, in August.

Stick with 10 W?....Go thinner?

Must I say it again? Ignore the "W" numbers when it comes to suspension oil. They're worse than useless. Read this.

I think? what you meant, Evil, was to ignore the coarse SAE 10/20/30....etc ratings? The more 'exact' way to measure viscosities is by using standards such as 'centistokes', 'centipoises', or, 'Saybolt Seconds Universal' (SSUs) at a given temperature. 10/20/30 numbers are way too in-exact.

The "W" on the motor oil label signifies that it has been tested for pumpability at cold (Winter) temperatures.

The article you link to is excellent with regard to various and comparative viscosities; is very informative; and, imo, should be 'required reading' for all those venturing away from what MamaYama specifies.

quicksilver: The front axle gets it aligned for you.

When in 'proper' alignment, the front axle (lightly greased) will slide out and in with moderate hand pressure -- no forcing necessary.