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Fork Oil Wt for Trike?

Started by Wayn-O, Wed 24, May 2023, 16:48:41

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Wayn-O

I'm going to be working on a friend's trike and one of the things he needs done is the fork seals.  I have used 10wt in the forks on my valkyrie, but since his is a trike do I need a heavier weight oil?  15? 20?
Thanks!
2000 GL1500C Valkyrie 
2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1998 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1983 VF750C V45 Magna

sandy

This might be personal preference. The bike is heavier and braking will put more stress on the front end. The ride will be about the same at consistent speed. Are you installing firmer springs? If so, I'd stick with 10 wt but stock springs might need 15 wt.

Mooskee

As stated prior, this may be a personal preference thing. My ride was too harsh on the front, so I installed Progressive springs, and filled the forks to the recommended level. I found the ride still to harsh, so I removed 1.5 ounces from each fork ( Prorated for the one that takes less oil.) I like the ride now. I have no problem with hard breaking or normal handling. I have an 8 degree  triie tree. The other factor is that apparently there is actually no standard for what constitutes 10 wt fork oil. It may vary between makes.
Valkyrie Carbs and Custom www.valkyriecarbsandcustom.com

Gregory Scott 16248

I have a Lehman Trike and I have a 4 deg. rake, Progressive springs with 15 wt. fork oil filled to stock height. 10-15 wt. fork oil is what I would use. 20 wt. would be to stiff and a harsh ride. JMO.

Greg
VRCC#16248
1999 Interstate with Lehman Predator Trike Kit
2008 Goldwing L3 with Motor Trike Kit
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900
2021 Can-am F3 Limited Chrome Edition
2019 Forrest River Trailblazer 30' Toy Hauler

Wayn-O

Thank you for the input.  I will not be changing the springs, just fixing leaking seals.  It's a trike but a petite lady rider as the client, so I'll take that into consideration. 
2000 GL1500C Valkyrie 
2003 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1998 VT1100C Shadow Spirit
1983 VF750C V45 Magna