Honda fork oil or automatic transmission fluid?

[macdoesit]

I was just on you tube looking at a video on fork oil change, the man on there says his buddy @ Honda service department told him to use atf same stuff and a lot cheaper. Has anyone used atf ? What is your opinion ?
After pouring in fluid do you need to pump the wachamacallit to get the air out?

Thank you

[Dougs2000IS]

I used synthetic atf. Not impressed. I am switching to dealer recommended fork oil. Front end seamed spongy. To soft for my feel. IMO

[sandy]

Yes you need to pump the dampener to refill it with fluid before measuring the fluid level. When you drain it, you also need to pump it to drain the old fluid out.

[CajunRider]

The manual for my '87 Honda Magna specifically states ATF (auto tranny fluid).  So, I'd imagine it's not much different from Honda Fork Oil. 

[PAVALKER]

When changing to Progressive Fork Springs (on the Valk and VTX).... I notice that one fork had what appeared to be ATF (in looks and smell) and the other appeared to be standard Motor Oil or even gear oil (in looks and smell).   I believe the fork with ATF was the rebound fork.... the left one if I recall correctly.  When I rebuilt my Valk forks I changed it all  over to AMSOIL Synthetic Fork Suspension Fluid.   

[Bone]

Had leaking fork seals last August on my 98 Tourer. Changed the seals, bushing guides, sliders and used the recommended fork oil (10 wt). The forks felt brand new and they had 90k miles on them.

Check your PM

[98valk]

search is your friend,  been addressed many times.

http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/lowspeed.htm

some honda forks use atf some don't. use type honda recommends for your bike. don't listen to some mechanic who isn't an engineer and doesn't know all aspects of the design and why the honda engineers require what they do.
a lot of mechanics suggestions have resulted in premature wear and failure which means more repairs for them. only they know if its intentional or not or is it that they are just trained that way from higher ups.

[art]

Just did my forks last week an used dexron 111 atf.So far so good it seems to be just fine.I figure why not ,I'll give it a try an if I don't like it I'll change it

[Daniel Meyer]

I've used both over the years, and over the bikes. Never found a difference in performance or longevity.

[Patrick]

How do you like the way the forks work now?? Do you want them lighter or stiffer?? These monsters come with 10 weight.. ATF is generally about 7.5 weight.. You may never feel the difference, but, everyone is different.. Some like the light oil, some like a heavier[15wgt] oil..

[macdoesit]

How do you like the way the forks work now?? Do you want them lighter or stiffer?? These monsters come with 10 weight.. ATF is generally about 7.5 weight.. You may never feel the difference, but, everyone is different.. Some like the light oil, some like a heavier[15wgt] oil..

I was ok with ride, seals started leaking so replace and Honda fork oil 9.00 for 16 oz need 3 so was considering atf not really the money but Honda screws you on all the parts prices and if it is just atf in those bottles why throw away money

[art]

I don't feel any difference but then I am not a heavyweight an neither is my wife.If I have any problems I will change to fork oil,time will tell.