Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

Technical Help Forum

what exactly does the fork oil do?

hebbyg 07-17-2008, 3:34 PM
and....on my 82 GL500 I have what appears to be drain bolts at the near bottom of the tubes. Can't I just drain them and add the oil thru the top?
Does the condition of the oil DRASTICALLY effect dampning? It seems my shocks are so easy to bottom out. I'm a light guy on a GL500 that has been stripped of every non-crucial part there is. Do ya think new fork oil would seem to 'stiffin' my forks a little? Or is the oil just used to dampen back a hard bump.

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

Anonymous 07-17-2008, 3:43 PM
Fork oil regulates the compression and damping effects. Heavier weight oil will make for a stiffer feel. I'd suggest draining anf filling the forks with the specified oil and the specified amount. If it's bottoming out you may not have enough oil in it. the best thing to do would be to drain and refill then you KNOW what you've got!

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

fll1441 07-17-2008, 4:01 PM
Also, make sure your forks are holding air. Put in 10-16 psi. A little air pressure in those tubes makes a big difference.

1982 CX500 Custom

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

Anonymous 07-17-2008, 5:28 PM
thanks guys,
the reason I am getting into this is because upon trying to add a little more air again to my forks,
for some reason I just grabbed the air inflation port casting on the left top fork cap imaging in my mind: "yup, you just put an adjustable on this,
and they turn right out.....visualizing in my head the spring inside and all the other bits, (I've studied these forums quite extensively)
So, I grab it, and the bugger turns right in my hand! it was loose! Now I'm thinking, how the hell would that hold air if it was that loose?
It's only a compressed o-ring holding that in. So, that's a big deal. I am pulling the forks saturday, and am going to put factory weight oil in them.
Wish me luck boys.

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

DAVID 07-17-2008, 5:38 PM
The factory oil is ATF. Get some 15 or 20 wt fork oil, it will make a big difference.

82 GL500
81 KDX175
If all else fails, read the instructions

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

Shep 07-18-2008, 7:39 AM
Other USA CX500 owners can pipe in hear.On UK variants there are no drain bolts on the fork legs.One of my CXs has them but that's because it has CB400n forks on it.

New Global CX/GL Forum,
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

bobisslack 07-18-2008, 8:46 AM
I'm about to change my fork oil. There's a hex head bolt that's accessible when you remove the front axle bolt. They're usually held in with loc-tite, so some heat may be necessary for removal. Take them out, let the fork oil run out, remove the top fork caps to let them drain fully. Replace bottom bolts, fill w/ FORK OIL (bypass that ATF mess...works, but not like real fork oil) and replace top fork caps (a second set of hands really helps here). Hardest part I encountered last time was finding something to measure in cc's for measuring the correct amount of oil. I ended up getting a tiny bottle that was 1.1 fl/oz and just used 4 of them in each side. (since the manual calls for 4.3fl/oz, I figgered I was close enough)

'80 cx500c

Gotta keep my knees in the breeze.

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

DAVID 07-18-2008, 9:30 AM
On the GL's, there is a small, 10mm head drain screw.

82 GL500
81 KDX175
If all else fails, read the instructions

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

steve in reno 07-18-2008, 10:06 AM
when needing to measure small amounts of fluids like fork oil go the supermarket and buy a cheap baby bottle. > than $1.
1OZ ='s 30cc.
There are marking on the baby bottle with amounts imprinted.
Keep the nipple and cut off the end to use as a funnel.
Works well and is cheap.
Just like me!
steve

do it right-do it once!
gl650

Re: what exactly does the fork oil do?

Sidecar Bob 07-20-2008, 6:18 PM
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/28479/ShowPost.aspx#28479

GX650EI + Velorex 700 (winter), '83 GL1000 (summer)
'84 CB750SC Nighthawk (died - anyone need parts?)

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