Fork Oil Weight

[Hobicus]

I'm putting in my Racetech springs this weekend.

Is 10 wt oil what's recommended, or should I use 8, which seems to be the stock?

If it matters...I weigh about 163.

[Redbird]

Stock is 10w, or "SS-8" in Honda speak. Don't ask me where they get the 8, I don't know, but it isn't the weight.

I'm sticking with 10w until I do something with the valving, but some have gone to 5w and reported good results. You can even mix 10w and 5w for some 7.5w if you want

[Hobicus]

Thanks Tim

I've got the 10 wt here... so that's what I'll use.

If it just wasn't going to be 2 degrees here tomorrow AM... I'd put them back on the bike and try them out... :mad:

[testrider]

I just put in a set of Racetech 0.95kg/mm springs on my 97. The Racetech is 315mm long vs OEM's 237mm. According to Racetch's included instructions, the volume of fork oil should be adjusted accordingly based on spring weight, as more weight = more spring volume = less fork oil level.

I weighted my OEM spring at 0.625 lb each and the Racetech at 0.875 lb each, that's 40% heavier than OEM. I really had no clue how much oil to reduce so I just went for an oil level of 160mm instead of the stock 154mm, that calculated out to 1cc less oil.

Also, since the spring is longer so I needed to cut the included aluminum spacer to 130mm to have a sag of 32mm (for my weight of 165 lbs without gear).

YMMV.

-Mike-

[TimXX]

I've got Hyperpro front springs and 5 wt fork oil. Works well. I weigh 190 and often travel with my spouse for a total weight of 300lbs with Givi and tank bags.