increased fork oil weight from 10W to 15W - big difference but I don't like it!

  • Zaddict
  • Zaddict's Avatar Topic Author
  • Away
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Enjoying my Zaddiction!
  • Posts: 345
  • Thanks: 70

increased fork oil weight from 10W to 15W - big difference but I don't like it!

14 Apr 2019 14:21
#802115
I was thinking my front forks were a little mushy. I have progressive springs installed and had the recommended 10W fork oil. I just tried 15W fork oil and the difference is profound, but I don't like it. Steering feels really heavy. It's like the front end literally has a bunch of weight added to it and steering now involves a bunch of inertia - like the bike wants to follow imperfections in the road and I need to fight that.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience. I'll probably go back to 10W or try some intermediate blend. I guess another option would be taking out a bit of fluid. Not sure what effect that would have...

Cheers,
Mark
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 650ed
  • 650ed's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 15333
  • Thanks: 2833

Re: increased fork oil weight from 10W to 15W - big difference but I don't like it!

14 Apr 2019 14:38
#802118
I definitely would NOT recommend using less fork oil! Use the amount specified in the manual. Adjust the damping by using different weight fork oil. If you use Bel Ray you can mix their different viscosity fork oils to come up with a blend that works best for you. Bel-Ray offers a wide selection of fork oil weights, so you can experiment with them until you find the exact blend that works best for you. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
The following user(s) said Thank You: Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nebr_Rex
  • Nebr_Rex's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 1887
  • Thanks: 295

Re: increased fork oil weight from 10W to 15W - big difference but I don't like it!

14 Apr 2019 18:05
#802143
More spring, lighter oil.


.
2002 ZRX1200R
81 GPz1100
79 KZ1000st daily ride
79 KZ1000mk2 prodject
78 KZ650sr
78 KZ650b
81 KZ750e
80 KZ750ltd
77 KZ400/440 cafe project
76 KZ400/440 Fuel Injected

www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=39120.0


.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • TexasKZ
  • TexasKZ's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 7921
  • Thanks: 2500

Re: increased fork oil weight from 10W to 15W - big difference but I don't like it!

14 Apr 2019 18:17
#802146
Nebr_Rex wrote: More spring, lighter oil.
.

+1

Did you also change brands of oil? A 15w from one company can actually be a quite different viscosity from a 15w from another company.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism, Zaddict

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum