Fork Fluid

What the fork is the weight of the "fork fluid" they refer to in the factory Honda XR650R workshop manual? They suggest this for front and rear although shock fluid is probably better for the rear.
In the book it says 637CC for the front forks - Is that the total for the 2 forks?
I have a 1 liter bottle of 3wt shock oil and a 1 liter bottle of 5wt fork oil - Is that about right?

Hi Chris I did this a few years back might help....
http://www.xr650r.co.uk/service/forks/forks.shtml

Mauser wrote:Hi Chris I did this a few years back might help....
http://www.xr650r.co.uk/service/forks/forks.shtml

Just like milking a cow

Thanks, I will grab another liter of Motul 5wt to match the one I have so I will have enough.

Fork oils may be mixed to get a 'halfway-house' weight, however I'd only use the same brands then.
Say you want a 4 - mix equal parts of 3 & 5 weights, and Bob's your uncle. You are building a SM hence you'll have precious little info to go by, so you'll have to experiment somewhat I guess.
Further, a given volume of oil is a bit clumsy to work with, however reaching/changing a level is way more easier - suck excess out as per Maus' link.
However, if you change the oil then make sure all the old stuff - and I mean ALL - is out, so you'll either have to dismantle the lot or flush is a few times very well.
Last but certainly not least, if it's the original fluid you replace (ie the very first time) then I'd dismantle and clean to perfection first.... as the OEM-filling is referred to as WhaleSnot, it simply is rubbish. And, when you've all taken apart anyway I'd modify the shimstack and maybe drill some bores as per your requirements... which you probably better leave to an expert, no offense pls.

BuRP wrote:Fork oils may be mixed to get a 'halfway-house' weight, however I'd only use the same brands then.
Say you want a 4 - mix equal parts of 3 & 5 weights, and Bob's your uncle. You are building a SM hence you'll have precious little info to go by, so you'll have to experiment somewhat I guess.
Further, a given volume of oil is a bit clumsy to work with, however reaching/changing a level is way more easier - suck excess out as per Maus' link.
However, if you change the oil then make sure all the old stuff - and I mean ALL - is out, so you'll either have to dismantle the lot or flush is a few times very well.
Last but certainly not least, if it's the original fluid you replace (ie the very first time) then I'd dismantle and clean to perfection first.... as the OEM-filling is referred to as WhaleSnot, it simply is rubbish. And, when you've all taken apart anyway I'd modify the shimstack and maybe drill some bores as per your requirements... which you probably better leave to an expert, no offense pls.

Already nice and clean with 15wt but the forks are too slow so I can just drain and fill and refill - I have access to the syringe tool to do the level and a nice fork stripping bench - Actually, I have 0.5l 15wt and 1lt 5wt (both Motul) - This will give me 8.3wt to try

Done, refilled with 5wt and suspension is much better

Fork fluid?
Fork yourself man!


Gotta love raping idiom
So, the fluid's in ----- how's the effect?

BuRP wrote:Fork fluid?
Fork yourself man!


Gotta love raping idiom
So, the fluid's in ----- how's the effect?

Much better but much more dive now.

I must get directions and come drop off your tools before you do fork me

Better come for a braai or better still, invite me for one?
Can see the bike then too