Author Topic: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?  (Read 1245 times)

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Offline 75 super sport

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type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« on: May 08, 2015, 12:34:38 PM »
I have a 1975 cb750f. Looking to replace the existing fork oil. Just wondering what types of fluids can be used, and how much do I put in? Is there a way to measure how much Ok I currently have in there? Thanks guys!
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Offline greenjeans

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2015, 03:34:45 PM »
You can use ATF (automatic transmission fluid)  I believe 5-6 oz.   I have old measuring cups that I measure it into and a small funnel.  The small nut at the bottom of the fork can be used to drain.  Take the top nut off to fill. 
Yep, I'm the kid that figured out how to put things back together...eventually.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2015, 04:03:16 PM »
+1 ATF.  Or go buy expensive Fork oil at the bike shop.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 75 super sport

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2015, 04:44:08 PM »
What about rotella 15w?
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Offline edwardmorris

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2015, 06:03:45 PM »
I'm told ATF has a lot of detergent, a diesel based 10w30 is better. I went with Rotella, but they don't sell it in 1Qts  >:( had to buy a gallon. How much to use depends on the springs, need to go by manufacturer.

Offline ofreen

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2015, 07:22:15 PM »
1 bottle of fork oil will do both forks.  6 - 6 1/2 oz, depending on your preference for how it feels.  I use PJ1 7 1/2 wgt in my '75 750F.  I used ATF years ago, but found the fork had noticeably less stiction with the PJ fork oil.  These primitive forks need all the help they can get.  I tried 10 wgt once but found the action to be harsh.  7 1/2 is a close approximation to ATF viscosity.
Greg
'75 CB750F

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Offline CycleRanger

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2015, 09:27:34 PM »
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline 70CB750

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2015, 12:26:07 AM »
I used ATF first than with short forks 15W40 and nowI run 7W Bel Ray
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Offline ekpent

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2015, 05:39:10 AM »
Be sure to do that on the center stand. If you remove both of the top caps of the forks on the side stand your in for a big surprise like a collapsing front end  ;)

Offline jacobsd8195

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Re: type of fork oil, and how much do i use?
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2015, 01:27:14 PM »
Be sure to do that on the center stand. If you remove both of the top caps of the forks on the side stand your in for a big surprise like a collapsing front end  ;)

Yep, I found out this the hard way... I also have a nice pattern on the garage wall from the fork oil spraying out during the collapse. A memorable learning experience!