What type of fluid is good for stock forks.
 

I plan to change to stock fork fluid. I believe it is all stock in there. It has a surerbrace and seems okay to me. Not ready to make another mod. yet.
Could someone let me know what they have fond to work well?
TIA

Silkolene Racing Fork Fluids 5 weight.

i've test the following:

5w @ 140mm
7w @ 140mm
10w @ 155mm

imo, with the stock valves the 7w @ 140mm worked the best.

tim

Showa SS-8 (10wt) is stock fluid. It has a viscosity of 36.47 cSt @ 40°C. Don't go by the "weight" of the oil. Some brand's 5wt is heavier than another brand's 10wt. The closest QUALITY oil is the Silkolene RSF Pro 7.5wt with a viscosity of 37.00 cSt. It also has a really good viscosity index, which means your damping properties will not change as much with temperature. Don't use the Silkolene 5wt for stock forks. It's too light and you'll end up not having enough rebound damping.

I should qualify my statement in that I used the Silkolene 5# when I rebuilt my forks with RT springs and gold valves.

I used the Silkoene 7.5 because of a racer friend suggested it.....works great and won't go back to stock weight.

Fish

Is there a link around here to "How to" replace Hawk fork oil? Probably something I need to do but never have.

Thanks for the info guys. I plan to change mine before spring. I'll go w/ the Silkolene.

The forks need to be removed from the bike. After that, the easy way is to pull the bottom bolt and pump the forks to a container. Measure the amount that came out, reinstall bolt, and pour new oil in from the top. Problem with that method is that you don't get all the oil out - most, but not all. The best way is to pull the internals. You're removing the fork cap anyway, so why not.

Procedure: Loosen fork cap (use a paper towel between the socket and the cap. Remove forks. Remove lower drain bolt. Drain oil as above. Loosely reinstall lower bolt. Remove fork cap. Remove lower bolt. This will allow the entire cartridge/spring assembly to come out. Wipe down all internals with clean, lint-free rags and brake cleaner. Pump the internals a couple times to get the rest of the oil out. Clean the fork tube internals with brake cleaner and lint-free rags (a long grab tool helps here). Reinstall internals. Reinstall lower bolt. Pour 448 ± 2.5 cc's (15.2 ± 0.08 US oz) oil in from top. Reinstall fork cap. Reinstall forks. Now you have a lot of fun getting the cartridge bled by continuously pumping the forks while on the bike for about 10 straight minutes.

Last option is to send me your forks and $335 and I'll revalve and respring 'em for you! :mrgreen: