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Thread: What weight of fork oil?

  1. #1
    Billy Golightly's Avatar
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    What weight of fork oil?

    I'm getting ready to redo the frontend on my Z, and was wondering what weight fork oil you guys think I should use? Dennis Kirk lists it from 2.5 all the way to 30 which I know is to thick. I'll be mostly in the woods with some light to moderate jumping. I'll also be putting in Progressive fork springs.

  2. #2
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    i hear you can just use ATF and 20w is good also..
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  3. #3
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    I'm trying 10W30 in my Tecate tomorrow with the Progressive springs, should be a roller tomorrow.
    My Feedback 85 TECATE 500 08 Honda 450R

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    Question: Are you going to put any air in your forks or just oil and the springs/preload spacers?
    My Feedback 85 TECATE 500 08 Honda 450R

  5. #5
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    Im trying to remember is you have progressive springs, but I know you have 85 forks, same as me. I ran 30w with standard springs to slow bottoming while MXing which made for a very rough ride under normal riding. After I got the new springs and corrected that problem, I went to 20w which is still too much fork dampening. I got some 15w Ill be putting in because I have it here, but I could probably better use 5w or 10w. Thats probably where you would be better off. Heavier oil can be used as a bandaid for requent bottoming, as it slows fork action, but its not the right fix, and your ride will suffer.

  6. #6
    Billy Golightly's Avatar
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    I don't have progressives now, but when I order the seals I will probably go ahead and get some. I'm a little bit bigger guy then you TimSr, so I'll try out some 10wt and see how that works out.

    After I get the front done I'll move towards the back. I've already installed a +4 Durablue axle from a YFZ450, talk about a difference. It rails through the corners like my trx250r now. Probably try to go with a warrior shock. Works makes some for the rear but man they are PRICEY.

  7. #7
    Billy Golightly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BigGreenMachine
    Question: Are you going to put any air in your forks or just oil and the springs/preload spacers?
    Probably just spacers. I'll see how it rides though, I might add 1-2 psi if it feels to soft.

  8. #8
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    i do about the same riding as you and i just used atf in mine. but idk about it w/ the progressive fork springs
    1985 Honda 350X - a lot of performance stuff, everything but a cam, hope to get one soon
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  9. #9
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    im run bel ray 20wt, stock springs, on my z's
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