Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MECHANICAL & TECHNICAL => Topic started by: andrewsh71 on September 03, 2006, 10:06:11 PM

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: andrewsh71 on September 03, 2006, 10:06:11 PM

Is it really necessary to replace fork oil? I have a 03 b12 with 11k on it. and the manual says to inspect every 12k or so. What is there to inspect? Does it really break down?

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: StangMATA on September 04, 2006, 01:53:11 AM

If your seals arn't leaking and the forks still feal firm, then I wouldn't sweat it. However, if that isn't the case, throw in some new seals and oil and call it good.  :motorsmile:

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: jeffw on September 05, 2006, 08:09:27 AM

Yes, it breaks down, and yes, change it, it will be better than the original oil.  Don't go any heavier than 10 weight. :grin:

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: andrewsw on September 05, 2006, 02:26:24 PM

I've got a leaking fork seal (aw crap what a pita). Anyway, its starting to "thock" on that side when it extends... I don't recall, is that the "oil is getting too low" warning?

Title: oil
Post by: tacoman on September 05, 2006, 03:45:54 PM

You should change it for a couple reasons.  First, the stuff from the factory is probably low quality and more than likely its not filled all the way.  Second, it does break down and you can get moisture in there which will corrode the internals.  All this causes bad fork action.  Put in some quality oil measured out correctly and you'll be good to go.

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: Bazza on September 06, 2006, 09:05:05 PM

Another thing to consider is that fork oil does get contaminated due to condensation etc, so changing it every once in a while does not hurt.

This is the same with your brake & clutch fluid as this will become more compressable with age. (leading to spongy brakes)

As someone else mentioned , I would not advise going over 10w oil on the Bandit.

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: B6mick on September 10, 2006, 07:30:47 AM

Quote from: Bazza

As someone else mentioned , I would not advise going over 10w oil on the Bandit.

Not trying to be a smart ass, but why not?, I run 15w on the B6 and have added extra spacers for extra preload. And have found the front far more comfortable and far less prone to bottom out under severe fun.
The first thing I did on the Rex was dump the fish oil crap excuse for fork oil and 15w was the order of the day.

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: andrewsh71 on September 10, 2006, 01:56:30 PM

So I dont see anything in the manual on how to replace the fork oil. Can anyone give me a quick and dirty on it? Appreciate it.

Title: fork oil, is replacement necessary?
Post by: Daytona on September 10, 2006, 08:38:53 PM

Quote

="andrewsh71"]So I dont see anything in the manual on how to replace the fork oil. Can anyone give me a quick and dirty on it? Appreciate it.

You want to know! Got to be dumped out! Or some have sucked it out. I did mine @ 33k, the oil was dark from wear and age but if you ask me i wouldn't do it again. Unless your seals are leaking or you do some spg mods. What ever happened to the plug in the bottom of the fork so this can be done easier!! :duh:  :beers: