Hi all, 2003 VFR ABS, 14000 km on the odo, not much maintenance by previous owners, which I correct step by step. A couple months ago I've started adjusting the suspension to my weight and riding parameters. I am ~75 kg or 165 lbs in full gear. 1. I refilled the rear preload adjuster with hydraulic jack fluid, and it works great now, full 38-40 clicks. 2. The road surface quality around here leaves a lot to be desired, potholes, waves and bumps. I've noticed the forks with default preload were bottoming out regularly, so by test riding my favourite twisties and adjusting preload I've stopped at 25% rider sag front and back. This involved almost full-in on front adjusters and a number of clicks in the back in order to achieve a level bike. The rear rebound damping I've set at a half turn out from full in, again by test riding. I like the outcome, the front doesn't bottom out, the entire bike feels firm but well planted on good and not so good paved roads, also surprisingly good on gravel, which I ride quite a lot. I would have compared the suspension feel to a Subaru STI, that was my first thought when I was done with adjustments. 3. I'm generally happy with the suspension setup now, only that I feel a little more rebound damping in the forks would be beneficial. Rear damping is good and the front is more jumpy. I assume the simplest way to higher damping (compression AND rebound) would be with a heavier oil. 4. Honda recommends Pro Honda Suspension Fluid SS-8, what is the weight of this oil? And what heavier weight would you recommend for the fork for my weight in order to dampen their rebound? I will most likely buy Repsol fork oil. Again, I'm satisfied with the fork springs and the rear suspension in general. Thanks!
It is 10 weight oil. You’re 165 and riding rougher roads. I would not go more than 15 weight oil or it might ride very hard.
While outdated a bit, this fork oil comparison might be helpful.... compare centistoke values as they can vary quite a bit by brand for a particular weight of oil. https://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/index.php?title=Suspension_Fluid
