Shock oil By Jon C (Read 1,656 times)

[Jon C]

Does anyone know what kind of oil to put in the front shocks? And how much do I add to it.

I tried to pump out the old oil, and it doesn't seem like there is much in there although it is really black. There isn't a drain plug is there? I didn't see anything.

Thanks.

[zugzug]

ATF is commonly used in older motorcycles forks or you can use 10,15, or 20 wt oil. Over 20 is usually too thick and can cause seals to blow. Im sorta new to scoots but I cant see it being much different with the scoot forks. Its basically the same design just on a bit smaller scale.

[Bashan]

The Haynes manual was no help on this one. It said to measure how much is removed so you can put that much back in. Well, what if you've had a leak?.......DUH! Then it said to "put the specified oil back in". Well that's a big help isn't it? That's why you consult the manual. I'm afraid haynes has failed us on this one. It did say that there are three viscosities for fork oil, light medium, and heavy. I'm just guessing medium for a scoot. Anybody have some info on this suject? Rich

[Jon C]

Thanks so far, I'm going to try a local motorcycle shop. They said they have about 5 different weights. Zugzug, I'll keep that in mind and start with a lighter weight.

I'll let you know what I find.

[mthomas]

Jon,
How did you get the shocks open? I thought about doing this with my front shocks cause they feel a bit bouncy but was unsure about opening them. I have not looked at them hard but I think mine have an Allen head opening on top that may have to be unscrewed. Also, let us know if there was a difference in the ride as that may sway me.

[Jon C]

Yep, there is an allen head plug on it...a big one. There is a spring in there too. When I took both of them off, the suspension dropped down. I'm wondering if I should of dove into this? I'll know more about the ride when I get it put back together.

I'm going to have to guess on how much fluid to put in there. A guy at the motorcycle shop said to make sure I have full travel with the suspension? What ever that means, he wasn't much help.

I ended up getting 10 wt. from a local shop.



www.hponline.com/eshopprod_cat_5362-17474_prodtree_370-215-307_product_693369.Fork_and_Suspension_Oil.htm

I had it all apart because my steering felt loose and found a bold that needed to be tightened.

I also got lucky at an auto parts store, and found 35w head lights that are an exact fit! $2.95 at a place called Welle Auto.

[Jon C]

The ride is better but just barely. It doesn't seem to jolt on every bump now, just the larger bumps or cracks in the road.

The new oil I put in was as clear as water, so I'm glad I changed out that black crap that was in there. I don't think any oil or rubber from China is any good, but that is just my opinion.

I'm not impressed with the 35w lights I put in. Only a slightly brighter.

[jake aka:ventoscoot]

when I lowered my front end, I used 10 wt. to help the ride. took out 2" of spring, and put in about 2 tablespoons of oil in each fork.

[mxmatt]

I recently changed the fork oil in my scooter. It was really easy. I recommend that you remove each shock from the bike before attempting it. My particular forks did not have the alluded to drain plug/bolt. If you don't intend to replace the seals, you basically just pour the oil out and replace it with your preference. I failed to measure how much oil came out, but it looked to be just under 1 Cup of oil. I replaced exactly one cup of oil to see if it would help the suspension out a bit and so far so good. The oil removed was the original oil from China. It was black and looked worthless by this time. (I have a 2008) I replaced it with Bel Ray 10w Fork oil and I am having no issues so far. I have used this product in my dirt bike forks with no problems for more than a decade. I highly recommend changing that fork oil soon after you get a scoot. I'd put it on par with the engine and gear oil that comes with the original ride.
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