Topic: 1982 CB650 cb650 fork oil question

[Muk]

I have heard to use atf, 10w and 20w, which one should i go with? also how do i put the fluid in and how much. do i take the equalizer line off and does the top unscrew like a 550? I just want to make sure before i destroy something.

[D]

I have a 81 cb650 and I am trying to learn how to change the fork oil in mine too. I hope some one can shed some light on the subject.

[Gordon]

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but refer to your manual.  It's all in there.

[nitroeagle]

I have an '82 650 that I did the fork seals on. I just followed the manual & used ATF, seems fine. Once you have the air line off the fork caps, the caps unscrew. Just keep a little downward pressure while removing. The springs didn't push on mine, but I've read that they can. Hopes this helps

[D]

The Clymer manual says take it to the dealer.    Mine has the the air assisted forks too. I found a manual for a 79 650, but it's different. Plus personal advice and tips are priceless, these manuals are very generic. Thanks for the tips nitro  

[cb650]

The 81 custom and 82 nitehawk had a leading front axel.  Thats the one they recomend to the dealer.

[feelo]

I have an 81 CB 650 C with 35k on it.
Did I understand correctly that the leading axle forks (81 and 82) are singled out by the manual as having to go to the dealer for service?
Mine seem to bind and bottom too easily, I bought the bike in July 2011 so I have not ridden it much because it was such a roach when I got it most of my energy spent has been in cleaning  parts and breaking free rusty bolts, not to mention the infamous hot start problem.
Lots of knowledgable mechanics swear its ok to use ATF, but I do understand that genuine fork oil is probably better for the seals.
Anybody have any advice on fork oil weights, 10 or 5?
Thanks, feelo

[KingCustomCycles.com]

ATF is fine, been using it for years on 100+ bikes.  Support the bike weight off of the forks, let off the air if there is any left, undo the airlines, unscrew the fork caps, drain the sludge that is no doubt in there, refill with atf, replace seals as necessary for the air and oil not to leak.  If you have issues during the process, we are always here, 24/7 we never sleep and we never close.  That is mostly due to time zones and a whole big world of contributors.

[feelo]

OK, ATF it is, I know I have filled several previous bikes forks with ATF and couldnt discern any difference in fork operation, but I am just a slowish explorer/commuter, not a race demon.

[dave500]

atf or what ever oil will depend on how it feels to you,,ive used atf in dirt bikes for years,my fork oil of choice in this respect,i like a heavier than trans oil engine oil in my 500 forks,,like 15/40,just my liking,,if yours feel too soft or bouncy just go up oil weight,,its a good flush for the fork anyway.,for all the two stroke dudes we always ran atf in the transmissions,i ran the lightest fork oil i could find like two point five or the next best thing to water,,just my choice for the dirt bikes.

[scunny]

I think they recommend taking it to a dealer because you might hurt yourself with the "air"