Fork OIL

[jimp]

I have a 1980 GS550L,the Clymer manual tells me to mix ATF and 10w30 at 50/50. Is this the best way to go or should I buy fork oil.I weigh about 250lbs and am not to sure what weight oil.Thanks for any replies
Jim

[chiphead]

I did the ATF and 10w30 at 50/50 on an 1100G and I'm happy with it. I go @ 220 lbs.

[renobruce]

I say buy the oil that is designed for the bike. The factory manual says to use fork oil. I might go with 15w for your weight.

[Nessism]

I say buy the oil that is designed for the bike. The factory manual says to use fork oil. I might go with 15w for your weight.

My factory manual (GS550) says to use 50/50 mixture of 10W-30 motor oil and ATF.

[koolaid_kid]

I say buy the oil that is designed for the bike. The factory manual says to use fork oil. I might go with 15w for your weight.

Yup.
ATF is well known to be of inconsistent weight.

[renobruce]

My factory manual (GS550) says to use 50/50 mixture of 10W-30 motor oil and ATF.

Yup.
ATF is well known to be of inconsistent weight.

Interesting. I have heard of using ATF, but not a mixture of ATF and oil. I stand corrected. I'd still use fork oil.....

[walt]

One good reason to use Fork oil instead of ATF, is ATF has seal conditioners. Read, "seal conditioners" as makes the seals swell to prevent leaks. Tight seals create friction, not good for the forks giving a good "ride".

[Clone]

Use fork oil, I found the recommended 10W fork oil, or ATF/10W30 mix to be like water. I currrently have Hydral56 in the forks, it is a transmission/hydrualic fluid, and rates at 12W it is still too thin. Next time I will use 20W.