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Fork oil?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Carl LaFong, Sep 5, 2021.

  1. Carl LaFong

    Carl LaFong Member

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    Slight very slight weep from front shocks. What would you recommend for shock oil that may swell deals slightly? Replaced last service with 15 40 rotella.
    Got 2600km on it so far this summer a great fun ride with no issues not bad for a 40 year old machine! I looked at these bikes in1982, should have bought one then!
     
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Which model of XJ, and what is your (the rider's) weight?

    IMO you are better off replacing the seals and inspecting the forks for pitting (which can be repaired).
     
  3. Carl LaFong

    Carl LaFong Member

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    Seca rj 165lbs

    nothing dribbles forks just collect road dust
     
  4. Antothoro

    Antothoro Member

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    Sub, I want to hear this as well.
     
  5. Carl LaFong

    Carl LaFong Member

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    I am impressed how well this bike handles rough paved roads compared to my older xs.
    just hoping to avoid doing seals down the road. Plan on fork oil change this winter was wondering if good product is out their, something better than engine oil.

    my xs had shallow piting on one tube tearing seal. Used jb weld to fill and sand smooth, did not tear New seal.
     
  6. Antothoro

    Antothoro Member

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    @Carl LaFong

    According to this page here http://xj4ever.com/catalog/info-7.html....

    Fork oil capacities and recommended weights are as follows. The amounts listed are per fork tube:


    XJ550 Maxim: 272cc or 9.20 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    XJ550 Seca: 230cc or 7.78 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1980-81 XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim: 262cc or 8.86 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1982-84 XJ650 Maxim: 278cc or 9.40 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1982 XJ650RJ Seca: 236cc or 7.98 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil. Fork oil level is specified as 400mm (15.75") below the top of the tube without the spring installed, forks fully collapsed.
    1982 XJ650LJ Turbo: 238cc or 8.04 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil. Fork oil level is specified as 180mm (7.09") below the top of the tube without the spring installed, forks fully collapsed.
    1983 XJ650LK Turbo: unknown.
    1985-86 XJ700 non-X: 383cc or 12.96 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1985-86 XJ700-X: 389cc or 13.16 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1982 XJ750 Maxim: 257cc or 8.69 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil.
    1983 XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim: 257cc or 8.69 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil. NOTE: owner's manual states that the fork oil capacity is 278cc (9.40 fluid ounces). It is unknown which measurement is correct.
    1981-83 XJ750 Seca: 309cc or 10.45 fluid ounces. 20W fork oil.
    1983 XJ750 E-II Seca or 1984 XJ750RL Seca: 286cc or 9.67 fluid ounces. 5W fork oil. Fork oil level is specified as 168mm (6.61") below the top of the tube without the spring installed, forks fully collapsed.
    1983 XJ900RK Seca: 286cc or 9.67 fluid ounces. 5W fork oil. Fork oil level is specified as 164mm (6.46") below the top of the tube without the spring installed, forks fully collapsed.
    1982-84 XJ1100 Maxim and Midnight Maxim: 210cc or 7.10 fluid ounces. 10W fork oil. Fork oil level is specified as 210mm (8.27") below the top of the tube without the spring installed, forks fully collapsed.
     
  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Keep in mind that the reccomended fork oil weights are a starting point. The forks will work perfectly fine with the reccomended weight of oil, but you can adjust the weight of oil to dial-in the quality of ride that you prefer.
     
  8. Carl LaFong

    Carl LaFong Member

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    Looking for fork oil that will swell seal material slightly, name brand.
     
  9. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    Check this out. Worked great for mine - the last time the seals were replaced is 1989 (one owner bike). YMMV



    It is using 35mm film to clean out the seals.

    Another option for a cheap tool for the same purpose: https://sealmate.net/products/seal-...DeHYzOUUJw8z64chTqAKL6pdtT5YNHXUaAh6nEALw_wcB

    They may be leaking just because of grim buildup between tube and seal. No amount of "swelling" would seal it under those circumstances.
     

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