fork oil changed

[golden highway]

I had been back and forth on changing the fork oil so while I was installing my blackwing brace I decided to do it. What a good decision that was. The oil that came out looked like mud. I can't wait to ride it to see how it handles with the forks aligned, blackwing brace and new fork oil.

[minimac]

I've made changing the fork oil part of my annual winter maintenance program. Is it overkill? Maybe. But I've never had a fork seal leak and it's a good ride tuning tool, by varying the oil weight, to dial in the ride I want.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

I wonder if it wouldn't be advantageous to drive it around a few thousand miles, and change it again. Just thinking that 'mud' couldn't have all come out on one, first change. After driving a while, it may allow some of the crud to lift into suspension, and be drained out, to clear more of it out. Then, just regular changes every year or 2 from then on. I changed mine the first time, and it wasn't too bad at all. Changed it again, a year later, and it really looked the same as the new oil. I've decided on changes every 2 years, thinking that should be adequate. Probably better maintenance than 90% of the bikes out there.

[WingAdmin]

I wonder if it wouldn't be advantageous to drive it around a few thousand miles, and change it again. Just thinking that 'mud' couldn't have all come out on one, first change. After driving a while, it may allow some of the crud to lift into suspension, and be drained out, to clear more of it out. Then, just regular changes every year or 2 from then on. I changed mine the first time, and it wasn't too bad at all. Changed it again, a year later, and it really looked the same as the new oil. I've decided on changes every 2 years, thinking that should be adequate. Probably better maintenance than 90% of the bikes out there.

When I changed my fork oil, I drained them, then flushed them by spraying copious amounts of brake cleaner (solvent) until all the goo came out. Then I waited for the solvent to evaporate, flushed a bit of fresh fork oil through just to be sure, and closed them up.

[kybigmac]

I did the same thing,put on the fork brace and changed the fork oil. You will be very happy with the results!

[golden highway]

I am sure I didn't get all the crud out so I think your right about changing it again in few thousand miles.

[Happytrails]

So what flavor brand or weight oil do you all use or experiment with? I've been eyeing Honda SS-8 fork oil on ebay and Motul oil.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

I used the SS-8 on both changes. I think it maintains a pretty 'soft' front end with the stock springs, to keep vibration to a minimum. And, I've had no issues with handling on the straight, or in bumpy turns. I was afraid to mess with success, using a heavier weight oil.

[golden highway]

I did some experimenting on my GL1200 and a few non goldwing's using ATF and fork oil. What I found is I liked the way the ATF performed best so that is what I went with in the GL1500. I think Honda still calls for ATF for the forks at least I hope. I am hoping to get out this weekend to see how it does.