GS1150 Fork Oil Level

[outofcontrol]

I have an 82 GS1100 with an 1150 front end and it's a little stiff. I remember seeing progressive springs when I went through them, but I didn't know what oil or how much to put in. Off hand, I think I put in 20wt and 110-120mm of air; spring out, fork compressed. (that was the SV setting with 30wt) I searched and only found a '78 GS750 setting that was 10.5 inches of air :shock: no wonder I'm so stiff - if that's the same for the 1150. BTW, I'm not going to buy the Clymer manual just for the 1150 forks. I'm going to start playing with different oil and levels, I'm sure there's no hard set factory setting for an 82 GS1100EZ with 85 GS1150 forks, but right now I don't think I'm really close.

To make a short question long; what's the right oil wt, and how much airspace do I need? (spring out, fork compressed, top of oil to tip of fork). Or should I say, what does the manual suggest?

Thanks in advance!

-Kevin

[V84ME]

air/oil mix

Being around 240, I wanted a little firmer setup than stock. I ended up with 8 psi air, 1" less air gap than the manual suggested, and used 20w oil.

[Steve]

First of all, I don't have a manual for the 1150, but I do have one for the shafties, which go up to 1100.

The specs for the non-L models look like they should have about 140 mm of air, which will probably take about 365 ml of oil to achieve.

Which oil? It depends on the comfort or control level you desire. If you are heavier, or a more aggressive rider, a heavier oil will work better. Depending on the condition of your fork internals, a 15w or 20w fork oil would fill the bill. If you are not so heavy or are more of a sight-seeing rider, you might opt for 10w or 15w oil.

.

[renobruce]

The manual shows the fork oil capacity at 286 ml. Fork oil level (air space)should be 180 mm (7.1 in). Standard air pressure is 4.3 psi

[derwood]

just cause i got no life , i looked it up.....fork oil "268ml or 286ml (for Canada)".....level is from the top with fork vertical ,compressed and spring removed 210mm or 180mm (for Canada)
air joint Canada only 30 kPa
dampnig force and spring setting ...damping 3rd position
spring preload Canada 2, all others 1
there you go for what its worth
dave

[outofcontrol]

Thanks fellas. I'm going to dump out the 20wt (might be 30wt) and use some 15wt and about 200mm of air and we'll see what it feels like. I'm about 185lbs and I ride this bike like a grandpa. I have 3 other roadrace bikes, so I get my fill of speed and cornering with those.

Thanks again!

-Kevin