VF700 fork oil question what height should the oil be at in the fork?

I'm doing a fork oil change on my 700F right now, whatever is in there, was VERY OLD and REALLY NASTY crap resembling trashed oil.

Anyway, my question is, what should I set the fork oil height to? I dislike using the quantity method, measuring by height is a LOT more viable to me. anyone know? I'd like to have her done by monday.

 

I'm not a bike tech, but my experience is if you're servicing the forks than you should take the time to clean them completely out (which means separating them, and using solvent or brake parts cleaner). Once you've got them clean, and have everything prepped for re-assembly the specified quantity is right on the money...

I've only done this 6 or 7 times, but it's always come out right. Just my $0.02...

 

Thanks for the thought, you're quite correct, and I felt it a MUST DO to remove whatever remained of the "oil" that was in there. it wasnt exactly um, clean. more like MUD.

 

Your new oil doesn't demand a perfectly clean environment. If your fork seals are not leaking why risk damaging them with solvent. Just dump out what you can and put in new. General rule of thumb is 6" below the top with the fork springs out and fully collapsed.

 

VFR800Fi 1999 the level is spec'd at 130 mm

Pump the tubes and dampers a number of times to expel air, NO springs!

 

Thanks, but I have the 84/85, not the more recent generations. I do appreciate the effort though.

I went ahead earlier and just used the quantities specified in the manual, said screw it, cleaned everything real well, and put her back together. handles a LOT nicer, and my anti dive mechanism actually feels good for once.

 

Did you use the specified fork oil, or a different weight?

 

I went with 10w, not sure what the manual specs.

 

That's a good weight to use. I recommend anywhere from 150-190mm fluid height. Probably start at 190mm and add fluid if you experience bottoming. Enjoy!