Interesting tidbit

[chuck hahn]

I was over on Cliffs Website checking a few things in the GS 1000 service manual and noticed in one of those info blocks on the page that it stated fork oil...SAE 10w20. I use the 50/50 30wt and tranny fluid recipe myself. Just thought this was interesting.

 

[TheCafeKid]

Why use anything other than fork oil? That's what it's for. That's what I use.

 

[JJ]

Why use anything other than fork oil? That's what it's for. That's what I use.

My local Suzuki dealer told me years ago to use ATF; that it was about 15 wt. and has detergents that keep the internals clean. That's what I have been using successfully for at least 20 yrs.

 

[tom203]

My local Suzuki dealer told me years ago to use ATF; that it was about 15 wt. and has detergents that keep the internals clean. That's what I have been using successfully for at least 20 yrs.

I used atf in most of dirt bikes ages ago and found it worked well. I might try it on a bigger bike if I get ambitious.

 

[Guest]

My local Suzuki dealer told me years ago to use ATF; that it was about 15 wt. and has detergents that keep the internals clean. That's what I have been using successfully for at least 20 yrs.

I've also been using ATF in my forks for quite a while.

 

[Dogma]

ATF is 15w? That seems a bit harsh to me. I seem to recall that I have 10w fork oil in mine, and I might mix in some 5w next time.

 

[rustybronco]

My local Suzuki dealer told me years ago to use ATF; that it was about 15 wt. and has detergents that keep the internals clean.

JJ, AFT is a bit more like and 8 wt oil.

 

[chuck hahn]

Josh...dont know what dealers in Ohio charge, but last bottle i looked at on a shelf while waiting to see the parts guys said $16.00..me thinks NOT!!!!! A QT ofm oil and a QT of ATF is around 7 bucks and youre making up a half gallon...much more economical and just as the service manual recipies say to do.

 

[JJ]

JJ, AFT is a bit more like and 8 wt oil.

OK. I have never researched the viscosity. I just took their word for it. Whatever it is, it has worked well for me over the years.

Of course, one of the first things I do with older bikes is replace the front springs if they are out of spec, along with the rear shocks, if they are used up. I think I have bought ONE used bike out of a dozen or so that hasn't needed suspension upgrades.

 

[razor02097]

Josh...dont know what dealers in Ohio charge, but last bottle i looked at on a shelf while waiting to see the parts guys said $16.00..me thinks NOT!!!!! A QT ofm oil and a QT of ATF is around 7 bucks and youre making up a half gallon...much more economical and just as the service manual recipies say to do.

I bought 10wt for about $11 but even though that is still a rip off... I have enough to change the fork oil again. The stuff I used (Bel-Ray) says it is anti foam and friction modifiers. Also fork oils can be gotten in a wide viscosity range.

IMO there are things to save money on and things that one should splurge on. Engine oil and suspension fluid should be things you should splurge on. Greases, chain lube and generic oil for cables and levers aren't really as important as they are consumable and often contaminated by the elements anyway.

 

[Guest]

I have always used either PJ1 or Belray fork oils 30wt. Just my preference, I like a stiff front end lol. Though seriously, my stock front end has no adjustments what so ever and the heavier oil helped it big time. Now that I am about to swap it out for an 1100 adjustable front end may rethink the wt of the oil don't know yet. Just bought a 16oz bottle of PJ1 30wt, cost $8.00. Found a couple of older bottles of 30wt I had laying around, one was for $6.75 (PJ1) and the other was about $12 (Belray 32oz 30 wt)

 

[rustybronco]

The stuff I used (Bel-Ray) says it is anti foam and friction modifiers. Also fork oils can be gotten in a wide viscosity range.

There are friction modifiers in ATF, it also has anti-foaming properties, plus seal conditioners, is a high detergent oil and can be blended with engine oils to provide differing viscosities.

 

[razor02097]

ATF isn't kind to all rubber seals... I see no advantage to run detergents in fork oil.

I'm just wondering why someone would go through the trouble and extra expense of purchasing ATF + engine oil then mixing them to try to to get the right viscosity when a product engineered to actually go into suspension systems is available for a little more?

 

[chuck hahn]

Razor..then the engineers that wrote the service manual stating the 50/50 mix are all wrong then and suggest using what will quickly deteriorate the fork seals....right?

 

[rustybronco]

In my particular case the 20 wt non detergent engine oil was available at my local grocery store, I had the Dexron III ATF at home on the shelf and when mixed 50/50 it gave me 64 oz of fork oil for around $7.

ATF isn't kind to all rubber seals... I see no advantage to run detergents in fork oil.

Odd... the factory recommends a blend of ATF and engine oil that can be used in forks.

 

[Dogma]

Razor..then the engineers that wrote the service manual stating the 50/50 mix are all wrong then and suggest using what will quickly deteriorate the fork seals....right?

Hang on, they were writing about ATF and engine oil from around 1980. Have there been relevant changes to these since then?

 

[chuck hahn]

its clearly stated in the 77 750 service manual..thats where i first learned of this formula..and i also suspect its in manuals for even older bikes than mine. I dont know the differences in PRE 80s ATF and oils though.,,as far as when they started the whole friction additive / friction reducer stuff.

 

[rustybronco]

Dale, sure there have been changes in oils since the 80's, both in engine, fork and shock oils, but does that make the original ATF/engine oil suggestion no less valid than when it was first issued?

 

[chuck hahn]

Whats the input and tail seals on automatic trannys made of?? I dont really think the ATF will break down or damage any fork seals.

 

[razor02097]

Razor..then the engineers that wrote the service manual stating the 50/50 mix are all wrong then and suggest using what will quickly deteriorate the fork seals....right?

I never said the mix was wrong. I said I don't know why someone would go through the trouble when fork oil is available ready to pour and in any viscosity you want and not that much more money.