GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Suspension => Topic started by: lil4399 on Friday, 03 December 2021, 09:40 PM

Title: Heavier fork oil
Post by: lil4399 on Friday, 03 December 2021, 09:40 PM
Opinions please, I am changing the oil in the forks as I feel they dive too easily, and I am getting uneven tyre wear on my new tyre (old tyre did the same) reading other threads, some people have used a heavier oil.

Can anyone who has done it give me an opinion? And what grade of oil did you change up to?

By the way, if it matters I'm 95kg.

Cheers
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: seth on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 01:07 AM
If the oil is old just replacing it with new will help bit check the threads as @gsxbarmy I think pit up a list as not all fork oil grades are equal like for like . :cheers:
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: lil4399 on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 05:01 AM
I bought the bike in 2017, the seller said it had had new fork seals, the dust covers are the aftermarket ones with a spring and they don't leak so I don't think the oil is old.
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: Roo on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 05:12 AM
Pump the tyres and give it pre load......   it'll be fine !
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: DP1400 on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 06:21 AM
I totally agree with Roo - no point in changing the grade of your oil either. Stick with recommended. Depending on your riding style, it may well be a good idea to re-consider your tyre choice in the future.
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: grog on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 04:56 PM
lil, when i first got mine, hated the front end dive. Never had it on previous bikes. Took my forks to suspension bloke, fitted Wilbers progressive springs, stock oil 7.5 wt?  Set it up to my 90kg. All the settings are wound back so low, initially thought that wont work. Turned out perfect. No dive, super soft over bumps, perfect damping to my way of thinking. One of the best mods ive done to it, totally better bike. Was about $400 all up.
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: gsxbarmy on Saturday, 04 December 2021, 07:42 PM
Quote from: seth on Saturday, 04 December  2021, 01:07 AM
If the oil is old just replacing it with new will help bit check the threads as @gsxbarmy I think pit up a list as not all fork oil grades are equal like for like . :cheers:

No list - but if you read the first section in this thread https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=188.0 it indicates suggested oil types, also the oil/air gaps depending on which springs you have fitted. Choice of oil (manufacturer) is down to the individual, personally I like the Castrol Mineral oil as I find the forks work a little quicker.

If @lil4399 your forks are diving too easily, then that's not an oil issue, its more because you haven't got the forks set up correctly for you - Either take your bike to a suspension specialist and get them to set your machine up for you (cost about £80-100 and will arguably be the best money you have spent) or adjust the fork settings - this may take a while to get right for yourself but the attached may help https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=213.0
Title: Re: Heavier fork oil
Post by: GSXKING on Monday, 06 December 2021, 08:43 PM
I concur with all the other comments.  :whistling: There are many variables when it comes to suspension and the guys who specialize in it are magicians.  :hat:

I'm more aggressive with the front end, so put a heavier weight progressive spring in, with heavier weight oil. Then we tuned the front fork settings and took notes on how the settings felt before adjusting until it's just right. I also have a lifter kit under the rear shocks for more ride height which increases pressure on front tyre also. Body weight can also be a factor. It's a can of worms some times. IMHO.  :onya:

Let us know how you progress  :confused1: ???