I wounder what rate suspension oil to use in fork. Haynes manuak sayt ATF (automatic transmission Fluid) or Pro Honda Suspension Fluid SS-7. But ot does not tell what weight oil, 10W, 15W or 20W ?? Anyone know? <--- what bike for....
SS-7 is a 5wt, yea for those that change out the fluid a lot, I've heard Auto Tranny fluid works fairly well, ala race /track bike guys use it a lot. I'm using Bel-Ray 7wt. this time around, I've a whole different set up now :biggrin: I also change mine once a season.
Oh SS-8 is a 10wt. thats why I ended up going the way I did. I didn't fluid that was too much thicker, and most that I talked to warned me by going to the 10wt. I may find my ride to harsh, so did the rebuild valve and spring first then tried it with the SS-7, but knew I needed it to be a wee bit thicker in the oil department after I put the miles on, so during the F3 swap thats when I jumped up to the next wt. which IMO since Honda didn't have it, was to go with another brand. which in this case was Belray
I have read so much about ATF use, but not much about anyones favorite. 5wt or 7wt Bel Ray or whatever.... I do Normal 1 up riding at 150lbs on a 1992
I just completed putting Repsol 7.5 Wt in the forks. I did not get 386ml out of the forks, but I am sure the residue in the drain bucket and rags must account for some. Interesting note: The manual calls for 13.4 Oz or 386 ml. BUT conversion charts indicate 13.5 Oz = 399 ml. I put in 390 ml. and I am hoping for the best. The measuring process involves removing the springs, so I took a short cut by not doing that since I am not replacing the fork seals. The next ride should prove to be very interesting and hopefully uneventful.
I completed reassembly and I had a chance to test ride on Sat. The front end is firmer. Braking is quite a bit different as the front does not dive so harshly. Ride is smooth over bumpy back roads. Dips and bumps in the road that are felt do not jar the chassis. I would say for a 150 lb rider 7 wt is a good choice. I left the preload set at 3 and 1/4 grooves. The truth will really be known sometime this summer on the twisties. For now I'm glad to have it back together in the corner of the garage.
