Fork Oil Level Confusion

[1500Rider]

First of all, let me start off by thanking all the contributors to this forum. The information I've found over the last several months has been invaluable.

In April of this year I bought a '97 Valkyrie Tourer with 128K on the odometer. Bike was in really nice shape but, being as anal as I am, I decided to do a rebuild of her over the summer just to make sure everything was up to snuff (fortunately I also have a Gold Wing so I can still get some riding in). During the course of the rebuild, I've had several "what the hell" moments in regards to things the previous owner has or has not done. Fortunately, all were solvable with a little time and a few new parts. I'm in the final stages of the rebuild, starting to reassemble the bike, waiting to send the tins out for custom paint and a few mechanical upgrades. Right now I'm about to change the suspension components to Progressive all around (440 HDs in the rear) and I'm a bit confused as to the proper fork oil level for Progressive springs in the front.

Honda OEM specs call for 5.3 and 5.6 inches from the top in the right and left forks respectively, regardless of fork oil weight. Progressive instructions included with the forks say to refer to the Honda shop manual for fork oil levels with the addition of lowering or adding oil to adjust ride, however, they don't state by how much. On the Progressive web site they have a document stating that fork oil height should be no higher than 5.5 inches from the top of the fork.

I've gone through every post I can find on this site regarding changing the fork springs and have found many differing opinions regarding this. Many say to go with the OEM specs even though the Progressive springs displace more oil. Others have said to use slightly less oil, but don't give any specifics. I'm thinking of setting the fork oil height at 5.5 inches in the right fork and 5.8 inches in the right. From everything I've read whatever you change in one should be changed in the other. I'm going to use Bel-Ray 15w oil. Again, Progressive doesn't give an oil weight recommendation in their Valkyrie instructions, just that OEM weight is 10 and they give the different characteristics if using a lighter or heavier oil. I weigh about 265 lbs. and right mostly solo on the Valkyrie. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

[Bone]

Be careful you are increasing the amount of oil, the weight of the oil and probably the spring tension. Someone that has been there will offer some help. My front suspension is stock.

[MP]

Be careful you are increasing the amount of oil, the weight of the oil and probably the spring tension. Someone that has been there will offer some help. My front suspension is stock.

He is putting in "less" oil.

I did about the same thing.  Used slightly less oil when I changed to Progressives.  Cannot remember if used 10 or 15, but I think with your load you will be OK with what you want to do.  Also, height of oil is with forks compressed.

Dumbass here first time did not do that!   LOL

MP

[hubcapsc]

I put in progressives too, about 50K ago... I interpreted the manual
to say "springs out" if you use the "measure from the top" method, and
I used the OEM amount of oil.

I rebuilt my left fork (with much help from many others) in the parking lot
at inzane, and we didn't need to disassemble them all the way - springs
stayed in - and we just poured in the specified amount.

I liked the idea of the "measure from the top" method, but the "by volume"
method worked just fine...

-Mike

[Patrick]

I guess I can't help much.. I use Progressive springs with 10 wgt oil and reduce the amount of oil by about 3 ounces.. I can't give you a measurement..

[9Ball]

I stayed with the 10w oil and have been happy with the ride (over 11 years now).  I've heard some complaints of too harsh front suspension from those that changed to 15w.  The only way you'll know for sure is to try it for yourself, but I think you will be happy with 10w.

[JaysGone]

Ive just R&Red the front forks on my bike.
Im my case I too used 15W oil.
Its too heavy.
I adjusted both sides to the max by tightening down both sides to its maximum added 22 and 25ozs since measuring is not the easiest way for me.
Specifically the left side as its more or less blocked by the retainer, if reassembled and on the bike..

While I did get the full height back to the legs there was little to no dampening.

Took the legs off dumped the oil and replaced it with 10W same amounts, but moved both lockdowns to the half way possition more or less.
Lost some height.
I have more dampening but still not enough to make me happy.

Next time Im going to try 7W or original Honda oil that is close to 10W?? or so Ive been told here and leave no more then 13 threads showing on each rod.

I dont know what "stock: is but so far the ride quality isnt what I have expected it to be.

I hope you have better success and tell us what you ended up with settings wise.

There are alot of variables to play with with this front end.

[1500Rider]

Thanks for the input everyone – greatly appreciated. I think that's what I'm going to do – 5.5 inches in the right, 5.8 in the left. Actually, I did the right fork today but I might have goofed. Forks are still on the bike with the front tire removed. Braced the bottom of the right fork up and proceeded with removing the required parts. While I was using a Mity Vac to suck out the old fork oil, I noticed some oil on the floor and the fork was fully extended (brace came loose). I compressed the fork again and some oil squired out of the fork seal. I'm guessing the fork was extended too far and some oil was allowed to slip past the seal. Hoping that is all it is and that I didn't bugger up the seal itself. Once the fork was compressed again, cleaned up and new oil added I pumped the fork through its normal range and no oil came out. Guess I'll find out when it's all back together again and on the road.