Fork oil

I have a stock 82 650 maxim..
I need to replace what's left of my shock oil.
Used to leak but now does not.(probably lack of oil)
What weight would be best? I'll change the seals this fall.
And how much or to what level do I fill the forks?
They are air assist.

 

That's a relative question. The oil ranges is weights from 5 to 20. At least that's what my shop offered on their shelf. I used 10 and that worked well. If you a still riding the dog snot out of dad's old Maxim 15 or 20 would give you a stiffer suspension.

 

I'll check the quanity when I get home this evening, and let you know.
Seems like it was around 262 cc, about 9oz. each, but don't quote me on that.
BlueMaxim.

 

Excellent memory. According to Yamaha they take 262cc of 10 Wt. Fork Oil.

 

Add a little pre-load, up-front there ... and you'll be liking the way it adds more control ... but doesn't adversely effect the damping. The trick is getting that end-cap back on without having to make a phone call to "The Daily Planet" and asking for Clark Kent !!!

 

By preload, I assume you are talking about a spacer?
That's something else I'd like to know.
My dad is a machinist, so I think I could talk him into making a couple.
How tall of a spacer is best?

 

You don't need to add very much at all ... I added - 2.5 cm - to the exhisting spacer. If you are in position to have a pair made ... I'd add 3.0 cm to the stock length and make a pair that long.

 

I found you can avoid removing the end caps by just removing the air valves, and refilling the oil through the air holes. To do this you will need to attach a funnel of some kind to 1/4 inch tubing and put the tubing all the way through the hole so displaced air can escape around the outside. It makes the job much easier.

If you are going to add spacer, then it's a mute point.

 

Thanks for the tips.
For now I'm just going to drain and refill the forks with new oil.
I'm sure the oil is low or hopefully not gone.
It used to leak years ago.
Pulled it out of storage and no leak now.
I've bought a 60 cc syringe for cattle. (no needle)
That way I can add the right amount.
I'm going with 20 weight for now, maybe it won't leak as bad.
Winter project, change seals, add spacer and replace oil with new, maybe lighter oil.

 

Carson2, I've found in application that the 15 to 20 weight oil is desirable. 10 weight tends to be way too soft for my liking. The spacer for preload is an excellent idea but your loss of oil is a concern. I expect you need new fork seals. The other problem that comes to mind is typically the oil leaking out of the forks tends to contaminate the front brakes. You may wish to examine them carefully and be ready to replace them.

 

Replaced the oil today.
Alot less oil came out than went in.
The syringe worked great for measuring and filling the forks.
I used 20 weight and put about 15 or so pounds of pressure in.
I had no idea how mushy the front end was till I took it for a spin after.
A huge difference.
I'll watch for the leak to come back, maybe the heavier oil will help.
I'm sure the break pad needs changed.
As I said, this winter I'll add some prelode, new seals, and pads.
The winter project list is getting longer with the more I learn.
Just recieved my XJCD. Well worth the money.
A must have for the XJ fan.

 

Has anyone used 3/4 sc. 40 PVC pipe as a spacer in the forks?
I cut one 3 cc longer than the original and it seemed to be a perfect fit.
Will the oil effect the PVC?

 

The oil should not cause the PVC any harm. Have at. Run PVC spacers myself.