Fork oil question

[KG]

To measure and put it in by spec but then it says to measure? So which is best or correct to measure the amount or measure level?

Put in by measurement and then checked the level by measuring and it was to high? Do I need to take some out

[Gryphon Rider]

Both methods are acceptable.  If your springs are out I would say it would be easier to fill to the indicated level.  If you didn't remove your springs, you only have one choice, to carefully measure the fluid before putting it into your completely drained forks.  I bought a graduated cylinder to do this.

Over-filled forks increase the effective spring rate.

[Jess from VA]

Over filled forks feel like you have no springs at all (got the Tshirt).

If twas me, I'd intentionally underfill by 1.5 oz each side.  If everything else is good and up to spec, you'll still have a great ride.  If overfilled you'll hate the ride.  In stead of a no shock hard tail, you have a hard front.

In any event, err to the side of underfill, not over fill.

[sandy]

When you fill the right fork, you add the ounces measurement and then pump the damper rod to fill the damper. Them measure the 5.3 " and you'll find you need to add more oil. Before pumping, it will be overfilled.

[WintrSol]

The fluid level (actually the air volume above it) sets the total spring rate, which is why the fluid volume is given with a range (+/-), while the level is not. This is so that you can return to Honda's design for ride quality. You can 'tune' your fork to your preferred spring rate by changing the level, as long as you have enough fluid that the damper isn't exposed to air at full extension. Lower levels give a softer spring, but note that the damping rate doesn't change. If you run your tire pressure higher than suggested, a softer spring may be just what you want to get the ride back without sacrificing tire wear and handling. Basically, it is up to you; if you start with a lower level, and it is too soft for you, you can always add more oil. Taking oil out is lots harder.

[Brian]

I left about 1 ounce out of each tube when I rebuilt my forks using Progressive springs. The ride is just fine. Like what was previously mentioned, easier to add than to remove.

[Gabriel]

I left about 1 ounce out of each tube when I rebuilt my forks using Progressive springs. The ride is just fine. Like what was previously mentioned, easier to add than to remove.

What did Progressive springs do for the ride? What difference did you notice?

[Brian]

I left about 1 ounce out of each tube when I rebuilt my forks using Progressive springs. The ride is just fine. Like what was previously mentioned, easier to add than to remove.

What did Progressive springs do for the ride? What difference did you notice?

Front end does not feel as mushy. I had seals leaking that the sealmate trick no longer helped. I figured that since I was taking the forks a part to rebuild them anyway, why not the springs too? My 2 cents on front seals: if you have to start using something to wipe the seal and tube surface to clean out road crud it's time to start thinking about rebuilding. There was a noticeable difference with new seals when reassembling the tubes.