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Looking for fork oil advice

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    Looking for fork oil advice

    1980 GS1100E
    My scooter has developed a leak on the left fork leg, with oil seeping from the dust boot at the top of the slider. I have acquired the seals and new dust boots, and now that the weather is pretty bad for riding, I want to pull the forks and replace the seals/dust boots/oil. The local parts guy at the Suzuki/Honda/everything else including UTVs and ATVs dealer in't even as old as the bike, and said they ONLY have 5 weight, and he has no idea what is called for. I only have the Clymer manual and there is no specification that I can locate.
    What is the recommended oil? Also, the Clymer book claims 25PSI for air pressure, which seems pretty high(?)...
    Thanks in advance.
    Just an old guy trying to have a little fun with my toy.
    1980 GS1100E



    sigpic

    #2
    Owners manual says 7.1 psi on the forks and 238ml of oil in each, but does not specify a weight.



    Service manual says the same on air pressure and mentions "Front fork oil #15" if that means a 15w oil...? Suppose it depends on your preference of ride. Thicker oil will ride stiffer but better on the highway.

    - David
    80 GS850GL
    Arlington, TX
    https://visitedstatesmap.com/image/ARMNMTNDSDTXsm.jpg

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      #3
      In my 850 I last filled the forks with SAE 10 Belray, or something. Not that important.
      It rides fine, but it's not exactly standard.
      In my XJ I used 5w40 synth motor oil. It rides fine, and it's totally standard.
      Suzuki originally recommended home diy-ers to make up a mix of ATF and 20w50 motor oil, might have been 50/50 ratio, but I unrecall.
      I'm utterly sure that worked fine, too.

      If you're not a track star, you probably won't notice it.
      ---- Dave

      Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window

      Comment


        #4
        jump on amazon and get some maxima 10wt or 15wt.

        If you are a +200 guy go with the heavier oil, the heavier the oil the more rebound dampening.
        These old damper rod forks don't really care about oil as much as the newer cartridge style forks. Hell you could even use ATF fluid and it will be fine.
        78 GS1000 Yosh replica racer project
        82 Kat 1000 Project
        05 CRF450x
        10 990 ADV-R The big dirt bike

        P.S I don't check PM to often, email me if you need me.

        Comment


          #5
          Save your money and make your own. 1 quart 30wt oil and 1 quart ATF. Makes 15wt oil. Service manuals have the recipie in them.Make half gallon for 9 bucks where things like Belray is 18 a quart.

          MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
          1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

          NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


          I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

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