Measuring Fork Oil Level

Just bought some new forks (mine were badly speckled and tearing up new seals ) and i'm ready to install them on the bike. i looked at the manual and i need to measure the level, but it doesn't specify whether to measure with the forks slanted, like they would be on the bike, or upright. My bike has air assisted forks so i want to make sure i get it exactly right. so do i measure with the forks at an angle, or upright?

and if slanted, should i measure at the outermost edge, inner most, or middle?

also, the manual says to use 5w-20 oil, but it was also from the 80s. is there any other fluid that may be better to use in the forks?

id appreciate the help!!

Please add your bike/year of build to your signature for further questions please.
I know you are talking about a 1982 Kz 550 LTD ( C3) but other members not.

Here's a link to the manual. Ed

www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/Kz400500550_79to83.pdf

The FSM is known to have contradicting information regarding fork oil level in the Kz550C. The third party manuals also mirror the errors.
You may have to do a google search on the subject to find the correct info. There was a lot of discussion of it on Kzrider over the years.

kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/602836-kz550...fork-oil-measurement

The 550 also has a slightly different measuring technique than some other Kz's. The 550 specifies the forks fully extended and with the fork springs removed.

By loudhvx: ....
The 550 also has a slightly different measuring technique than some other Kz's. The 550 specifies the forks fully extended and with the fork springs removed.

The 81-83 KZ650 is measured the same with springs removed & the engine blocked to raise the front wheel off the garage floor (from the Kawasaki FSM).