What a difference new forkoil makes

[saaz]

After putting on the new set of tyres, the front end felt a bit uncertain, which I put down to getting used to new tyres.  But the more I ride the more likely it was that the forks had lost some of their damping.  I did the cheats fork oil change (drain out and put back in new oil to the same amount).  The oil that came out was very disgusting.  The front now feels planted and handles much better.  Fork oil had been in for just over 40,000kms, but was done a year ago.  I think I will just change it every 2 sets of tyres from now on.  I used the castrol full synthetic 10 weight.

[Breharna]

John you have just done one of the most missed aspects of servicing. You would be surprised how often owners and shops do not change fork oil as part of a major service.  I do fork oil every 24000 km as part of a major service on customers/my bikes. Just imagine how often your forks get compressed under braking and the awful roads we ride on. 

Fork oil just like any oil breaks down thru use or if unused over a period of time.  ST's aren't the lightest bikes around, so their front end get a fair belting over time.  Every two sets of tyres is a pretty good gauge on when to change it.  Good post mate.   

[winston66]

winston66,

this looks interesting.My ride has 113000 klms. up just 10000 for me the PO. seemed quite slack so I doubt if he ever did this fork oil change.
So this is something I will do in the next couple of days.
Can someone please tell me what the recommended procedure is.
Cheers to all,
Winston66,
Northampton
PS. the ride is really comfortable and tracks beautifully so I have not even thought about this bit of quite necessary maintenance.

Cheers , Winston66

[Breharna]

One thing I forgot to mention was, as well as changing the actual fork oil, was what you replace it with.  That depends on some variables, such as roads you travel (twists, highway, bumpy country roads) , one or two up, accessories, all have a bearing on weight distribution.  I don't to want to high jack the thread or make it confusing, so do what  John has done and start off with a good quality 10 weight fork oil.  See what differences/effects it has changing it, and like anything suspension related alter to suit.

Suspension set up, is an art in itself and can change a nice bike into a superb bike.  Enough from me......

[saaz]

I used to 10w oil, as that is what is specified for the police bike.  I use the full synthetic stuff, what brand it might be. As the forks are internally the same as civilian models, it works there as well.  Original oil weight for civilian bikes is around the 7.5w equivalent.

I fully clean out the forks every few years to get rid of the wear particles.  This can take a bit of effort (especially getting the spring on the non-anti dive side on!), so at a minimum doing the shortcut way is next best and does not take that long. The proper way is to take the springs out, compress the forks than measure the oil level. The given fork capacities have a range as an indicative amount that might be needed.

[Bikebear]

I'm planning on doing a full strip down of the forks during the wet season. That''ll give me a chance to check for wear, clean them out and replace the seals. Goldie is just comingup to 75000 and although the front feels fine I reckon it's time to give them the works. I will be using a 10wt oil as I'm not a little person and I prefer the front end a stiffer.

[Greencan]

Well I really think....Oh I am sorry I seemed to have misread the title of this thread...I thought it was to do doing sod all...my mistake...I'll get on with doing old forkoil then...ho roo, the can :-)