gazza
Well-known member
Hi all
About to do my front fork oil and i'm not sure on the viscosity to use. Can any one advise.
Gazza
About to do my front fork oil and i'm not sure on the viscosity to use. Can any one advise.
Gazza
Front fork oil?
- Thread starter gazza
- Start date
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JamesK
Got to ride
If you do a search there will be plenty of discussions on this topic.
Fork Oil Threads
In summary, there is little standardization in the fork oils, so the weights can mean quite different things depending on the manufacturer. Also, even when you know the manufacturer's particular oil weightings and whether or not you go with Dino or Synthetic the weight you opt for depends on your particular suspension, i.e. stock, or various after market versions, some, for instance like the Traxxion Dynamics cartilages are optimized for Dino oil...
Fork Oil Threads
In summary, there is little standardization in the fork oils, so the weights can mean quite different things depending on the manufacturer. Also, even when you know the manufacturer's particular oil weightings and whether or not you go with Dino or Synthetic the weight you opt for depends on your particular suspension, i.e. stock, or various after market versions, some, for instance like the Traxxion Dynamics cartilages are optimized for Dino oil...
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yamafitter
Reigning NERDS Granite Lane Gold Medalist
One of the recommended fork oils is Olhins R&T43 which is close to a 5W fork oil.
I have included a chart that may help in your selection:
Motul Fork Oil Comparision
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ionbeam
2 FUN
The low risk answer is to use the fork oil specified in the Factory Service Manual. Of course Yamaha recommends a Yamaha M1 suspension oil, which the web site claims to be a 0 weight oil (which I believe is likely to be an error). When I reworked my forks the parts supplier recommend that I use 7.5W fork oil.
In what is probably a controversial opinion, small variations in fork oil weight for average street bike use isn't as important as an accurate 100mm air gap measurement when filling the forks.
Click the picture for a link to the USA site:
In what is probably a controversial opinion, small variations in fork oil weight for average street bike use isn't as important as an accurate 100mm air gap measurement when filling the forks.
Click the picture for a link to the USA site:
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MCRIDER007
Well-known member
Go to:
https://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/lowspeed.htm
and you will find a chart at the bottom of the page showing the actual viscosities of most fork oils. The Yamaha recommended fork oil for the FJR is actually about a 5wt oil and very close in viscosity to Honda's SS-7 fork oil which costs about $6.00 a pint (it takes 3 pints for a FJR fork oil change).
If your forks have been rebuilt/revalved by GPSuspension, Traxxion, Racetech or someone else, you may need a different weight fork oil to optimize the fork's damping performance...and you may need a different oil height if the rebuild includes new springs.
https://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/lowspeed.htm
and you will find a chart at the bottom of the page showing the actual viscosities of most fork oils. The Yamaha recommended fork oil for the FJR is actually about a 5wt oil and very close in viscosity to Honda's SS-7 fork oil which costs about $6.00 a pint (it takes 3 pints for a FJR fork oil change).
If your forks have been rebuilt/revalved by GPSuspension, Traxxion, Racetech or someone else, you may need a different weight fork oil to optimize the fork's damping performance...and you may need a different oil height if the rebuild includes new springs.
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SockMonkey
Makin' Some Noise
FYI: The service manual for the Gen II states 92mm, though the Ohlins R&T43 is still the recommended oil. (I just installed Race Tech springs and went with Race Tech's US2 10wt on their recommendation. We'll see how that works...)
charismaticmegafauna
Well-known member
If you like the way your forks work, at present, you'll want to replicate their current condition with new oil -- same oil, same amount.
It's a common mistake to replace with more and/or heavier (higher viscosity) fork oil (I think?). Unless you live where there are very hot ambient temps or you ride fast on really rough roads or both -- you'll probably notice 'rougher' front fork action with more/heavier oil? (and, conversely...)
More oil volume in the fork tube lessens the air volume and tends to make the "air spring" harder and more abrupt.
Bottom line -- if you like what MamaYama did, initially, get a manual/dealer/etc. and duplicate it. If you don't like what you have -- then experiment (you become the engineer).
Good luck.
FJRay
Well-known member
FWIW I use Bel-Ray 7.5 wt. I tried 10wt as was recomended by GP but it felt to stiff so I changed. I have Eibach springs sized for me so they would hold up a Kenworth and with the 7.5wt I am happy with it.
LAF
Well-known member
Omni 1.1 springs from Traxxion. Used 10w from them per their recommendation. They also use way less oil or more head space then factory. I think rounded up the factory is 100mm and the Omni calls for 160mm.
If you fit in the 175 pound rider weight the factory is supposedly set for fully in gear you are in like Flynn. If not then a heavy weight oil may help but your just will be applying a band aid. Get springs for your weight and the recommended oil for the springs and you will be much happier.
And as a benefit you will actually be able to set your suspension up for you and it will work as expected instead of being on the outside of the stock spring suspension adjustments.
I think I had 140.00 in springs, oil, and a buffer kit from Traxxion. Lee is very knowledgeable and pretty easy to deal with at Traxxion.
If you fit in the 175 pound rider weight the factory is supposedly set for fully in gear you are in like Flynn. If not then a heavy weight oil may help but your just will be applying a band aid. Get springs for your weight and the recommended oil for the springs and you will be much happier.
And as a benefit you will actually be able to set your suspension up for you and it will work as expected instead of being on the outside of the stock spring suspension adjustments.
I think I had 140.00 in springs, oil, and a buffer kit from Traxxion. Lee is very knowledgeable and pretty easy to deal with at Traxxion.
UHOH
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MCRIDER007
Well-known member
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