Synthetic fork oil?

[Guest]

I bought some supplies for my fork oil seal change, and I realized just now that I purchased synthetic fork oil - specifically Silkolene 05 synthetic fork oil. Should I use this or should I try to find a regular fork oil? Oh, I'm also installing progressive springs at the same time.

[tkent02]

Nothing wrong with synthetic fork oil. Is 05 the weight you want?

[jdknicks]

To be honest, I'm not quite sure. I was in a rush when I went to my dealer, I asked him for 15w Fork oil and this is what he gave me. The synthetic is available in 02 and 05. But there is nothing on the label or website listing this as the weight. I just want to make sure I won't need to change it because its the wrong weight.

[Steve]

Progressive usually recommends 15w, many of us have found that 10w works well for a better ride.

I think your 5w might be a little light. No problem with the "synthetic" part, though.

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[tkent02]

The different brands vary a lot, not sure how the Silkolene is. 05 doesn't sound like a normal oil viscosity rating, look on thier website for info? Maybe just try it and see?

[jdknicks]

Well, after searching for the viscosity of this particular oil with no results, I decided to just use it and see how it goes, I replaced my oil seals, and reinstalled the forks.

I thought I would try one more time to find some info before I took it for a test drive, and boy I'm glad I did. I found a PDF detailing silkolene 05 and the listed viscosity is 0w/30!!! Needless to say, I'll be replacing the oil before taking a test ride.

Note to self: Always check the product before purchasing, dummy!!

[Dj66]

Fork oil.

Why not try it? Multiple viscosity seems like a good idea to me, and you can easily drain it if you don't like it, right?

[John Kat]

It's very difficult to compare oil viscosities between different brands
I found this table that gives a good overview of the different fork oils on the market. http://www.qemsc.com.au/documents/suspensionoils.pdf
Needless to say it's better to compare the viscosities at the lower temperature level ( 40°C) as our forks will never reach 100°C!

[Nessism]

Well, after searching for the viscosity of this particular oil with no results, I decided to just use it and see how it goes, I replaced my oil seals, and reinstalled the forks.

I thought I would try one more time to find some info before I took it for a test drive, and boy I'm glad I did. I found a PDF detailing silkolene 05 and the listed viscosity is 0w/30!!! Needless to say, I'll be replacing the oil before taking a test ride.

Note to self: Always check the product before purchasing, dummy!!

I'd try it. Worst case it the ride is too rough.

[tkent02]

Try it as long as it's in there. It will give you a base line for testing whatever you end up with. The temps the forks operate at puts the viscosity closer to the 0 than the 30, it might not be so bad.

[jdknicks]

Try it as long as it's in there. It will give you a base line for testing whatever you end up with. The temps the forks operate at puts the viscosity closer to the 0 than the 30, it might not be so bad.

I'll give it a test run and see how it goes, my guess is that it'll be a little softer than I'd like. I'll followup tomorrow with my results

[Steve]

I'll give it a test run and see how it goes, my guess is that it'll be a little softer than I'd like. I'll followup tomorrow with my results

Keep in mind that, with the design of our damping systems, changes in viscosity of fork oil will be more apparent on rebound, rather than compression. Unfortunately, it's the compression damping that sets up the jarring through the handlebars (and your arms) when hitting a bump. It will be mainly the springs that absorb that, then the oil keeps the forks from snapping back out.

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[jdknicks]

Thanks for the insight Steve. There are so many things about these bikes I don't completely understand (or understand AT ALL ) That is one less now! I will keep that in mind.

[jdknicks]

Well, I rode to school, work and back home today with the new front end. It was a bit rough, but compared to my 34 y/o stock setup with leaky forks, it was like riding on air! I'm gonna ride it as is for now, and when I have some extra money to spend I'll replace it with some 10W fork oil. Thanks all for your help!

[mrbill5491]

Well, I rode to school, work and back home today with the new front end. It was a bit rough, but compared to my 34 y/o stock setup with leaky forks, it was like riding on air! I'm gonna ride it as is for now, and when I have some extra money to spend I'll replace it with some 10W fork oil. Thanks all for your help!

Maybe a 15w or 20w would be the ticket if it is riding that much better with 30w now. 10w might be too light then.