Proper Fork Oil Change Technique?

[KB]

I have a Honda Superhawk and it doesn't have the drain screw on the bottom of the fork legs, so in order to drain the fluid I need to remove the entire fork from the triple clamps and dump it upside down.


The question I have is what is the proper technique to replace the fork oil. Measurement wise that is. I have heard a few conflicting stories.

1. Measure it out and dump it in

2. Pour it in and measure from the top of the fork tube with a tape mease until it hit's the oil and both are even.

Also the springs on the Superhawk are setup for a 180lb rider. I'm 240. Any suggestions on brand for new stiffer springs?

Thanks in advance.

KB

[legalspeed]

Pour enough in both and then suck some out.

No really. Peter showed us a mighty vac he uses with a straight tube. The tube is marked with tape, place taped tube at top of fork tube, when the vac makes the end-of-the-drink sucky sound, you have (x) ml of oil in your fork.

Repeat for other fork, oil is level.

[Kip]

Just use rocks. It will work OK for the street.

[Stoneman]

The question I have is what is the proper technique to replace the fork oil. Measurement wise that is. I have heard a few conflicting stories.

2. Pour it in and measure from the top of the fork tube with a tape mease until it hit's the oil and both are even.

This is the method I use. I actually use a dowel with a notch where the level should be. It seemed to work, but Kevin will let me know when he gets my forks apart...

[KB]

Originally posted by kmf
Buy the factory Honda service manual and follow the directions in there.

The service manual gives you the fork oil height spec.

Thanks KMF.

[StumpyNB]

Measuring the height from the top is the only real way in my opinion. The amount in mL or CCs or anything like that is all relative to the work you are doing. Are you completely pulling everything apart, cleaning it, and putting it back together, vs. just a drain a re-fill. You'd have to put in different ammounts. I'm going to be tackling this within the next few days myself. Done it once before.

[double agent]

Also the springs on the Superhawk are setup for a 180lb rider. I'm 240. Any suggestions on brand for new stiffer springs?

I went with progrssive rate springs front and rear. had
ricerocket 1 sit on it (250lbs) and the new springs held up pretty good . I went with hyperpro f/r springs.

[Rice-rocket1]

Originally posted by double agent
had ricerocket 1 sit on it (250lbs) and the new springs held up pretty good .

You try'n to imply some thing???





j/k

[double agent]

just the truth, dont worry Im not far behind you

[need4speed]

Originally posted by Rice-rocket1
You try'n to imply some thing???





j/k

Naw, your not fat, just big boned!

[KB]

Originally posted by double agent
Also the springs on the Superhawk are setup for a 180lb rider. I'm 240. Any suggestions on brand for new stiffer springs?

I went with progrssive rate springs front and rear. had
ricerocket 1 sit on it (250lbs) and the new springs held up pretty good . I went with hyperpro f/r springs.

I am assuming you own a SUPERfrontspringrateblowsHAWK?

How'd the new spring work out? Did you do any valve work or just springs? Did you do it yourself? Did you have to make a custom spacer for the top of the spring?

What weight oil did you use?

Thanks,
KB

[Rice-rocket1]

Originally posted by need4speed
Naw, your not fat, just have a big bone!

Why thank you, but you shouldn't be looking.....

[double agent]

How'd the new spring work out? Did you do any valve work or just springs? Did you do it yourself? Did you have to make a custom spacer for the top of the spring?

What weight oil did you use?


the f/r springs are made for your bike no spacers are needed. I used 10 weight fork oil and no valve work needed. everthing you need comes with the kit, oil f/r springs and some lube for your rings. I had TONY at the pit stop do the work he had it done in 3 days. www.hyperprousa.com (888)963-1212 nice people Im sure they will help you with any ques you have