How do I replace my fork seals and what oil should I use?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:37 pm
How do I replace my fork seals and what oil should I use?
Our own 1Oldman has a well-written procedure with pictures and instructions on building a couple useful cheap tools here: How To: Replace Fork Seals and Change Fork Oil.
Stock fork oil is 10wt. However, the stock suspension on an XJ600 appears to be set up for lighter riders; spongy is the word most often used. Upgrading to 15wt or even 20wt oil can add a useful degree of stiffness to your front end. Make sure to use oil specifically for forks. While engine oil will work and is temptingly cheap, fork oil compresses slightly differently (read: more consistently) and is less prone to foaming.
Our own 1Oldman has a well-written procedure with pictures and instructions on building a couple useful cheap tools here: How To: Replace Fork Seals and Change Fork Oil.
Stock fork oil is 10wt. However, the stock suspension on an XJ600 appears to be set up for lighter riders; spongy is the word most often used. Upgrading to 15wt or even 20wt oil can add a useful degree of stiffness to your front end. Make sure to use oil specifically for forks. While engine oil will work and is temptingly cheap, fork oil compresses slightly differently (read: more consistently) and is less prone to foaming.