Warning : Do NOT pour in the entire fork oil bottle!

Mr.Boss · 30th March 2015, 16:00

Guys, if all of us could list down the fork oil quantity of all available bikes in India, we could make a matrix. I'm trying to get similar readily available data from other sites as well, but couldn't find any such data.

sagarpadaki · 30th March 2015, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Guys, if all of us could list down the fork oil quantity of all available bikes in India, we could make a matrix. I'm trying to get similar readily available data from other sites as well, but couldn't find any such data.

Service manuals usually have this data. Some user manuals also have this, for ex - TVS.But it is not feasible to list down the fork oil quantity of all the bikes sold in India due to a huge number of the models.

Or better, go to a friendly mechanic who services different brands of bikes and get the info. They will give you . Corroborate with few more mechanics and you have a pretty credible data source

Mr.Boss · 30th March 2015, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

it is not feasible to list down the fork oil quantity of all the bikes sold in India due to a huge number of the models.

But I would like to take the pain of collecting information from all available sources and list down with a single matrix. Mechanics sometimes are unaware of exact oil quantity and they do overfill the forks (I had this experience twice) which makes the ride worst.

sagarpadaki · 31st March 2015, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

But I would like to take the pain of collecting information from all available sources and list down with a single matrix. Mechanics sometimes are unaware of exact oil quantity and they do overfill the forks (I had this experience twice) which makes the ride worst.

In which case you either have to get hold of service manual,user manual or visit the respective authorized service centers and get the data.

Service manuals of most famous bikes are available online. You can start from there.

pcpranav · 15th July 2019, 18:23

just in time, came across this thread!

Some background / OT:
I have TVS Wego (2013, about 10K KM done) has been a good companion for small local duties (mostly used by wife). I regularly get it serviced, oil changed done more proactively, and yearly once the carb cleaning & other services, filters, brake pads, etc. A year back had put new tyres too (Michelin City Pro 90/90 Tubeless 54J). The stock tyres had tubes inside which were removed, and guy fitted well assuring me that no leaks would happen. Services were initially only done at TVS workshop, now I found a good private garage.

Front Suspension - rebuilt with more oil :
Few months back I was noticed that front suspension was not taking the shocks well, had some wierd bouncy feeling. The shocks were hitting hard on the hand. Due to some reasons I gave vehicle to nearby TVS workshop, and even conveyed to go ahead for fork oil change and other checks, along with regular service (oil & all filter changes, spark plug change, etc). When I picked the vehicle, I noticed the bouncy behavior (worst then previous time), but I thought to allow few days to "settle" and observe. Few weeks went by in my busy schedule, but suspension was bad. I really didnt want to again visit TVS guys, and they keep calling me for services.

Y'day went to my local trusted garage for routine service, and also I complained for bouncy suspension. Ater taking a small trial ride, the guy immediately told "more oil in forks", and he would do the needful in 1 hour. As per him only 60ml per fork would be needed - I have front drum brakes (not the disc model). His guys quickly opened the forks, removed all oil and indeed the forks were filled with more oil by about 10-15 ml each !! The oil was good, and it was measured (hack: the lower part of an empty oil container with level marking was used!!), and 60ml was poured in each fork. Quickly all was re-fit, and I had a ride - all become just superb. So clearly the excess oil in forks will lead to bad handling.

Ref : TVS Wego Manual : https://www.tvsmotor.com/pdf/Manuals-TVS-WEGO.pdf (pg-31 shows various lubes specs)

Note: I just read briefly, on bigger & performance bikes it matters more, even the grade of fork oil would affect the suspension behavior.
Lighter oil would give less dampening and quicker rebound, whereas heavier oil would give more dampening control and slower rebound.

regards,
Pranav

30th March 2015, 16:00	#16
Mr.Boss Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: GPS signal lost Posts: 2,847 Thanked: 7,588 Times View My Garage	Re: Warning : Do NOT pour in the entire fork oil bottle! Guys, if all of us could list down the fork oil quantity of all available bikes in India, we could make a matrix. I'm trying to get similar readily available data from other sites as well, but couldn't find any such data.
	() Thanks

15th July 2019, 18:23	#20
pcpranav BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 746 Thanked: 1,012 Times	Re: Warning : Do NOT pour in the entire fork oil bottle! just in time, came across this thread! Some background / OT: I have TVS Wego (2013, about 10K KM done) has been a good companion for small local duties (mostly used by wife). I regularly get it serviced, oil changed done more proactively, and yearly once the carb cleaning & other services, filters, brake pads, etc. A year back had put new tyres too (Michelin City Pro 90/90 Tubeless 54J). The stock tyres had tubes inside which were removed, and guy fitted well assuring me that no leaks would happen. Services were initially only done at TVS workshop, now I found a good private garage. Front Suspension - rebuilt with more oil : Few months back I was noticed that front suspension was not taking the shocks well, had some wierd bouncy feeling. The shocks were hitting hard on the hand. Due to some reasons I gave vehicle to nearby TVS workshop, and even conveyed to go ahead for fork oil change and other checks, along with regular service (oil & all filter changes, spark plug change, etc). When I picked the vehicle, I noticed the bouncy behavior (worst then previous time), but I thought to allow few days to "settle" and observe. Few weeks went by in my busy schedule, but suspension was bad. I really didnt want to again visit TVS guys, and they keep calling me for services. Y'day went to my local trusted garage for routine service, and also I complained for bouncy suspension. Ater taking a small trial ride, the guy immediately told "more oil in forks", and he would do the needful in 1 hour. As per him only 60ml per fork would be needed - I have front drum brakes (not the disc model). His guys quickly opened the forks, removed all oil and indeed the forks were filled with more oil by about 10-15 ml each !! The oil was good, and it was measured (hack: the lower part of an empty oil container with level marking was used!!), and 60ml was poured in each fork. Quickly all was re-fit, and I had a ride - all become just superb. So clearly the excess oil in forks will lead to bad handling. Ref : TVS Wego Manual : https://www.tvsmotor.com/pdf/Manuals-TVS-WEGO.pdf (pg-31 shows various lubes specs) Note: I just read briefly, on bigger & performance bikes it matters more, even the grade of fork oil would affect the suspension behavior. Lighter oil would give less dampening and quicker rebound, whereas heavier oil would give more dampening control and slower rebound. regards, Pranav
	(1) Thanks