changing fork oil

would like to know the simplest way to change fork oil on 78 kz1000 also what fluid & how much???

If you have air assisted front forks,be careful in bleeding off the pressure before removing the bleed screws at the bottom outside of the lower fork legs, otherwise be prepared for the screw shooting out followed by oil under pressure.

The weight of the oil depends on what your riding style is, the more aggresive rider might need a heavier weight fluid especially if you take a passenger along.

Some people have used automatic transmission fluid instead of fork oil in their bike front suspension.

ace wrote:

would like to know the simplest way to change fork oil on 78 kz1000 also what fluid & how much???

15W fork oil which is not the same as SAE15 motor oil. The exact amount needed would be in the service manual.

For sure consult the service manual for the correct amount for your model. Do 1 fork leg at a time so the bike doesn't collapse the front suspension. I've been using Bel Ray 15w fork oil with great success in my '77 KZ650 since it was new. I change it every 2 years. Ed

650ed wrote:

...Do 1 fork leg at a time so the bike doesn't collapse the front suspension....

Excellent advice.

May opt to keep front end suspended with a floor jack or other prop under the engine while bike's on center stand or other-wise held upright (such as rear end lift), to prevent front end collapse.

But don't leave bike unattended while suspended with a hydraulic jack, which might gradually lower and allow the front end to collapse.

Before removing either fork cap, I start by removing the fork drain screws, then wrap a shop rag around the fork leg covering the drain screw holes, and then vigorously pump the forks to help expel all the oil.

The shop rags prevent expelled oil from blowing out all over everything.

Most shop manuals specify the fork oil volume (wet or dry filled), but may fail to specify the proper fork oil level measured from top of the tube.

When the correct volume is certain (from being wet-filled or dry-filled per specs), may use a slim wooden dowel to measure the level and fashion a dip-stick as a tool for future use.

Would also add a note of the measured distance in your shop manual and maintenance record. And perhaps a memo as to where the dipstick is located. :lol:

Good Fortune!

Where does one find a shop manual for a 1980 kz1000 and then again I need one for the J model engine?