FORK OIL?

[Twofeather]

Is there a way to check and or fill forks without taking them off the bike?

I just recently replace fork seals on my fat lady. I did as directed from my book and put in the recommend oil amount in each fork. The bike does not feel right. When Appling the brakes the front dips a little. I'm thinking I need to add some fork oil. I'd like to check and see if I'm low on oil. What do you guys think?

[Bagger John - #3785]

You can remove the fork caps and use a measuring rod to check the level.

Have the forks ever been serviced/taken apart? If so, which weight of fork oil was put back in?

[Twofeather]

10 wt oil is the oil I used after I rebuilded both forks. I measured the oil out according to the book, but I don't think it is right. The bike handles ok in the corners it just doesn't feel right and it dip a little when I get on the front brakes. So, I'm thinking I need to add some oil.

[Jess from VA]

Fork oil can be measured by quantity (ozs) or by depth.  It's my understanding they are not supposed to be entirely equal. 

[Twofeather]

Each fork had a different measurement, but I think it is wrong.

I read on here I think that you have to compress the forks to measure the depth?  Is that right? 

[h13man]

Each leg is different volume for sure. The dipping is the norm for OEM springs due to being "soft" from the factory. Progressive makes a good replacement spring and Racetech makes different strength of springs for different weights applications. Me @ 165-185 lbs. with heavy loads, the #80 springs work really well but it took some time to break in. The previous owner didn't like them because of them being too stiff. 10w Belray fork oil is my preference and is the most popular brand to find locally or online.

 https://racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Honda/GL1500C%20Valkyrie/1999

[RonW]

do you think the old oil was 15w?

[Twofeather]

Ron, I talked with the p.o. and he said he used 10 wt. Oil. So that is what I used. I added another 50 cc of oil and seemed to help but I still think it needs more. I'm not real sure how to measure from the top down with the forks on the bike. I'm thinking of adding some more oil till it feels and rides good. Is that thinking wrong?

[RonW]

"I'm not real sure how to measure from the top down with the forks on the bike."

me too. Agreed, just keep adding more oil by increments and go by feel.

[turtle254]

Ron, I talked with the p.o. and he said he used 10 wt. Oil. So that is what I used. I added another 50 cc of oil and seemed to help but I still think it needs more. I'm not real sure how to measure from the top down with the forks on the bike. I'm thinking of adding some more oil till it feels and rides good. Is that thinking wrong?

On the left side you can't pull oil back out, if you over fill. Right side by extending forks you can see the oil looking down.